Monday, September 28, 2009

Counter-revolutionaries

Lee Casey
ÓSF An Lorgain

Divide and conquer has always been a valuable tool used by imperialists throughout the ages. It is as effective as it is destructive. It is currently manifesting itself in the various groups that have emerged in recent times claiming to be continuing the ‘true’ republican flame.

In Lurgan, North Armagh, at the weekend a number of vehicles were burnt out on local railway lines and a number of skirmishes occurred. This was all directed with the aim of causing a riot and a reaction from the PSNI. I think the mainstream media made an exaggerated mountain out of what was really an insignificant mole hill in their interpretation of events.


The events of last weekend were both senseless and pointless. They served to annoy and disrupt the local community. The majority of which stayed clear of what was just mindless, a-political vandalism on a Friday night. The cars and vans that were burnt out were not done so at any checkpoint or crown force facility, the destruction took place on the very doorstep of local people much to their anger and annoyance.

The use of a riot is sometimes the best counter-maneuver against crown force oppression. It has been used throughout the struggle to prevent crown forces from pillaging republican communities. But this business of enticing the PSNI into an area for an altercation is both pointless and dangerous and serves to bring down the name and reputation of an area.

The PSNI were not the only targets. The fire services also came under attack and out of justified fears for the security of their officers and equipment, were instructed not to enter potentially unsafe areas. Had there been a house fire and people in urgent need of rescue, lives could have been lost.

I am not on the other hand rushing to defend the PSNI, for they are far from perfect and have much to do to win the trust of the republican community, but I am very suspicious of any group who want to make an estate a no-go area for the PSNI and would question the real reason why this is.

And what have the people who orchestrated the destruction and disruption of their own community to say for their actions? The usual response; nothing. I feel we should no longer use the term ‘dissident’ to describe what is a small, faceless and anarchistic group of people. I think ‘counter-revolutionary’ is a more accurate term.

As an Irish Republican my loyalty is to the idea and creation of a unified socialist republic. As such, I will support the movement that will deliver it with the greatest speed and success.
Sinn Féin is the only party I see in the political landscape of Ireland that fits this criterion.
Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael represent two puppets attached to the same corrupt ideals of a thirst for greed and a lust for power. The SDLP represent a sinking ship whose members like rats will cling to anything that floats in order to stay above electoral water.

As for these other so-called republican groups, we must not let these counter-revolutionaries distract us from the change we are bringing and will continue to bring to the people of this country.
Votáil Sinn Féin!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

More apt description than 'traitors' in my opinion, but thats a different debate! I personally try to avoid use of the term 'dissident' as i frequent with people who mightn't agree with certain Sinn Féin policies, but who woulldnt be seen in the company of these anti-community, counter-revolutionary elements you describe here. it has often been said that while the Irish have always been inclined to fight each other, little wonder that britain has always acted as a boxing promoter. the tension between these vulnerable elements and Sinn Féin will always be propped up by the enemy, which is a problem that no amount of questioning at dpp or policing board level will be able to solve. 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend' type of situation.

s.g.

Interested said...

Should try and get article carried as a letter in Irish News

Anonymous said...

Completely agree with both of you here SG and 'interested' ...

Anonymous said...

I think this article is pointless
and the votail sinn fein was a bit childish.

Ógra Shinn Féin said...

Could people please include their names in future, so that people know who they are debating with.