Massive Rebel Night @ The Hatfield, Belfast

New International Officer for Ógra

Orlagh (Second from the left) at a protest against the repression in the Basque Country

Orlagh McCauley has recently been co opted onto the Ógra Shinn Féin national Executive to fulfil the role of International Officer.

Indeed Orlagh is best suited to the role. Citing Cuba as her favourite holiday destination and her favourite book as Fidel Castro’s ‘History Will absolve me’ there are no guesses who she would most like to meet, if he had of being living. None other than El Comandante Che Guevara.

As well as Cuba, Orlagh said she is interested in all of Latin America’s fight against North American imperialism. After meeting the families of the Cuban 5 she has closely followed their legal case as well as Leonard Peltier’s. On a recent trip to the Basque Country she experienced at first hand the oppression inflicted by the Spanish authorities on the Basque people.

Upon taking up her role as international officer Orlagh said her priorities in the upcoming year would be to “continue to campaign, protest and agitate for our international comrades and also strengthen our fraternal links with them. Whether that be Eukal Herria, Latin America, Palestine, New Zealand, Corsica or beyond.”


Hasta la Victoria Siempre!

Orlagh (Second from the left) alongisde Ógra National Organiser, Barry McColgan and ÓSF National Executive member, Oisin Dolan at the North / South Forum

Cailliúint mhór postanna i Léim a’ Mhadaidh.

Senan Mac Aoidh

Fógraíodh ar an 29 de Dheireadh Fomhair go ndruidfidh monarchán Seagate i Léim a’ Mhadaidh go deo, beidh os cionn 900 curtha as a bpostanna nuair a imíonn Seagate go dtí Malaysia an bhliain seo chugainn de bharr cotasaí níos ísle thall. ‘Sé seo i gceantar iarthuaiceart na tíre atá thíos leis ó thaobh postanna de ar feadh na blianta, agus tar éis tuilleadh cailleadh postanna le deanaí. Mothóidh muintir Tír Chonaill agus Condae Dhoire an tubaiste sóisialta seo go crua. Bhí ráflaí ag dul thart le fada go gcaillfí postanna sa mhonarchán. Ach ar an Luan, an 29ú chuir an comhlacht cuid pobail suas mar nach raibh a dhóthain spása sa mhonarchán agus d’fhógair siad do na gcuid oibrithe go mbeadh siad as a bpostanna. De réir tuarascála bhí fearg mhór i measc na ndaoine i láthair sa phobal.

Léiríonn sé seo go maith an gá atá ann do oibrithe bheith i mball de cheardchumann, ionas go mbeidh cosaint maith ag oibrithe nuair a tharlaíonn tubaistí mar seo. Taispeánann sé fosta dúinn nach féidir linn brath ar na comhlachtaí móra il-náisiúnta ar nós Seagate. Tagann siad thuig tír nuair atá costasaí íseal ar oibrithe agus nuair a athraíonn coinníollacha, imíonn siad chun breis brabús a dhéanamh as pá níos lú a íoc do na gcuid oibrithe.

Tá gá le geilleagar dúchasach nach mbéadh muid ag brath ar chomhlachtaí as tírthe eile, ach fosta caithfidh go mbéadh na comhlachtaí móra seo i seilbh an pobail, ‘sé sin go mbéadh siad i seilbh an stáit, an pobail áitiúl nó na noibrithe ar nós comharchumann. An seilbh ag brath ar chionníollacha agus riachtanais na ceantracha áitiúla a athraíonn ó chás go cás. Tá fhios agam go dtéann sé seo in éadan tuairmí an mórchuid faoi láthair le meoin an ‘Tígir Celtigh’ ach tá dualgas orainne mar phoblachtaigh sóisialacha moltaí chóra a chuir chun cinn agus an slí sóisialach a chuir i mbéal an phobail mar dóigh eile atá so-dhéanta agus réalaíoch.

Arís impím ar bhaill de Shinn féin, go háirithe Ógra Shinn féin dul le ceardchumann éigin, cé bith a oireann dóibh agus seasamh a thógáil lá i ndiaidh lae ar son na n-oibrithe i mbealach ar bith a féidir leo, fiú muna bhfuil siad ag obair faoi láthair.
Beidh mearbhall ann i measc roinnt daoine mar go bhfuil Sinn Féin san údarás áitiúl sna Sé Chondae agus fós córas eacnamaíochta caipitilíoch ann, caithfidh muid a léiriú go han-soiléir go bhfuil Sinn Féin go láidir in éadan an córas seo ach de bharr coinníollacha neamh-ghnácha le comhaontú Aoine an Chéasta agus na heactraí ina dhiaidh sin nach raibh mórán de rogha againn ach dul i rialtas le na ‘Aontachtaithe Daonlathacha’. Tá sé fíor gur eagraíocht iontach deis-eiteach é an DUP agus tá suim acu cumhacht lucht an caipitil a chaomhnú, níl suim acu i dtodhchaí an pobail uilig ach i dtodhchaí a dtiachóga féin. Ach ní bheidh drogall ar bith orainne a bheith comh docht daingean lenar dtuairmí is a bhí riamh agus leanfaidh muid le freasúra ceart in éadan na sean-bhealaí éagóireacha

QUB Student Council Elections - Vótáil Ógra Shinn Féin candidates

On the 30th and 31st of october, the Students' Union at Queens University Belfast is holding elections for the Student Council.

The Student Council is the ruling body of the Students' Union, and as such directs the focus of the Students' Union for the year ahead. Over recent years, a minority group within the Student body has dictated to the majority, passing what can only be described as racist, sectarian and profoundly anti-Irish legislation.

Ógra Shinn Féin will redress this. We are not about replacing a deep shade of Orange with an even deeper shade of Green, we are about creating an environment whereby every one can study and live in a climate of mutual respect. Therefore I urge you, the voter to to vote for the following candidates...



