Is 'Fifty Dead Men Walking' (Film) really based on truth? 'No, its's as near to the truth as earth is to pluto,' says Martin McGartland

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Is 'Fifty Dead Men Walking' (Film) really based on truth? 'No, its's as near to the truth as earth is to pluto,' says Martin McGartland.

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Is 'Fifty Dead Men Walking' really based on truth?

Martin McGartland, whose memoir forms the basis for 'Fifty Dead Men Walking', talks to Time Out about how he believes he's been inaccurately portrayed in the film
Last week saw the release of the film ‘Fifty Dead Men Walking’, a thriller adapted from the book of the same name by Martin McGartland, a working class Belfast boy who became both a respected member of the IRA and an informer for the British secret service. McGartland has been living in hiding for the past two decades, during which time he has been tracked down and shot twice. So it came as something of a surprise when he contacted the Time Out offices to discuss his reactions to the film which, he asserts, crucially misrepresents some episodes from his life story.

‘The best way I can explain it in basic, blunt terms, is it’s as near to the truth as Earth is to Pluto,’ McGartland insists. ‘If a film is loosely based on someone’s life story, how does the audience know what’s true and what’s fiction?’

McGartland cites various specific incidences where the film strays from his version of the truth. ‘I have never drank in my life, I have never smoked in my life and (actor) Jim Sturgess is in pubs getting pissed all the time and smoking cigarettes. All the stuff about me getting shot in Canada, I’ve never been to Canada in my life except for a brief holiday. I never lived there. And I certainly was not present when a suspected informer was interrogated and murdered. That made me so angry.’

But for McGartland, this isn’t just a case of creative licence. ‘Not only is there sympathy for the Republican movement (in the film), but the director, Kari Skogland, has done some kind of deal with the IRA whereby she has allowed them to be consultants and also, this is on record too, they’ve actually been on set when the film was being made, which is unheard of. How can you make a film about the IRA when they’re standing watching over your shoulder?’

Director Skogland angrily refutes McGartland’s claims, though she admits she did consult ex-IRA members when researching the film, and accepts that ex-Republicans were on set during shooting. ‘But so were the army!’ she argues. ‘They were there at the same time. Everyone was getting along, it was really very important, the army was there, the RUC was there, everyone wanted me to get it right, to have a very authentic view. While I would not want to suggest the IRA had any influence on the film because they didn’t, I certainly had to go to people to make sure that if I’m portraying them I’m not portraying them from some Hollywood, ill-conceived, stereotypical perspective.’

She also asserts that she offered McGartland an advisory role on the film and held numerous conversations with him during shooting. ‘I spent hours talking to him, and recognised that he had quite a distinct agenda. I felt because he had such a passionate perspective, his intention would have been to make it a political document, that was not the intention of the movie. This was not an agenda-oriented film. I listened and I was very respectful but at the same time I couldn’t let his voice change the dynamic of the picture that I knew was a truthful story of what it is to be an informer.’

Whatever the respective merits of their conflicting views, the incident highlights the responsibility filmmakers bear when telling real-life stories, particularly when their subjects are alive and eager to speak out. McGartland is concerned that the film will now be the only way people remember his contribution to what he views as a righteous cause.

‘I’ve been kidnapped by the IRA, jumped out a window to save my own life. I’ve been through the mill and back again and I accept all those consequences as a result of what I do… I didn’t want any control over the film, I just wanted them to do it in a fair way.’

Author: Tom Huddleston

http://www.timeout.com/film/features/show-feature/7273/is-fifty-dead-men-walking-really-based-on-truth.html

Not Up To The Job; "Would It Help Chris Thomson, Northumbria Police if we dug up Sherlock Holmes." asks Martin McGartland.

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Marty McGartland Says:- "Chris Thomson of Northumbria Police is quick to release information to the press when it suits him. However, he, Northumbria Police are covering-up my 1999 attempted murder and he, Northumbria Police are not telling the truth about my case."

Have A Happy Xmas From Chris Thomson of Northumbria Police, Chris thinks he knows best ... Marty McGartland knows the REAL Chris Thomson.

Chris says;
"If you follow this advice this will help us to reduce crime and make the area an even safer place to live," added Det Chief Supt Chris Thomson.

