Ógra to oppose Royal Visit

Ógra Shinn Féin has signalled it intent to oppose, and to protest against, the visit of Elizabeth Windsor to Ireland if a proposed 'royal visit' goes ahead.

National Organiser Donncahdh ó Laoghaire has described the decision by the Taoiseach Brian Cowen to open the door to such a visit as “Bizarre and Inappropriate”


''Many Media commentators, have and will attempt to legitimise this visit in the context of 'normal diplomatic relationships'. Such a point of view is based on the rather questionable basis that Anglo- Irish relations are normal. How normal is the British occupation of 6 Irish counties?'

Furthermore, Ógra opposes all the she represents. She is the Commander-in-Chief of the British Armed Forces, which remains a force of occupation and imperialism in numerous places across the World. She is head of state by dint of her birth, occupies a position no Catholic or 'Commoner' can occupy, and the entire basis for her position is based on priviledge and good fortune. How can any republican do anything other than to oppose the existance of such an absurd institution, much less its right to be received with a gracious welcome while her forces occupy part of Ireland?'

He added that this surely undermined Fianna Fáil's claims to be a republican party even further. 'The Taoiseach’s welcome came on the day he refused in the Dáil to give a commitment to raise the issue of collusion with the British Prime Minister. What more can be said - Fianna Fáil's uncritical and unquestioning welcome to Elizabeth Windsor is simply shoneenism.'



“Ógra Sinn Féin opposes the proposed state visit of Elizabeth Windsor, Commander-in-Chief of the British armed forces. Until there is complete withdrawal of the British military and the British administration from Ireland, and until there is justice and truth for victims of collusion, no official welcome should be accorded to any officer of the British armed forces of any rank.”