Humanities - First Year


Gemma McKenna


Humanities - Second Year


Kevin Parke
Briege Rice


Humanities - Third Year


Aine Hargey
Colin McShane
Patrick Withers


We urge you to vote for these candidates. Remember this is a PR election, so please give our candidates a preference. Voting takes place on Queens Online between 7am on the 30th of Oct and 5pm on 31st Oct. Log onto your QOL account, go to 'online voting' and put your preference (1,2,3 etc) beside the candidates


Please pass this e-mail on to all those in you address book.


Is mise le meas,


Sheena Campbell Cumann, Ógra Shinn Féin, QUB.

Buffoonery and Political Subterfuge reach a New Low

le Peadar de Bluit

An Taoiseach has again utilised the full extent of his political buffoonery in an effort to side-step an unsuspecting electorate. Last week Bertie and a selection of Government ministers agreed to accept a lavish increase, to what is already an extremely generous pay-packet. Not long after the announcement was made the media picked up on the most recent piece of Government spending. An Taoiseach found himself at the centre of a lot of negative press ahead of the bank holiday weekend. Given his track record however, it is doubtful that he did not envisage this when he signed off on his early Christmas bonus. Charlie Haughey did not refer to him as the most cunning and devious man he had ever met for nothing.

As the bank-holiday weekend drew closer Transport Minister Noel Dempsey released a raft of new recommendations in relation to Road Safety, scheduled to come into force the following Tuesday. These recommendations, despite the fact that a number of them were already engrained in legislation, sparked a controversy which dominated the front pages for the entire weekend. With the Transport Minister now in the spotlight, for all the wrong reasons, Bertie and his augmented salary quickly drifted into the background. This move has since been summarised as unfortunate timing on the Taoiseach’s part, although on closer analysis it appears to be more like the devious political corollary that Bertie practices so masterfully. He would have known when his proposed salary was coming through, and that Minister Dempsey released these measures in such quick succession, in such a hurried fashion is not as mucha coincidence as it is portrayed.

The facts of this latest debacle make for some sombre-reading if you earn anywhere in the region of the average industrial wage, i.e. Public sector employees, factory workers, shop assistants etc. Bertie, last week accepted a 14% increase in his annual wage. At the end of the year that seemingly innocuous figure means a €38,000 increase in an Taoiseach’s salary. To put this increase in context, €38,000 is more than a staff nurse earns in a year, and it is doubtful if an Taoiseach’s plush lifestyle is more demanding than that of a staff nurse,or for that matter, many others who earn a similar wage. This move certainly calls into question the rigors and scope of the body tasked with awarding pay-increases to members of the Government, and exactly what terms of reference they are given. Bertie’s salary now stands at an amazing €310,000, quite a spectacular figure especially considering Gordon Browne brings home €270,000, and George W. Bush €280,000. The question thereofre remains unanswered why does Bertie deserve such a wage hike while thousands of people in this country still live on or below the poverty line.

To add insult to injury this rise comes at the same time as some rather gloomy budget projections from the Department of Finance. There seems to an all too familiar message coming from this Fianna Fáil led Government, tough times ahead, we may need to tighten our belts in order to persevere. The air of pretentiousness and hypocrisy emanating from the Cabinet chambers in the past week is a slap in the face to the people of the 26-counties, not least the loyal voters who sent the Soldiers of Destiny galloping in to Leinster House for a third term. The taxpayers of this state, at the end of the day, are the ones who have to pay for Bertie’s wages, and it is doubtful if they would be so fast to bequeath him such a rise if they were given the choice themselves.

This episode is worsened by the fact that the smokescreen used to cover up the Government’s wage hike was Road Safety. It is totally unacceptable that the Government would use an issue of this magnitude to draw attention from their over the top undeserved wages. Since this Government has been in situe they have almost completelely neglected the issue of Road Safety. With the exception of one or two stand-alone initiatives, there has been no concerted effort whatsoever to try to minimise the amount of fatalities on Irish roads. Now they have the audacity to use this enormus issue to keep the spotlight off their wage increase. The callousness and contempt of this Government cast a long shadow over the integrity and good name of our nation.

It remains therefore that the Soldiers of Destiny led by Bertie believe they can continue unhindered to make a fool of the Irish people. When it comes to social and economic policy they have proven time and time again that they are completely inept and unable to deliver for the people, be that by choice or otherwise. Their constant presence in the tribunals shows beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are in no way trustworthy. And now they compound their political inadequacy by investing the hard-earned money of the Irish people in their own wages, instead of education for our children or healthcare for our sick. The time has come to demand accountability from this Government, to make it clear that their contempt for Irish politics and Irish people will no longer be accepted. Bertie’s buffoonery must end now.

BIG FIGHT NIGHT LIVE

Clonard Commemoration Committee

PRESENTS
20TH ANNIVERSARY FUNDRAISER
REMEMBERING
THE GIBRALTAR 3
BIG FIGHT NIGHT LIVE

IN THE


FELONS CLUB, Belfast
FRIDAY 9TH NOVEMBER 2007

8 TIL LATE

Drink and Drugs - A National Epidemic?

Community Activist
Ógra Shinn Féin

Recognising the huge burden that drugs and alcohol misuse presents to the Irish people, progressive community based activists need a campaign to tackle the issue head on in attempting to curb this growing problem.



Drugs and alcohol misuse is a social ill that we all need to understand, raise awareness about and implement practical actions that can address the current problem and help prevent the epidemic for future generations.

Alcoholism is a huge problem in Ireland. Ireland is synonymous with alcohol, the land of whiskey and stout. With alcohol being one of our biggest productions and exports, high consumption and misuse has went hand in hand. Add to that the economically depressed story of Ireland over the past centuries and chronic unemployment has resulted in many ‘turning to the bottle.’

In recent years in Ireland, illegal drug misuse has also surged. There has been a huge growth in the availability of illegal drugs, coupled with that a growing gap between rich and poor, resulting in many being left behind in the prosperity by the Celtic Tiger. This prosperity of the minority has also created a false sense of economic stability and with that a growing level of materialism.

Chronic drug problems are very much obvious in many working class housing estates throughout Ireland, ripping the soul out of many of these areas, and the poverty and social deprivation in these areas, has ensured huge levels of depression, disempowerment and a growing sense of helplessness. All these factors and a growing availability of alcohol and illegal drugs has ensured many more people especially the youth consuming and misusing drink and drugs.

