06/09/2017

Vigil For Homeless Man Cancelled

A vigil for a homeless man who died while sleeping on the streets of Dublin last week has been cancelled following revelations that he was on the sex offenders' register.

Campaigners Home Sweet Home cancelled the vigil for Stephen 'Jack' Watson which was to be held outside Apollo House on Thursday, 07 September.

In a statement, Home Sweet Home said: "Those associated with the Home Sweet Home campaign are shocked at reports that a homeless man who passed away last week had been deported from Australia for very serious crimes.

"Out of respect for the victims of these crimes a planned vigil outside Apollo House on Thursday evening is cancelled. This does not change the fact that many people have died as a result of our housing emergency. This is totally unacceptable and urgently needs to be addressed.

"The Artists and Trade Unionists involved in HSH have had some discussions about building a permanent policy driven intervention into the housing emergency that would systemically target the root causes of this policy made catastrophe.

"Such an initiative not only forms part of a solution to the emergency, but serves as a permanent memorial to all those who have had their lives ruined by it, in perpetuity."

(CD/JP)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

22 September 2014
Sinn Féin To Push For Full 15% Local Property Tax Reduction
Dublin City Council will meet tonight (Monday) to discuss a possible reduction of the Local Property Tax, with Sinn Féin saying that they will push for the full 15% reduction allowed by government legislation.
29 May 2015
Garda Urge Residents To Take Home Security Checklist Challenge
An Garda Síochána has launched a new home security campaign, calling on the public to take its Home Security Checklist Challenge. Launched as part of its Supporting Safer Communities Campaign, garda said that there was a 4% rise in residential burglaries in 2013 – 2014, with the most likely entry point being the rear of a house.
25 April 2013
HSE Temporarily Suspend Nursing Home Scheme Placements
Access to the Fair Deal nursing home scheme from the normal placement list has been suspended to allow hospital patients priority access, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has announced. The director general designate has approved the "exceptional measure" for a period of two to three weeks.
23 June 2011
Golf's 'Pride Of North' Celebrated In Holywood
The pride of the Northern sporting world, golfer Rory McIlroy has spoken of his joy at bringing the US Open trophy back to his home club in Holywood, Co Down. The 22-year-old made sporting history and secured his first major title with an eight shot victory on Sunday to become the youngest US Open champion in history.
28 July 2008
Teen Bites Ear Of Man, 60, During Burglary
A teenager has appeared before a special sitting of Limerick District Court charged in connection with a robbery and assault on Saturday morning. The 16-year-old boy was charged with the robbery of a house in St Jude's Avenue, Ballysimon at about 3am.