Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Anti-Bush Anti Imperialism Raised Loud and Clear in Belfast

Ogra Shinn Fein mobilized activists from across Ireland for yesterday’s protest against US Imperialism at Belfast City Hall. The protest was called in response to George Bush visiting the city.

Over 100 Republican activists including Sinn Fein MLA’s and councilors marched with banners and posters from the party’s Sevastopal Street Office to join the joint protest at Belfast City Hall.

The Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness also met with George Bush, and raised Sinn Fein’s objections and concerns over the ongoing occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan.



Speaking at the protest, National Organiser of Ogra Shinn Fein, Barry McColgan said,

“A loud and clear message was sent out to George Bush and the world that Ireland rejects Imperialism. Ogra Shinn Fein called for Imperialists out of Iraq and Afghanistan, but also out of our own country.”

“Hundreds of people mobilized today demonstrating their anger at US foreign policy but also in strong solidarity with peoples’ brutally oppressed by US tyranny.”

“The protest and demands we vocally aired today, must continue to be highlighted in Ireland and across the world to resonate and put pressure on the incoming US President to end these unpopular, murderous and illegal occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan.”

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well done Ogra! Massive mobilization on your part!

maxi

Anonymous said...

Have to laugh at remarks directed towards Republicans on the day by certain individuals from so called "anti imperialist" "anti war" and er? "SOCIALIST" organisations.

These organisations loose all credibility when they fail to oppose britains inperialist occupation in their own country.

You cant be against iperialism in one part of the world and turn a blind eye to the same policies being imposed just up the road. Sorry lads your posters just arnt wort the paper they're printed on!

Anonymous said...

Have to agree with anonymous above. I heard more crap directed at Conor Murphy than Cowen or Brown! SP Youth taking advantage of the crowd and media to push their own anti Sinn Fein agenda. "Occupation is a crime" apparently? However, when it comes to Ireland it isn't. A middle of the road 'two state solution' seems to be the 'only viable' option because it wouldn't be like socialists to ever rock the establishment's boat! Maybe that will be a better option for the security of their future lives once they finally finish their degrees and smoking their joints.

Anonymous said...

glad ogra supported this protest i was confused and upset our leader martin mcguinness chose to invite this war criminal and then greeted him with a smile. it had me questioning the partys direction i'd like to congratulate ogra for taking a stand against a poor leadership decision and opposing bush's visit well done! hats off!

Anonymous said...

have to laugh at ogra protesting bush, when party boss mc guinness was chuckling along with him in stormont.


though i wouldnt expect you will allow on this on your site

section 31 alive and well

Anonymous said...

i totally agree with the previous comment. the socialist party north and south of the border are quick to hold pickets and protests aginst imperialism in other parts of the world but they wont even bat an eye lid at it right here in there own land!

Anonymous said...

Just to set a few things straight, Martin McGuinness didn't invite Bush, he was invited by Gordon Brown.

However he did meet him, and why wouldn't he, he was able to raise crucial issues with Bush, like the case of the undocumented Irish and our concerns over US foreign policy and the ongoing occupation of Iraq.

The same way we have negotiated with the Brits and the same way other revolutionary organisations globally like the PKK build strategic alliances with the likes of the US for the advantage of their struggle.

SF and Ógra conducted the most productive protest on the day, on the street and pressing our demands with the person responsible - George W Bush.

Claire