The growing level of materialism in Irish society plays its part in many young people going out at the weekend and either binge drinking, casual drug taking or both. This is a worrying trend considering the majority of drug addictions and alcoholism starts of as casual, social use.

The underlying problem in much of Ireland’s indeed the world’s drug problems is inequality. An unequal society which confines the majority to poverty and worthlessness, no sense of individual never mind national pride, and apathetic state systems which are quite content to allow the marginalised and oppressed to remain disempowered. I mean, would the neo-colonialists and right wingers who dominate global politics really want an uppity bunch of working class scoundrels empowering communities and affecting the ‘status quo.’?

It is a stated fact that to suppress the growth of the Black Panthers in the USA, the CIA started flooding black communities with drugs, prompting up and colluding with many criminals to distribute the drugs and create hopelessness in these communities. Would it really surprise you if the Brits or Free Staters used the same tactics in Ireland?

So what can we do to change mindsets, and to tackle this problem head on?

We need to take a realistic approach to this, to recognise that it is indeed a huge problem and is not going to be solved over night, but that every little action will have an impact.

We need to realise that drug and alcohol misuse are indeed a problem that we will always need to tackle, even when we have achieved the Socialist Republic. But we can play our part now in greatly reducing the level of addictions and use.

In the short term, we need more awareness on drugs and alcohol; we need interactive peer leadership workshops brought into schools, youth clubs and community halls dealing with the effects, positive and negative, so that younger people, who are most vulnerable, are more informed. We do not need a finger wagging exercise from adults lecturing young people on drug taking but more so, a peer based approach where young people are discussing and engaging with other young people on all information relating to drugs and alcohol.

We as community activists also need to be engaging with the young people on the street corners, on the periphery of the community, who are less likely to be involved in a youth or sporting club. We need to engage with them, try to include them in youth and sporting schemes, and provide them with information relating to drugs ensuring they are informed of any upcoming workshops and events.

There are drug and alcohol help lines which are able to counsel anyone from basic information to addictions and how to seek help. We need to make these numbers available to people, and ensure that if they have a problem they have someone to contact.

The above are very much future preventative measures. But we also need to look at those already addicted.

Local clinics and counselling need to be made available for those seeking help and assistance in overcoming their addiction.

Communities should be empowered to take decisions of tenancy for convicted or suspected drug dealers living in their area. The scourge of a drug dealer in an area is something no community should have to deal with, and the local tenants or community association should have more powers in dealing with this problem. This would greatly increase the confidence of communities and lead to empowerment and a greater sense of pride in the local area.

Tougher sentencing needs to be introduced against those involved in every level of drug dealing. A stronger message needs to be sent out against those that profiteer against the backdrop of desperate communities and wrecked lives.

Tougher licensing laws need to be brought in on off licenses. Anyone caught serving under age customers should have their license revoked immediately. The location of, off license’s, to communities also needs to be looked at.

In all of this a strong community is essential, a strong community structure that can provide assistance to all the above measures. A strong community is also essential in providing confidence in young people, enshrining in them a community spirit, a love of their area and desire to build and not destroy their community.

This article is written in frustration at the growing problem associated with drugs and alcohol, in an attempt to ferment discussion around how best to deal with this epidemic in Irish society.

This is a discussion piece and by no means definitive, therefore I welcome constructive criticism with all aspects of this article.

We need an effective strategy in dealing with this growing problem, only through discussion can we develop a national strategy that can be implemented at community level. A strategy that can tackle the pushers head on, can help those addicted, inform the youth and more importantly ensure the empowerment of communities.

“He who fails to plan, plans to fail.”

Deontaisí do Mic Léinn ANOIS!

Tionólfadh agóid lasmuigh de teach Laighean Dé Máírt seo chaite ag éiliú deontaisí mic is iníon léinn a bheith in am ionas nach gcuirtear níos mó brú ná chóir ar mhic is iníon léinn atá i mbun staidéire. I láthair ag an agóid bhí Seanadóír Shinn Féin, Piaras Ó Dochartaigh; Teachta Dála de chuid Páirtí an Lucht Oibre, Ruairí Uí Chuinn, agus an Seanadóir nemahspleach ó Coláiste na Tríonóide Daithí Norris. Labhair an uile duine acu i bhfabhar na mic is iníon léinn agus a gcuid iarrataisí. Dúirt siad nach raibh sé sásúil ar chor ar bith go raibh ar mhic is iníon léinn fuireach go dtí mí Feabhra, do dheontaisí a bhí in ainm is teacht i mí Deireadh Fómhair. In eindí leis na baill tofa seo bhí mic is iníon léinn ó Coláiste na hOllscoile BÁC, Ollscoil Cathair BÁC, IT BÁC, Coláiste na Tríonóide, agus baill de chuid Aontas na Mic Léinn in Éirinn.



A protest was held outside Leinster House Tuesday last, 23 October, demanding that student grants be delivered in time so that no extra stress in the form of financial worries is added to the workload of students. Also present at the protest were Sinn Féin Senator, Pearse Doherty; Labour TD Ruairí Quinn, and independent Trinity College Senator David Norris. All of the politicians present spoke ferverently infavour of the students and their demands. They said that it was in know way satisfactory that students had to wait until maybe as late as February for grants that are due in October. There with the elected representatives were students from UCD, DCU, DIT, and TCD. Also present were members of the USI who organised the day’s events calling for student grants to be taken more seriously.

Ag labhairt dó tar éis an ócáid dúirt an Seanadóir SF, Piaras Ó Dochartaigh, nach raibh an scéal leanúnach seo ó thaobh deontaisí maith go leor. “Gach uile bliain cífimid an rud céanna, mic is iníon léinn ag iarraidh go leor airgead a dhéanamh ionas gur féidir leo maireachtaint go dtí go dtagann an deontas atá in ainm is a bheith acu mí na Samhna. Tá mic is iníon léinn fud fad na tíre tar éis buiséad a leagadh síos do deontas ar dhóigh leo atá ag teacht i mí Deireadh Fómhair ansin nuair a bhíonn mall air tá dualgas ar na dhaoine céanna dul ag lorg post nó airgead a fháil ar chíos ón mbanc. Tá an scéal imithe fad a dhóthain agus táimse ag seasamh taobh leis na scoláirí ollscoile anseo inniu ag glaoch ar an Aire Oideachais é a réitiú.”

