Building support in the 26 Counties, a battle a day!

Seán Gillespie
Strabane ÓSF

Since Britain first interfered with Irish affairs, her imperialist policies of divide and conquer, exploitation and domination have been a cancer on the Irish people. With that said it is also worth noting that a sizeable, capitalist section of the Irish people have and continue to benefit from such rotten policies.

The rich and powerful elite (e.g. Bertie and co.) in Ireland today are a perfect example of those to whom, Irish Unity is perceived a threat. Our vision of a 32 county Socialist Democratic Republic based on equality, is totally contrary to the self interests of those capitalist elements in the south. These ‘gombeen’ men of Irish politics don’t want a ‘Shinner’ about the place, as the implementation of our policies of social equality would mean an end to the corruption and elitism that successive governments have enjoyed.

As Gerry Adams rightly pointed out at Bodenstown, our focus of building support for Republican objectives has clearly shifted to the south. Our recent performance in the 26 county elections must serve as a wake up call for all activists, and we must learn from our strengths and weaknesses. For Sinn Féin, preparations for the 26 county council elections have begun days after the general election. As ever we Republicans will be up against it. We are up against certain elements in Ireland whom Britain have identified long ago as being willing to support and accept the partition of this country, so long as it satisfies their selfish capitalist interests. This has been a favourable tactic in the arsenal of British imperialism throughout history. We will (as Republicans tend to do) be in the firing line for attacks from all angles and I believe we are up for the fight.

Sinn Féin’s vote actually increased in the last election, so it’s clear that the winds of change are blowing our way, although not enough. In my opinion, Fianna Fail’s presentation of the myth that the economy is safer in their hands, won in the end, but in time as the public watch and scrutinise our performance in the north and witness even more corruption in the ranks of Fianna Fail, we will prove that we are a party more than capable of being in government. Recent obvious attempts to marginalise and dismiss Sinn Féin’s mandate is further indication of the intention of the ‘gombeen’ men in this administration to pathetically keep us out of government.

I’ve always said it, if we provoke such gutter politics from the likes of Fianna Fail, then we must be doing something right. We need to do what Republicans do best, campaigning actively on the ground on equality and human rights issues, and radically promoting our socialist ideals and making them relevant to the betterment of people’s everyday lives.

In terms of Ógra, we have a huge role to play. Imperialism has failed the Irish people in the form of partition, particularly in border regions, Ogra must relate to the youth in these areas and actively tackle issues affecting young people. We must be constantly active in promoting Republican, Socialist alternatives to the failed status quo.

We also need to challenge this capitalist ‘West Brit’ mentality at every turn, for example, it is President Mary McEleese’s life ambition to walk the streets of Dublin with the English queen, What utter nonsense. I’ve no problems with international relations, but while Britain still occupies part of this country, views such as this need to be publicly questioned by Republicans.

I believe that with the campaigning edge of Ógra Shinn Féin we can contribute immensely to the growth of Irish Republicanism in the south. Sinn Fein’s Republican Ideals and policies are still young in the south and have yet to flourish, but with renewed efforts to build the party there, our goals are achievable.

It will be a battle a day for the hearts and minds of the Irish people!