Wendy kicked off the meeting with details of the action planned at DDC in Cork. She stressed that DDC was only one of 14 arms components manufacturers operating in Ireland, that the action was timed to coincide with the Disarm DSEi protest in London, and that it was intended to hold a peaceful, non-violent direct action. Printouts from DDC's website were handed round, in which they proudly showcase all their components which are produced to U.S. military standard. Suggestions were made for an ongoing campaign to follow up the action, highlighting the breaches of neutrality inherent in Ireland's arms trade, and also the passage of missiles through Shannon Airport. A small group of volunteers agreed to get this moving. It was pointed out that neutrality is being downplayed by the media and is not included in the Constitution. Brian offered information on Amnesty International's involvement in the issue. We were encouraged to start publicising the Irish arms trade through letters to newspapers and radio talk shows, concentrating on provincial as well as national media. Bob gave us a brief report on the All-Ireland ISF get-together in July. He said that the event was very well attended and interesting, with plenty of suggestions for events at the ISF Conference in October. It seems that there is some conflict between those who wish to stage dramatic surprise disruptions and those who wish to keep demonstrations peaceful, while still wanting to shock. Not everyone can afford to risk arrest, so different "flavours" o" action should perhaps be kept separate. Brian offered a lift to Dublin for the ISF launch, and it was agreed to post a list of liftshares on our website. We then had a session of information exchange, with details of various local campaigns and events... full details of these can be seen at the end of the minutes.

After the break, we discussed the purpose of the forum itself. Mike got us started by saying that so far we are working as a good information exchange for activities, but that most of these are in reaction to negative things that are going on... are we also about the positive? How can we work with the forum in a positive way?

Going around the circle, we all attempted to sum up what the forum could potentially be. Ideas were:-

• We should help to empower others and show that it's simple to make a difference.
• We could hold more social events to promote togetherness.
• We should energise the positive, rather than focussing on and feeding negativity.
• We can motivate others to do positive things for the planet, and focus on local issues like inshore pollution.
• To show that one voice can change things.
• To counteract apathy and inspire hope.
• To support each other's work through co-operative events.
• To associate positive action with success.
• To present working alternatives.
• To call those in authority to account.
• To help each other feel less isolated in our work.
• To concentrate on actions and solutions that can really work.
• To respect diversity within the group.
• To act in a way that is beyond reproach
• To think globally and act locally.
• To weave together a stong braid.
• To create a harmonious new pattern.

It was also seen as important to encourage participation by more local people, and to remember that all of our separate issues are connected.

The discussions went on, but the meeting was officially closed around midnight. Many thanks to Joe Creedon for a great venue (complete with stealth sandwiches!).

Next meeting in Cork city, 2nd week in October, to be confirmed. For information call 026 47352