Also speaking in he aftermath of the protest Ógra Shinn Féin College co-ordinator, Oisín Ó Dúbhlain said that students were well within their rights to demand grants promised them by the state.

“We have rights! The same situation presents itself every single year and Irish students have had enough. Ógra Shinn Féin are here today to extend our solidarity with all third-level students who find themselves in this position. As a youth organisation, we have within our ranks many third-level students who struggle to make ends meet on a day-to-day basis. Between college responsiblities, study, and assignment deadlines; students have enough to occupy their minds besides having to worry about getting a job to sustain themselves as well. The situation regarding student grants has gone far enough and it is the responsibility of the government as the elected representatives of this state to resolve this ongoing crisis. Student Grants ANOIS!”

Independentzia!

A demonstration was held recently in Dublin in co-operation with the Irish Basque Committees regarding the arrest of 22 members of the Basque leftist, independendtist movement Batasuna. The 22 members of Batasuna’s leadership were arrested in an effort by the Spanish Government to cull the growing strength of the leftist, independentist movement in the Basque country. This move provoked widespread anger in the Basque country and among Republicans here in Ireland that an independent political voice be muffled in this way. The arrests came following months of stalling by the government in Madrid in relation to the Basque political process.

In response to the actions of the Spanish Government Ógra Shinn Féin Cúige Laighean in conjunction with the Irish Basque Committee in Dublin organised a demonstration outside the GPO in Dublin calling for the release of the 22 incarcertaed political leaders, as well as the re-initiation of the Basque political process. There was an excellent turnout for the demonstration, attracting the attention and support of hundreds of passers-by. The activists present displayed banners supporting the movement in the Basque country, and calling fro the release of the jailed leaders. Much literature was also disseminated in order to inform the Irish people of the crimes directed and carried out by the Madrid government.

Speaking to the assembled group following the demo, a member of the Irish Basque committee thanked Ógra for the help they had provided,

“The continuing support of Sinn Féin and Ógra Shinn Féin is a source of hope and comfort to the movement in the Basque country. We know that we can rely on your support in good and bad times and we are grateful for that. The Basque leftist, independendist movement will remain resilient and will do everything in our power to ensure the continuation of the political process in the Basque country. Tiocfaidh ár lá”

In response Ógra Shinn Féin Laighean representative, Áine Ní Dhubháin, thanked the committee pledging the continued support and co-operation of Ógra Shinn Féin.

“Ógra Shinn Féin are proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Basque country and her people. We will, in tandem with our comrades in Sinn Féin, continue to do all that we can to see the progression of the Basque political process. We empathise with the people of the Basque country in the most sincere way. Like you, our country suffered for centuries under the wrath of a foreign tyrant, whose aim was to subvert us and control our people by whatever means possible. The right of the Basque Country to indepenence and sovereignty is a right that cannot be revoked by any amount of oppression. Jo ta ke!”

Ógra Shinn Féin condemn New Zealand authorities crackdown on Maori activists

Speaking following the news of a wave of serious activity against Maori rights and trade union activists in New Zealand, Barry McColgan, National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin, condemned the actions conducted by the New Zealand authorities calling them “unwarranted and unjustifiable”.

“This month the authorities of New Zealand showed their true colours – raiding the homes of hundreds of trade unionists, Maori-rights activists and political activists in act of severe state repression. The criminalisation of dissent and political activism must not be allowed to continue.

“Not only have they targeted a wide range of activists and arrested many on trumped up charges, as part of their crack down this week they raided the home of Jimmy O’Dea – a 72 year old life long activist on Irish and Maori rights.

“These raids are a blatant attack on activism in general and are unwarranted and unjustifiable. Oppressive governments the world over are renowned for this kind of technique; from the British in the six counties to the Spanish government in the Basque country and now the New Zealand authorities against the Maori movement.

“Ógra Shinn Féin is calling on the international community to engage with the authorities of New Zealand and push them to drop these spurious charges immediately. “

“The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.” Martin Luther King

Ógra Shinn Féin produce short film commemorating Che Guevara!

Ógra Shinn Féin have continued on from their successful nationwide events in commemorating Che Guevara's 40th anniversary by producing a short film looking at some important events in the life of this global revolutionary.

Please view the film and pass on to all contacts.

Hasta la victoria siempre!

Ógra Shinn Féin, Peter Corrigan Tribute

Armagh Ógra Shinn Féin led the tributes to Peter Corrigan on the 25th anniversary of his death. Peter Corrigan was murdered by a group calling its self the Protestant Action Force, the group was largely made up by member’s of the UDR, the one person charged in connection with his murder was a full time member of the UDR.



Peter Corrigan a father of eleven was born and raised in lower English street in the city. He was educated in the Christian Brothers School , upon leavening school he excelled in his chosen career and was widely known around the country for his craftsmanship in brick and stonework.

After a time in England, were he met his wife Jean {also originally from Armagh}, they returned to Armagh and settled in Banbrook Hill, moving eventually to the then new housing estate of Drumbreada.

Peter joined Oglaigh na hÉireann in 1969 and became very active, he and two brothers were arrested and interned on the 9th august 1971. Released in may {72} he continued to work within the Republican Movement until his re-arrest in 1973 he was to remain incarcerated until the end of internment in 1975.

Peter worked in Sinn Féin as it entered the political arena in the early eighties and was continually threatened and harassed by the crown forces, right up until his death on the 25th oct 1982, while returning home he was gunned down on the Loughgall road, Armagh, by those soldiers out of uniform.

The Ógra Shinn Féin tribute started with the erection of 20 plus black flags along the Loughgall road, and a single tri-colour on the post which marked the spot where he was killed, and a large Ógra Shinn Féin banner was then raised to commemorate the anniversary before family and friends and comrades attended a vigil to mark his death.

