Ógra Shinn Féin alive and kicking in Waterford

Ógra Shinn Féin was re-established in WIT last year, midway through the academic calendar.

This year however, Ógra Shinn Féin was alive and kicking and had the opportunity to setup a stall on both WIT campuses for Clubs & Societies day for the first time.

Hosted by WIT ÓSF members John O'Brien, dedicated Republican sisters - Joeanne & Maggie Bermingham, along with support from many Senior Sinn Féin party members - The WIT ÓSF stall garnered a lot of interest.

Displaying civil rights posters, passers-by were reminded on the ongoing struggle for equality, even in today's modern world - and the part that young activists today play in society.

Also present on the campus, were members of Ógra Fianna Fáil - with which we briefly discussed the outcome of the Lisbon Treaty, along with the pros & cons of the document. We expressed our concern for a second referendum and how it would taint democracy. We further explained that a second referendum is proof that centralised power within Europe is trying to determine the future of the people by forcing our Government to rerun a referendum again and again, until the political elite hear the answer that they want to hear, and not necessarily the voice of the people.

It should be noted that both member's of Ógra Fianna Fáil were cordial in debate and welcoming to the world of politics on the WIT campus. In a society where political parties engage in tit for tat verbal assaults on each other - It was nice to see people from different political ideologies sharing a mature and mannerly debate.

With many new faces ready to join the WIT Ógra Shinn Féin ranks, Waterford can expect a busy forthcoming year in youth activism. We look forward to the challenges that await us and are ready to make our mark on the WIT campus.