Beidh Ár Lá Linn!

Johnny McGibbon
Uladh Ógra Shinn Féin Organiser

2007 has been a tough year to date for Republicans. This has been no different for our young activists and for Ógra as an organisation. A tough, emotional and frank policing debate in the winter, led into an extraordinary Ard Fheis, a historic decision and two elections to boot. An action packed 6 months, I’m sure we would all agree!

With the decision taken by the Ógra membership at a Special National Congress, preceding the extraordinary Ard Fheis, to adopt a different position than the Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle, no one knew what future loomed ahead for Ógra. But what has emerged since then has been a process of building, and a move from strength to strength for Ógra.

A 6 month long national campaign titled ARISE (Anti- Racism, Imperialism, Sectarianism and Exploitation), has ensured Ógra tackling a broad range of issues including Shell to Sea, Demilitarisation, Worker’s Rights, Political Prisoners, as well as international issues like the U.S. use of Shannon Airport, oppression in Palestine and the attempted criminalisation of the Basque Youth Movement - Segi.

The campaign has opened up new avenues for Ógra, making in-roads into various issues of relevance to modern Irish youth. This is part of the continuing growth and broadening appeal of the Republican struggle to the youth of today.

The past 6 months has also seen the 2007 Easter Commemorations, as Republicans throughout Ireland remembered the 91st Anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising. This year saw an unprecedented national mobilisation of Ógra activists, with more young people than ever before proudly contributing to the memory of all our Patriot Dead.

Ógra members ran stalls, took part in colour parties, distributed the national newsletter Glór na nÓg and distributed thousands of recruitment leaflets spreading the message of Republican Youth throughout Ireland.

There was a national Ógra statement read at over 30 commemorations nationally; receiving praise from republicans everywhere it was read. The statement outlined Ógra’s commitment to highlighting the issues and challenges facing young people in Ireland today. From student top-up fees to the use of Shannon Airport by US troops; from drug awareness; to complete British demilitarisation; Ógra set out its stall as it continues to grow and broaden it’s relevance to young people in Ireland.

We have also seen two elections crammed in, with young Republicans canvassing and campaigning in the Assembly elections in the north and the General Election in the 26 counties. Leaflet drops, youth canvases, DVDs, and Youth debates were just some of the actions which saw Ógra in the thick of the election madness. The election in the 26 counties also saw great initiative as activists produced the ‘Ógra Shinn Fein General Election Youth Manifesto’.

The past 6 months have been tough, hard work for Republican activists. But as always Republicans have shown leadership, and strength through unity. Ógra has accepted its challenge of building, and growing a radical Republican Youth Movement. Ógra continues to grow, evidence of the continuing popularisation of Republicanism in Ireland, and looks forward to being the generation that will inherit a United and Independent, 32 County Democratic, Socialist Republic.

Beidh Ár Lá Linn!

If you are interested in playing your part in Ógra Shinn Féin, there will be an Uladh Ógra Shinn Féin meeting held in Sevastopal Street Sinn Féin Office, Falls Road, Belfast this Saturday 30th June at 11.30pm. If you interested in attending please contact Johnny at: johnnymcgibbon@hotmail.com