The vigil was first addressd by Damian White of Ógra Shinn Féin followed by the laying of the wreaths, a decade of the rosary was said and a minutes silence. The main address was given by Councillor Noel Sheridan before Liam Lappin of Ógra Shinn Féin gave a moving rendition of the Peter Corrigan song, the vigil ended with an address from the family.

Armagh Ógra Shinn Féin spokesperson, Damian white said,

“Many people in Ógra Shinn Féin were not alive 25 years ago if they were certainly had no knowledge of why Peter Corrigan was murdered. The need to educate our youth is great, on the hardships of the past as to prepare us to be at the fore in bringing about the end of British interference in Ireland. This will be our lasting tribute to the memory of Peter Corrigan and all our fallen comrades.”

Easpa suime an Rialtas i leith cur chun cinn na Gaeilge san Eoraip

le Peadar de Bluit

Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil mé tar éis dearcadh an rialtas i leith na Gaeilge a chur faoi scian sa cholún seo le déanaí, ach i ndáirire bhí sé tuilte acu. In ainneoin seo áfach, thángthas ar píosa ar an idirlíon i rith na seachtaine agus b’éigean dom solas níos láidre a lonnrú air. Go bunúsach an fadhb an tráth seo ná go bhfuil rialtas na 26 contae ag iarraidh tábhacht agus úsáid na Gaeilge san Aontas na hEorapa (AE) a ídiú go mór. De réir na tuairisce, ar Bhlog na Gaeilge, na príomh fhadhbanna atá ann faoi láthair ná gramadach neamh-oiriúnach agus easpa infeheistíocht do aistritheoirí. Tá mo tuairim féin ag neartú nach bhfuil suim ar bith i cur chun cinn agus fás na Gaeilge ar an t-oileán seo.

De réir dealramh luíonn an cuid is mó des na fadhbanna ó thaobh an gramadach de le mí-thuiscintí sa caighdeán. Anois, is oth liom a rá libh nach tacaí mór na caighdeána mé, i ndáirire caithfidh mé a rá go bhfuil fadhb ollmhór agam le prionsabail na caighdeána fein, tuigim áfach gur díospóireacht fíochmhar mór sin agus mar sin scaoilfidh mé leis go fóill. Léiríonn na mí-thuiscintí atá á fhulaingt ag rialtas na 26 contae san Eoraip nach bhfuil siad in aon chor i ndáirire faoi chur chun cinn na Gaeilge mar theanga beo labhartha.

Cuirtear cosa leis an argóint seo leis an dara cuid den giota. Cáintear an rialtas as easpa airgead a infheistiú in aistritheoirí cumasacha. Ní ionsaí atá anseo in aon chor ar na haistritheoirí féin. Táim cinnte go hiomlán go bhfuil said ag déanamh a naoi ndícheall ins na coinníollacha ina bhfuil said. Ag deireadh an lae tá fréamh na faidhbe siar sa bhaile againn. Níl traenáil ceart ar fáil do aistritheoirí proifeisiúnta. Níl seo sásúil ar chor ar bith. Tá an rialtas seo ag ceapadh go féidir le daoine dul amach go dtí an Eoraip agus cumas a bheith acu Gaeilge ó gach carn den tír a aistriú gan fadhb ar bith, is léir nach bhfuil cur amach ar bith acu ar chomh deacair is atá sé tenaga a aistriú, gan tógaint san áireamh in aon chor an réimse cainiúintí éagsúla atá againn anseo in Éirinn. Dar le go leor daoine gur aistritheoirí nádúrtha iad Gaeilgeoirí líofa. Is cuma más Gaeilgeoir ó dhúchas atá ann, ní ciallaíonn sin go bhfuil said ina aistritheoir. Is post deacair é agus tá gá le traenáil cuimsitheach chun dul i dtaithí air.

I ndeireadh na dála tá freagra simplí ar an gceist seo is déanaí. Tá an Ghaeilge anois ina theanga oifigiúil san AE. Ní haon mhaitheas sin a bheith ann mura bhfuil an méid is mó tairbhe is féidir a bhaint as. An dualgas atá anois ar an rialtas ná infheistiú cuimsitheach a cur isteach i traenáil agus tacaíocht aistritheoirí amuigh san Eoraip, ionas nach mbeimid inár gceap magaidh ós comhair na baillstáit eile. Tá stádas ag an Ghaeilge anois nach raibh ann cheana, agus níl sin ann ach amháin toisc iarrachtaí leanúnach ó grúpa díongbháite. Mura gcuireann an rialtas an infheistíocht riachtanach sa tógra seo is masla den t-ord scoth é ar an dhaoine a d’oibrigh chomh crua an pointe seo a scriosadh agus masla ar an náisiún féin. Mar a deir an seanfhocal faoi dhaoine óga, mol an óige agus tiocfaidh. Is dócha má dhéantar an rud céanna leis an Ghaeilge chomh maith tiocfaidh sise leis.

Bush Forgets the horrors of his own regime

Stephanie Lord

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry when I opened today's paper to see that Bush's first speech in four years on Cuba called on the Cuban military to mount a coup against Castro's government. Further to this, he went as far as to say that some of the "horrors" of Castro's "regime" in Cuba remain unknown to the rest of the world.

Is this the same George Bush that has presided over the absolute horror of the Iraq war; the horror of the neglect of and complete disregard of human rights across the world in the name of the "war on terror"; the horror of the torture of prisoners in Abu Gharib and other prisons; the horror of countless violations of the Geneva Convention? Yes, and that's only the beginning.

Mr. Bush seems to have conveniently forgotten the horror inflicted on his own people as a direct result of the policies of his administration. Civil liberties across the states are continually eroded in the name of the PATRIOT Act which have all but removed privacy rights and the legal (and constitutionally enshrined) doctrine of Habeas Corpus. Not only this but Bush in a Milton Friedman-esque escapade has employed a programme of capitalism so extreme that there is only the absolute minimum spent on health, education and social welfare. His tax cuts are directed at the "have-mores" of the US while the "have-nots" languish, simply because they are not his base and he appears to have a perverted distaste for the poor of his nation. Who can forget the horror of thousands of people losing everything in New Orleans in the aftermath of the US government's inadequate response to Hurricane Katrina? Then the subsequent assertion of artist Kanye West that this was because Bush "doesn't care about black people" -which clearly has more than a grain of truth it.