Marty says; "Chris Thomson will not talk to the press about my attempted murder case. Chris Thomson has been working on my attempted murder case since 1999 and he, Northumbria Police have done very little or nothing. Its been 8 years (to date-2007) since my shooting and Northumbria Police still have never charged anyone. Chris Thomson is NOT up to the job, would it help Chris Thomson, Northumbria Police if we dug up Sherlock Holmes."
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Marty Says; Listen to Chris he knows best! "But Chris do you think you can help me to catch a group of IRA bombers, Killers?, Marty asks. Get Marty McGartland on Facebook or Bebo.
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News

Keep Your Christmas Presents Safe

Dated: 13 Dec 2007

Shoppers buying gifts this Christmas are being reminded to think about crime prevention by Northumbria Police.

Police are advising people to take sensible precautions to make their gifts less attractive to thieves.

Detective Chief Superintendent Chris Thomson, head of Northumbria Police's Crime Department, said: "We want to encourage people to make their gifts extra special by making them more difficult to steal.

"We know people are very busy at this time of year but taking some simple and effective precautions will make sure your gift is enjoyed all year long."

Police are asking shoppers to think about storing their gifts safely and not to make it easy for someone to steal presents from your home. Always keep them out of sight from passers-by and don't put them on display until late on Christmas Eve. If you have been extra generous this year check your insurance to make sure you're covered for the value of goods in your home.

Christmas crime prevention advice includes:

- Record the serial number of any goods you buy and keep them safe,
including the frame numbers of new bikes and the serial numbers of new
electrical equipment for future reference.
- Remember, empty boxes left outside your home advertise what you have
bought, so dispose of them safely.
- Register mobile phones on a crime prevention website,
www.immobilise.com which immobilises the phone, if reported stolen,
rendering it useless to any thieves.
- Keep a record of your phone's IMEI number by keying in *#06#. This
unique long digit code will then appear on the handset. Keep a separate
note of it.
- Contact police if your new phone is stolen or lost, they will record the
details of the theft. Also call your service provider and they will block your
handset and SIM code, making the phone useless to the thief even if
they change the SIM card.
- If you store large items such as bicycles in your shed make sure they are
secure and that your insurance covers them.

"If you follow this advice this will help us to reduce crime and make the area an even safer place to live," added Det Chief Supt Thomson.

http://www.northumbria.police.uk/news_and_events/news/newsindex/details.asp?id=7256

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Marty Says; Listen to Chris he knows best! "But Chris do you think you can help me to catch a group of IRA bombers, Killers?, Marty asks. Get Marty McGartland on Facebook or Bebo.
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COPS NAME SUSPECTS IN RUC AGENT SHOOTING; Gun is linked to attempted

COPS NAME SUSPECTS IN RUC AGENT SHOOTING; Gun is linked to attempted

POLICE investigating the IRA murder bid on former RUC agent Martin McGartland have finally named the men they suspect were involved in the shooting.

And detectives have also disclosed for the first time the make and calibre of the gun used in the attempted murder in June 1999.

The Sunday Mirror has obtained a copy of a letter sent last month by a Northumbria Police officer to McGartland which sets out the police investigation to date.

The force has given its "reasons" for the arrest of suspects and convicted terrorists Henry Joseph (Harry) Fitzsimmons and Scott Gary Monaghanin October 1999.

The officer writes: "In relation to the the two arrests mentioned, Henry Fitzsimmons was arrested as a result of the following:

(i)He was arrested and imprisoned as a result of you informing the authorities of his terrorist activities, therefore he had motive; (ii) he shares a good likeness to one of the men seen by the witness as being involved; (iii)reliable intelligence has been received that he was involved in the shooting."

The detective added: "Scott Gary Mongahan was arrested due to the fact:

(i) He shares a good likeness to one of the men seen by a witness as being involved; (ii) he has been the subject of a voice identification in respect of a taped answer phone message which had been evidentially linked to the preparation and planning of your murder. That message has been forensically examined; (iii) reliable intelligence has been received that he was involved."

Glasgow-born Monaghan was subjected to a voice analysis test after police recovered a tape from an answering machine in which a man with a Scottish accent tried to buy a Bedford van from a private seller in the Newcastle area weeks before the shooting.

