Ógra Shinn Féin build Solidarity Links in England

Members of Ógra Shinn Féin and the Wolfe Tone Society held a protest at the entrance of 10 Downing Street during the recent annual Bloody Sunday commemoration weekend in London, England (2nd – 4th February).

Protestors, carrying placards and banners descended on the entrance to Downing Street to call for the immediate resignation of Ronnie Flanagan over his involvement in collusion through his reign of being chief constable of the RUC and PSNI, and for The British PM to come clean on the issue of Collusion.

The protest was part of an Irish Republican youth weekend.

Irish republican youth Group, Ógra Shinn Féin sent over a strong delegation and were involved in many activities throughout the weekend including a tour of central London. Such sites included places were Irish immigrants set up home in England and various spots were Britain’s occupation of Ireland was felt directly on Britain as well as visiting Peace activist Brian Haw, who has been protesting for nearly 6 years outside the British Houses of Parliament, since June 2001.

Barry McColgan, National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin also addressed the Annual Bloody Sunday panel discussion, alongside John Kelly of the Bloody Sunday Families, Raymond McCartney of Sinn Fein, Alan Bracknell of the Pat Finucane Centre and British Labour leadership challenger, John McDonnell.

Speaking following the weekend, Barry McColgan of Ógra Shinn Féin thanked the organisers of the weekend and praised the organisation's supporting the Irish republican struggle in England.

"Building a solidarity movement in Britain is one of the national strategic objectives of Sinn Fein, building a strong base in England to call for Britain’s withdrawal from Ireland. It is an inspiration to see and hear of many of the action undertaken by republicans in Britain in support of the cause of Irish unity."

"The weekend has gone some way in doing that. I would like to commend and congratulate both the Wolfe tone society and troops out movement, not only for this weekend but also for the sterling work they do for the Irish Republican movement as a whole”