In 2004, Bush showed that his disregard for human rights was not limited to those who were poor, black, gay or detained in one of the many US-run camps such as Guantanamo Bay – it also extends to those with disabilities. The Washington Post outlined how the Bush administration believed that " disability is neither a human rights issue nor a predicate for international law but strictly a domestic policy matter". The message is simple but clear; human rights do not exist, unless we say so.

That a man such as Bush who has been at the forefront of orchestrating policies that enabled some of the worst human rights abuses on record to happen, can stand in public and call on the Cuban military to embark on a coup is simultaneously laughable and appalling, all at the same time. It is the hypocrisy in his sentiments that make it laughable, but it is the danger of advising Cubans to take up arms against one another that is the most appalling.

In 1963, the US supported a military coup d'etat in Iraq against the Quassim government. It was Saddam Hussein who replaced it. In 1973, the US supported a coup in Chile to rid south America of socialist leader Salvador Allende. Who replaced him? General Augusto Pinochet. The CIA financed the Mujahideen in Afghanistan in an effort to quash the Soviets in the region. It was members of the Mujahideen, which were financed and armed to the teeth by the CIA who later formed Al Quaeda.

There are countless other coups which have taken place with the support of and the financial backing of various US administrations. There are countless more coups which were started at the instigation of these administrations. Considering what came after American interference in Iraq, Afghanistan and Chile, not to mention the other countries in South America where willingness to engage in free-marketeering led to the installation of despots and authoritarian tyrants at the expense of the lives of democratically elected leaders and innocent people. American presidents in general –not only Bush- should really have learned their lesson by now. The world knows the "horrors" that they have inflicted and hostile and belligerent calls to military action will only end in tears. In the short-term these will be the tears of the nations that have to suffer the coup. In the long-term it will be the tears of the American people who have to reap the seeds sewn by an antagonistic President Bush who has not got the foresight to realise he is primarily the maker of his personal, and his nation's enemies.

Ógra Shinn Féin National Congress Date Change

Barry McColgan

National Organiser

Ógra Shinn Féin

Ógra Shinn Féin have decided to put the date of their National Congress back until the weekend of 18 – 20 January.

The decision was taken by the Ógra National Executive on Saturday 20^th October after concerns where raised with the current National Congress date clashing with upcoming crucial Sinn Féin Cuige Strategy Meetings.

Recognising that at this moment of time the political and organisational importance of the cuige conferences, and a will to ensure maximum attendance and input at the National Congress influenced the decision to put the date back.

Although not ideal circumstances, the date change now allows Ógra activists across the country to play a crucial role in the Cuige conferences, to further promote the Congress and it allows for more activists especially new College cumann which are just getting on their feet to make a commitment to attend.

The clár will broadly remain unchanged, although their will be the addition of a guest speaker and their will be a new National Ógra Campaign launched.

SCAIP AN SCÉAL/ SPREAD THE WORD

Senan mac Aoidh
Oifigech Chultúir
Ógra Shinn Féin

Beidh agóid ann amárach(25ú deireadh fomhair) ag oifigí Roinn Chultúir agus Fóillíochta i mBéal Feirste.
Bígí ann! Tosaíonn sé ag meán lae ar Sráid York. Impím ar ghach phoblachtach óg dul ann agus seasamh a thógáil in éadan na leathcheala ó Aontachtaithe i Stormont go háirthe an tUasal Poots atá i gceannas ar an roinn i gceist.

There will be a protest tomorrow(25 october) at department of culture and leisure in Belfast.
Be There! It starts at mid day (12.00 noon) on york street. I urge every young republican to go there and to take a stand against the descrimination from unionists in stormont noting paticularly Mr.Poots who is in charge of the said department.

ASIST Programme comes to West Tyrone

West Tyrone Ógra hosted the ASIST training in Omagh at the weekend. 11 people from the Tyrone area undertook and successfully completed the two day course.

The ASIST programme is a two day workshop which will help make trained participants more ready, willing and able to deal with someone who has suicidal thoughts or tendencies. The ASIST programme comes from Canada and is produced by a company called Living Works. It provides caregivers with a standard model to work through to try and deliver suicide first aid.

Chairperson of West Tyrone Ógra Shinn Féin Barry McNally said

“Ógra have been active in call for a suicide prevention strategy on an island wide basis. Our suicide prevention campaign has seen the health minister in the north, Michael McGimpsey and his counterpart in the south, Mary Harney receive a petition called for a common sense all Ireland approach to suicide prevention. Suicide is an epidemic which must be tackled head on.

“The ASIST model can help recognise the first signs of suicide, which will prove invaluable when faced with a possible situation whereby you come into contact with a person at risk of suicide.”

ASIST trainer Caitlin Ni Chathail commended Ógra on seizing the initiative.

Miss Chathail said

“I would like firstly to commend Ógra on taking the initiative and inviting us in to deliver the ASIST Programme in West Tyrone. The ASIST Model is universally used worldwide as a model which can help detect signs of people at risk of suicide. Worldwide there have been over 600,000 people who have undergone ASIST training. Indeed this shows that suicide is a worldwide epidemic which must be treated. I would urge everyone young and old to undergo the ASIST programme. The skills learned on the programme are invaluable and you can make a difference. We are also happy to take the ASIST programme throughout Ireland. I would urge groups to host the programme and help tackle this growing scourge on our society.

Anyone interested in organising an ASIST workshop should contact osfnational@yahoo.ie

Shell to Sea protests continue

There were protests around the country last Friday 12 October in support of the Shell to Sea campaign. Many Shell and Statoil sites were picketed, with a protest on the Newry Road Shell Station in Armagh for the first time.

On Friday morning Sinn Féin members were among those who joined the local community to picket the disputed Bellinaboy refinery site, where they were met with the usual brutal policing tactics.