McGartland told the Sunday Mirror: "I am pleased that Northumbria police have finally confirmed that they have identified these two men.

"I would now expect the full force of the law to be used to bring these two men to trial and ultimately to justice."

The police letter also reveals that one of two guns found two months after the shooting had now been forensically linked to the murder bid.

The gun that fired the shots was a Czech-made CZ 9 mm pistol.

Monaghan, 34, was set free early under the Good Friday Agreement in 1999 after he had been jailed for a total of 1,004 years for a bombing campaign across Northern Ireland.

Fitzsimons was jailed for 15 years in 1990 after he was caught in a house in north Belfast trying to assemble a booby trap car bomb.

Copyright 2001 MGN LTD
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.

Link;- http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_20010506/ai_n14527734/pg_2/

Northumbria Police Dirty Tricks and the Cover-Up of attempted murder

Northumbria Police Turning a Blind Eye to attempted murder of Martin McGartland

Northumbria Police press office, under the orders of their Speical Branch, Mi5 and the Home office (including Jack Straw), claimed the Martin McGartland shooting was as a result of a "drugs-related" shooting. However, Northumbria Police were up to their Dirty Tricks. Northumbria Police also knew at that time that it was an IRA hit but they lied, covered-up. Northumbria Police even prevented the medics from getting to Martin McGartland. Martin was left bleeding with six gun shot wounds for 20 minutes. The IRA traced McGartland to his safehouse after Northumbria Police, Special Branch, CPS and Mi5 take a flawed court case against McGartland in 1997. Northumbria Police had managed to publicise Martin McGartland's real name and even his address, telling the IRA hitmen where he was and where he could be found. The IRA shot McGartland 6 times on the 17th June 1999. Martin McGartland said; "Northumbria Police know who shot me and they know where to find them. However, Northumbria Police, Mi5 and the CPS are involved in a cover-up in my case. They are all protecting IRA murders, bombers. Northumbria Police and its YES officers have never charged anyone with my shooting. DNA etc is also being covered up by Northumbria Police.

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CS: Pol-Two more shot dead in gang war

Jeff Wood

17 May 2000 16:56:55 -0000

From: "Jeff Wood", [EMAIL PROTECTED]

It will often be true that a firearms death is a narcotics-related matter,
and increasingly that hint will relegate it to the back pages of the
newspapers, where only people like CS subscribers, who have an interest in
the level of shootings, will note it.

However it is not always true, even where the press officer of the local
police force claims it is. When Martin McGartland, the former MI5/RUC agent
was shot, I recall that the matter was first reported as a "drugs-related"
shooting.

There were complications to this affair: Northumbria Police had managed to
publicise McGartland's real name and address, telling the hitmen where to
call. The police had also prevented medics from getting to the victim. They
had rear ends to cover, and publicity was unwelcome.

McGartland was too well known for the ploy to work for long, but watch out
for it being used again, if it becomes normal for druggie shootings to get
just a para in the papers.

Yours sincerely

Jeff Wood

[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Public PGP Key at: ldap://certserver.pgp.com

-------[Cybershooters contacts]--------

Editor: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Website & subscription info: www.cybershooters.org

Website Link:- http://www.mail-archive.com/cybershooters@mail-it.com/msg00563.html

I shall not be moved, vows McGartland. (ACC NORTHUMBRIA POLICE AND THE COVER-UP OF IRA SHOOTING OF MARTIN MCGARTLAND)

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Martin McGartland and the Northumbria POlice Cover-Up

The letter (in following report) from Mr Crimmens claims McGartland has put his own life and those of his armed escorts at risk by slipping away from the safe house on at least one occasion. 'ACC Tony Crimmens, like his Pals in HQ, are liars and have never told the truth since the day of my shooting by the IRA. I wanted to go to do a tv interview, however, Mi5, Northumbria Police did not want it to happen. They did not want me to tell the public the truth, Northumbria Police were trying to keep me away from media, however, I was NOT going to allow that to happen. So I will say it again ACC TONY CRIMMENS former yes man, ACC at Northumbria Police is a LIAR and he was directly involved in the Northumbria Police cover-up and smearing of me on the day of my shooting and thereafter.', said Martin McGartland.

