Christy Burke

Christy Burke is a Dublin city councillor and former member of Sinn Féin.^[1] After winning a seat in the 2009 local election, he left the party 3 days after winning the seat as a Sinn Féin candidate, leading to criticism by Aengus Ó Snodaigh^[1] that Sinn Féin had promoted him in the campaign as its longest serving councillor.^[2]

In the early 1980s he was released from jail after being jailed for IRA membership.^[2]

He was involved in anti-illegal drug activism in Dublin and criticised the Garda Síochána for their treatment of anti-illegal drug activists.^[2][3][4]

In 1986 he was jailed along with Tony Gregory for fourteen days for campaigning on behalf of Moore Street traders.^[2]

In 1996 he was awarded ₤7,500 for distress caused by false statements after a member of the Special Branch had warned Burke he was in danger of being assassinated.^[5]

He was involved in peace talks in the 1990s and supported the ceasefires.^[2]

In 2010, the Sunday World newspaper was forced by the High Court to apologise to Burke for a 2007 (pre-general election) article by sensationalist crime journalist Paul Williams which falsely accused him of involvement with the IRA.^[6]

He was first elected to Dublin City Council in 1985.^[7] He ran for the Dáil seven times in Dublin Central without being elected.

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Burke quits Sinn Féin, Patrick Logue, The Irish Times, 9 June 2009
2. ^ ^{a b c d e} Much respected councillor a rare Sinn Fein beast, Ciaran Byrne, Irish Independent
3. ^ Adams urges alliance on drugs, Mark Brennock, The Irish Times, 18 October 1996
4. ^ Pushers Out: The Inside Story of Dublin's Anti-drugs Movement, André Lyder, p.32
5. ^ Burke awarded £7,500 in action against former detective garda, The Irish Times, 11 Nevember 1996
6. ^ Sunday World apologises to councillor. RTÉ. 9 November 2010.
7. ^ Councillor Christy Burke's Profile, dublin.ie

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Name	Burke, Christy
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