In Dublin approximately 50 people gathered at Shell’s Irish headquarters at lunchtime to show solidarity with the besieged community in Erris and their fight against Shell’s scheme to pump raw gas through a high-pressure production pipeline and build a huge polluting refinery.

The protesters at Shell’s Leeson Street HQ included many concerned members of the public as well as activists from various groups and organisations including Sinn Féin, Ógra Shinn Féin and even one member of the Green Party.

Despite the decision of the gardaí to confiscate a ladder that one of the protesters happened to be carrying, at least one activist gained access to the top of the porch at Corrib House. Many people passing by stopped and took leaflets, conversed with the protesters and expressed their support. One motorist even made a financial contribution to help with further Shell to Sea activities.

Moilligh Síos National Day of Action!

le Peadar de Bluit

October is the third month of the national Ógra campaign on Road Safety – Moilligh Síos! So far most Ógra cumainn have come out to campaign on this issue, and as a result the message of our campaign has been reaching cities, towns and communities across the entire country. But we can do more, we need to re-double our efforts to ensure that our message hits home. No one else is going to do this for us so we need to ensure that people across the country know that high speeds on roads cost a very high price. The campaign is going very well so far but now is the time to step it up.

No other youth-wing have taken on, or would dare confront issues like we have. We demanded an increased focus on the issue of young people dying as a result of suicide, we confronted the evils of imperialism in its many forms, though none of these jobs are done yet, and we will continue to be active on them but we now have another target – Road Carnage. In order to make a difference on this issue we are going into communities across the country, to the people in those same communities calling on them to take ownership of their actions on the roads. If we fail to convince people that current road behaviour is unacceptable, that lives are being lost needlessly on the roads daily our aim in undertaking this campaign will be lost. We can make a difference on this issue, and we should do everything in our power to make that difference, for the good of everyone.

For this reason a National Day of Action has been planned for next Wednesday 24 October. A considerable number of Ógra cumainn have already been active on this issue this Day of Action is a chance for those cumainn to build on their good work up till now. Other cumainn who may not yet have been active on this particular campaign now have a golden opportunity to implant the importance of this campaign in their local areas. The importance of partaking in a Day of Action should not be overlooked either. By mobilising the entire membership of Ógra we send a very strong message that we are not just going to let this go, that we are serious, and that we want action taken

Possible actions for the Day of Action include: leaflet drops, roadside vigils, public talks, youth group engagement, etc. Any action that highlights the importance of this issue will be worthwhile. A strong national Day of Action will not only show how serious we are in relation to this issue but it will show that we a force to be reckoned with in youth politics in this country. To see young people on the street campaigning passionately on an issue that they feel strongly about sends a powerful message and makes more of an impact than politicians paying lip-service to this and so much else. If those actions are part of a national Day of Action, the message is all the more potent.

We cannot let lingering government inaction around Road Safety on both sides of the border act as an impediment to the success of this campaign. Since the launch of the campaign in August Ógra Shinn Féin have campaigned tirelessly to convince people to change their attitudes. A Day of Action presents with a real chance to make a difference, let’s not miss the chance. We are the campaigning radical edge of the Republican movement we need to live up to that title. It’s our job to get out there and make our voices heard. It’s our purpose to change people’s attitudes around their behaviour behind the wheel and so much more.

Get the message out there, to your villages towns and cities. Say it loud and say it clear: Moilligh Síos!

for further information or if any assistance is required contact myself @ p_debluit@yahoo.ie

Protest at presence of British Military Forces at Magee Fresher’s Fair

Magee University held a Careers Fair in the campus Sports Hall on Tuesday 16th October. The Ógra Shinn Féin Cumann at the University held a peaceful protest, highlighting the hypocrisy of the University's stance on Sinn Féin involvement in campus issues.

A spokesperson for the Magee Cumann said

“Ógra Shinn Féin members have been repeatedly prevented from recruiting members on campus, on the grounds that we may be causing offence to our fellow students.”

“During the Fresher's Fair held on the 25th of September, we were not allowed to display our Ireland of equal’s banner, also councillor Billy Page was not allowed to speak to students, even though he is a representative in the Northlands area. Surely this goes against the University's own protocol, which states, in principle A that,

"It is the view of the University that political activity is a fundamental right devolved to the Students union and the activities undertaken by its Clubs and Societies."

“So surely there should be parity of esteem, as regards the British Navy openly recruiting on the University grounds. Their presence is much more offensive to the majority of students that currently attend the campus. In light of this Sinn Féin members on campus decided to hold a peaceful protest outside the Sports hall doors to highlight the issue.

“However careers fair staff and university security, removed Sinn Fein banner's and tried to prevent the protest from taking place. When we asked why this had happened and why Sinn Féin members were not allowed to protest at the British Navy presence we were told “the navy had paid to be there."

The Ógra Shinn Féin Cumann at Magee will continue to highlight this issue with the University of Ulster until the issue is resolved.

West Tyrone Ógra Host ASIST Programme

This weekend will see the ASIST (applied suicide intervention programme) go to Omagh Co Tyrone. This initiative has been taken on by West Tyrone Ogra Shinn Fein .

Paul Mc Cann an Ogra member said

“Suicide is an epidemic that has taken this country north and south by storm, and for too long people have done nothing around the issue. I feel that every republican or otherwise should have a duty to help deal with this crisis in their community.

Last year suicide prevention was the national campaign for Ogra and we are still actively trying to raise awareness and help contribute to finding a solution.

The ASIST model is standard procedure which we can use to help recognise the first signs of suicide, which will prove invaluable when we bring it back to our communities.”

The ASIST programme is a two day workshop which will help make trained participants more ready, willing and able to deal with someone who has suicidal thoughts or tendencies. The ASIST programme comes from Canada and is produced by a company called Living Works. It provides caregivers with a standard model to work through to try and deliver suicide first aid.

ASIST trainer Caitlin Ni Chathail said “it is fantastic that Ogra Shinn Fein have taken on this initiative. I would urge other people in the community to also take on an active role in striving to create a suicide safer community for all. In particularly I would encourage young people to take a leading role in participating in this workshop as young people are the greatest risk group of suicide in this country.”