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I shall not be moved, vows McGartland.

The Birmingham Post

February 21, 2000

Former IRA informer Martin McGartland, who survived an assassination attempt eight months ago, yesterday said he would fight police attempts to move him out of a safe house where he has been under 24-hour armed protection.

Northumbria Police want him take up a new identity in another part of the country or accept 28 days' notice to find "alternative accommodation".

Reports have put the cost of providing 24-hour protection for Mr McGartland at more than a pounds 1 million.

The force declined to comment on reports that assistant chief constable Tony Crimmens had written to the ex-RUC agent last week with the ultimatum.

Mr McGartland is credited with saving 50 lives, including those of British servicemen, when he infiltrated the IRA in Belfast between 1988 and 1991.

He believes it was the IRA who last June tried to have him killed outside his home on Tyneside, where he moved after his cover was blown in 1991.

He was shot six times, but Northumbria Police have refused to say whether the shooting was linked to the IRA.

Mr McGartland said the alternatives being offered by police did not guarantee his safety, and he would be seeking a judicial review of the decision.

He said: "The law clearly states that if there has been any threat against any individual, the police have a duty to look after that person to such times as that threat goes.

"I know it was the IRA that tried to shoot me last year, even though Northumbria Police refuse to say that, and my life is still in danger.

"What is being offered to me does not guarantee my safety. The IRA could easily uncover any new identity the Crown authorities give me, and the move to new accommodation does not provide me with even CCTV security."

He said: "People forget that I fought on behalf of the Government and the RUC by getting inside the IRA, even if is was for only two years.

"At the end of the day, I put my life on the line, and now they are saying, `okay that was a long time ago you have nothing to fear'. But I have been shot since."

The letter from Mr Crimmens claims McGartland has put his own life and those of his armed escorts at risk by slipping away from the safe house on at least one occasion.

McGartland said the police were using the incident to force him out.

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said the force was not commenting on Mr McGartland's security arrangements.

But a force spokesman said: "We consider it unreasonable to provide the current level of accommodation and security on a long-term basis."

Mr Andrew Mackay, Conservative spokesman on Northern Ireland, said: "Clearly, McGartland is at risk, particularly after the attempt on his life last year.

"In those circumstances it is essential that he is properly protected by the authorities, and if this were not to be the case those responsible for such a decision would be in dereliction of their duties."

http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-60516593.html

Padraig (Podraig) Wilson IRA terrorist and Martin McGartland the undercover agent inside the IRA

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Padraig (Podraig) Wilson IRA terrorist and Martin McGartland the undercover agent inside the IRA
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IRA ARMS CHIEF SENTENCED ME TO DIE

A KEY figure in the Northern Ireland peace process is today named by former Special Branch agent Martin McGartland as the IRA punishment chief who ordered his execution.

Padraig Wilson, who is set to lead the IRA team negotiating disarmament, headed the terrorist organisation's intelligence and discipline operations in Belfast in the mid-1980s.

McGartland, who infiltrated the IRA on the Special Branch's behalf, reveals in the Sunday Mirror today how he went to meet Wilson at Sinn Fein headquarters in 1991 - but was faced, instead, with a punishment squad

who took him away for interrogation and execution. He escaped by jumping from a third-floor window.
Related Results

Wilson, 42, still a prisoner at the Maze but is expected to be released within weeks, was elected to handle the decommissioning talks at an IRA Army Council meeting two weeks ago in the Irish Republic.

Wilson is said to have met Canadian General John de Chastelain, head of the International Decommissioning Commission, in Dundalk yesterday, to start talks on handing over weapons.

Sinn Fein officials refused to confirm Wilson's role. One said such a role would be "an enormous, and perhaps, unfair burden on a prisoner". But security sources said they were expecting the IRA to put up a "smokescreen".

Two priests from Clonard monastery in West Belfast, who set up a secret communications channel between the IRA and the Irish government in the early 1990s, could become involved in the talks.

The IRA is considering asking Fr Alec Reid and Fr Gerry Reynolds to act as independent decommissioning verifiers.

Republicans describe Wilson as one of the most respected IRA leaders and a moderate voice among hardliners.

