Lets build peace, not monuments!

Frankie Gallagher
Donegal Ógra Shinn Féin

Bertie Ahern has recently announced that the Fianna Fail/PD government will (if re-elected) be allocating 5 million euro for the construction of a monument in the border region to recognise new found 'peace' in Ireland.

The Taoiseach announced this at the Fianna Fail 1916 commemoration. Bertie just wants to appear as a Republican 'Taoiseach' in a 'Republican Party'.

Like his 1916 rising 90th anniversary commemoration last year when the Free-State forces (who's principal aim is to uphold the capitalist 26 county state), marched in memory of the brave men and women who died for a Independent Socialist 32 county Republic.

But that is a different issue. I am writing this in protest of Bertie Aherns proposal. I think it is disgraceful and typical of the FF party. This was announced after he commemorated men such as Padraig Pearse who famously quoted "Ireland unfree shall never be at peace”.

I don’t believe peace exists today in the occupied 6-county's. We are on the path to peace definitely but true peace has not been yet been achieved. Bertie Ahern does not understand the meaning of peace as those who have always had it cannot understand it.

Ask the people of the Falls, the Bogside, West Tyrone and even the Shankill if they have peace? Wasting much needed money on a monument does not mean peace exists. The Fianna Fail government would be better using the money to develop cross border and cross community projects, instead of wasting money on a 'landmark' to show the world what 'they have done for peace'.

So when people drive along the inadequate road infrastructure, past the barbed wire, pass by the nurses striking, and past the armed police patrol, they can look at the 'great monument' and give thanks to Bertie for allowing them to live in an Ireland of Peace, Equality and Justice.