*If anyone is interested in participating in an ASIST workshop please contact 07719651127, paul.asist@hotmail.co.uk or contact or Omagh Sinn Fein offices on 028 82 25 30 40

Che remembered 40 Years on in Derry

All roads led to Derry at the weekend for the 40th Anniversary celebration of the life and legacy of Che Guevara. In 1967 Che was shot dead by the Bolivian Army in a CIA sponsored operation whilst fomenting revolution in Bolivia.

Irish Republicans in Derry had organised a comprehensive weekend of events to remember Che 40 years on since his murder. Ógra Shinn Fein took part in numerous events over the weekend and according to its West Tyrone Chairperson Barry McNally it was ‘Educating, inspiring and brought the character of Che to life after 40 years since his death’

Friday night seen the Derry premier of the film Por Siempre Che. The DVD and talk was well attended. Indeed a large number of international comrades were also evident. Belfast Republican, Jim ‘Flash’ McVeigh and Cuban Ambassador to Ireland Noel Carrillo also addressed the event with Sean McMonigle chairing proceedings.

A tour of political murals in Derry’s Bogside took place on Saturday morning. As a part of the weekend of the events the tour was free of charge and was joined by the Cuban Ambassador. The tour concluded with the unveiling of a Che Guevara mural in the Bogside. A large crowd had congregated and the events were addressed by a number of speakers.

A youth Discussion in Pilots Row was next on the agenda. Chairing the proceedings was Aoife McNaught of Tóirsire republican youth. On the Panel was Barry McColgan of Ógra Shinn Féin joined by Cuban Ambassador Noel Carrillo and Sinn Fein’s Raymond McCartney. A large number of young people from Derry and further-a-field packed the hall to take part in the discussion. Following the showing of 2 short films the proceedings commenced.

A Cuban information night was held before the conclusion of the weekend of events. The crowd heard of the plight of the Miami 5 (otherwise known as the Cuban 5). The 5 men were arrested in America in 2001. The Cuban Five are serving four life sentences and 75 years collectively, after being wrongly convicted in U.S. federal court in Miami, on June 8, 2001. They are Gerardo Hernández, Ramón Labañino, Antonio Guerrero, Fernando González and René González.The Five were falsely accused by the U.S. government of committing espionage conspiracy against the United States, and other related charges.But the Five pointed out vigorously in their defence that they were involved in monitoring the actions of Miami-based terrorist groups, in order to prevent terrorist attacks on their country of Cuba.

A speaker from the Dublin Branch of the Free The Miami 5 campaign addressed the information evening and called for republicans in Ireland to highlight the injustice and join the campaign.
Earlier in the week republicans in Derry from Sinn Féin, Ógra Shinn Féin and Tóirsire republican youth had collected hundreds of signatures calling for the mens release. This had been presented to Ambassador Noel Carrillo following the conclusion of the Youth Discussion in Pilots Row.

The Weekend of events concluded with an international night with music provided by Gary Óg.

Sean McMonigle from Derry Sinn Féin has congratulated all those involved in organising or who attended the week of events to coincide with the 40th Anniversary of the death of the Che Guevara ,which seen a visit to the city of the Cuban Ambassador to Ireland Noel CarrilloSean said"Congratulations must go to all involved in organising or who attended many of the events that took place in the city in the past week. The theme of the week was to go beyond the iconic image of Che Guevara find out more about the man and the shared history of Cuba and Ireland ,and I think the all the various event achieved that ."Tickets for the Derry premier of the film Por Siempre Che sold out very quickly and every event was very well attended .The excellent new mural at Lisfannon Park has received a lot of interest. There was a lot of interest from other parts of the world about the week .We had media requests for information about the event from as far apart as France and Japan""The Cuban Ambassador to Ireland Noel Carrillo was very pleased about the how the whole week went and was organised .In particular he praised the initiative taken by young republicans in Derry to highlight the case of the Miami 5 in which they got hundreds of signatures calling for the men's release ""We will ensure in the times ahead that the case of the Miami 5 will be given as much support possible to highlight their ongoing campaign"

Barry McNally from Ógra Shinn Féin also congratulated all those involved in the weekend.

“I would like to first of all congratulate those behind the organisation of the weekend and also extend Ógras thanks for the invite to attend and address the weekend. It was a comprehensive and informative weekend run by Irish republicans in Derry. Irish Republicans fully support Cuba and remember with pride the legacy of Che Guevara. He has inspired generations in Ireland to continue the fight for freedom and indeed he will continue to inspire people in Ireland and the world over to continue the struggle against imperialism and it’s destructive by products. Irish republicans keep the name of Che Guevara beside the name of Bobby Sands. Both were brothers in arms in the one struggle. The weekend in Derry has served top reinforce this view and to show our ongoing support for Cuba forty years after the death of El Comandante Che Guevara.

North Antrim Motorists Urged to 'Moilligh Síos' - Slow Down

Ógra Shinn Féin organised two Road Safety 'Moilligh Síos' vigils in North Antrim last Wednesday 10th October. The vigils where held at the request of local Sinn Féin and community activists who wanted to highlight the spiralling levels of road traffic accidents in the Glenravel area.

The vigils where held in Martinstown and Cargan and received alot of attention and support from the local community. Banners and posters where held by those involved in the vigil and leaflets where handed out to passing drivers.

Local Sinn Féin councillor Monica Digney was present at the protest.

Speaking at the protest National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin Barry McColgan said,

"Road safety is a national issue, an issue that takes lives, creates injuries and devastates families and communities across Ireland. It is an issue that especially affects young people and so it is very apt that we are taking this issue on as our National Campaign."

"We need to use our peer influence on young drivers and encourage them to take more care on the road. We received a positive response in North Antrim tonight and we engaged with many young drivers who commended the campaign."

We organised the vigil in North Antrim at the request of local Sinn Féin and community activists and we are quite willing to organise similar events the length and breath of Ireland. The campaign will step up a gear in the months leading up to Christmas and we would urge all local areas to play their part in raising awareness around this most serious issue."