He was jailed for 24 years in 1991 after being caught with a car bomb in Belfast City centre.

In the mid-1980s, Wilson joined the IRA Belfast brigade staff. His closest ally was David Adams, the cousin of Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams.

As head of its so-called Civil Administration Team, or punishment squad, Wilson had the power over life and death, sanctioning vicious attacks on petty criminals and taking charge of the hunt for Special Branch informers. One he uncovered was Martin McGartland.

In 1991, suspicion fell on McGartland after operations he was involved in were either foiled by the security forces or had to be abandoned because of defective weapons.

McGartland, then aged 21, had spent the previous two years working with Davy Adams, and also in the pay of Special Branch.

One August morning he was called to a meeting with Wilson.

After clearance from his handlers, McGartland went to Connolly House on Andersonstown Road, Sinn Fein's Northern Ireland HQ.

But Wilson was not present and McGartland was taken to a flat in the Twinbrook estate where he later jumped 40ft from a third floor window to cheat death at the hands of an IRA execution team.

Within months, Wilson was caught with an undercar booby trap bomb and sent to the Maze.

He gave the first insight into IRA thinking on disarmament a year ago in a letter to a Belfast newspaper. It said he believed that "voluntary decommissioning" could happen once political institutions were in place.

Now the world holds its breath to see if decommissioning will go through before the May 2000 deadline.

Link; http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_19991205/ai_n14497588/

Martin McGartland Northumbria Police Cover - Up of IRA attempted murder

Marty Says; Sinn Fein, IRA called for the; 'immediate release and an explanation from the NIO Security Minister Adam Ingram' of IRA terrorist and convicted bomber Harry Fitzsimmons (Fitzsimons). Northumbria Police, British Goverment (including Mi5) caved in to Sinn Fein, IRA and released both Harry Fitzsimmons and another convicted IRA bomber within 24 hours. The Northumbria Police Cover Up in The Martin McGartland attempted murder case continues.

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Sinn Fein fury after Belfast man is arrested over McGartland shooting.

The Birmingham Post (England)

November 3, 1999

The arrest of a Belfast man in connection with the attempted murder of IRA informer Martin McGartland sparked a furious protest last night.

The 32-year-old man was arrested earlier yesterday along with a 33-year-old man from Glasgow after a joint operation by the Royal Ulster Constabulary, Northumbria Police and Strathclyde Police.

The two are being questioned at an undisclosed police station in the Northumbria area.

Mr McGartland, aged 29, suffered six gunshot wounds in an attack at his home in Duchess Street in the Tyneside seaside resort of Whitley Bay in June.

Northumbria Police launched a massive manhunt and publicity appeal to find the gunmen, but said they were keeping an open mind on the motive while not discounting possible terrorist involvement.

At the time, Sinn Fein denied any IRA involvement in the attack. Last night, Sinn Fein Assembly member for north Belfast, Gerry Kelly, called for the Irishman's immediate release.

In a statement he said: "This morning's raid is an appalling act which saw one man arrested and his home and business badly damaged.

"Once again the RUC are involved in activities which run counter to the peace process and can only cause difficulties for those attempting to break the present political impasse.

"I am calling for the man's immediate release and an explanation from the NIO Security Minister Adam Ingram. We are treating this incident with the utmost seriousness."

The Royal Ulster Constabulary said it was a matter for Northumbria Police, which is leading the inquiry into Mr McGartland's shooting, to comment.

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: "The men were arrested on suspicion of conspiring to murder Mr McGartland under new cross border powers conferred by the Criminal Justice and Criminal Order Act 1994.

Mr McGartland infiltrated the republican movement on behalf of the RUC Special Branch during the 1980s and later published Fifty Dead Men Walking, recounting his experiences.

Northern Ireland peace broker George Mitchell last night went into the latest round of his marathon review of Ulster's Good Friday agreement by meeting Irish premier Bertie Ahern in Dublin.

The former United States senator briefed Mr Ahern on his nine weeks of talks so far with Northern Ireland's political party bosses ahead of making similar reports to Mr Tony Blair and President Clinton.

The senator meets the Prime Minister in London today and Mr Clinton in Washington later this week.

Story here:- http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-60260146.html