Seolann Uachtarán SF Slógadh Bliantúil Shinn Féin

Sheol Uachtarán Sinn Féin Gerry Adams MP MLA Slógadh bliantúil Shinn Féin i mBaile Átha Cliath (19-21 Deireadh Fómhair) inniu agus mhol sé doGhaeilgeoirí agus do fhoghlaimeoirí a bheith páirteach agus sult a bhaint asna himeachtaí éagsúla.

Dúirt an tUasal Adams:

"Tá Sinn Féin ar thús cadhnaíochta i dtábhacht na teanga agus an chultúir Ghaelaigh a chur chun cinn agus a háit a chosaint le linn nahidirbheartaíochta a raibh Comhaontú Aoine an Chéasta agus Comhaontú ChillRímhinn mar thoradh uirthi ar bhonn uile-Éireann.

"Is iad Sinn Féin an t-aon pháirtí polaitiúil a eagraíonn comhdháil bhliantúil Ghaeilge.

"Tugann an Slógadh Gaeilgeoirí le chéile le haghaidh díospóireachta, ceoilagus craic.

"Tá sé oscailte do chách.

"Is í maireachtáil agus athbheochan na Gaeilge scéal bhua cultúrtha ár dtíre. Tá níos mó daoine ag úsáid na Gaeilge in aghaidh an lae. Tá páistíóga go háirithe á n-oiliúint trí mheán na Gaeilge in uimhreacha atá ag duli méad agus caithfear a dtodhchaí agus a gcearta a chaomhnú.

"Molaim go gach duine, idir óg agus aosta freastal ar an taispeántas seo archultúr na hÉireann agus le leanstan ar aghaidh ón deireadh seachtaine tharbarr anuraidh i mBéal Feirste."

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Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams MP/MLA has today launched the annual Sinn Féin Slógadh in Howth, Dublin (19-21 October) and has urged all Irish speakers and learners everywhere to take part and enjoy the numerous events.

Mr Adams said:

"Sinn Féin has been to the forefront in promoting the importance and safeguarding the position of the Irish language and culture during the negotiations leading to the Good Friday Agreement and St Andrews Agreement on an all-Ireland basis."

Sinn Féin is the only political party to organise an annual Irish language conference.

The Slógadh brings together gaelgeoiri for debate, music and craic.

It is open to everyone.

The survival and revival of Irish has been our country's cultural success story. More and more people are using Irish. Young children in particular are being educated in increasing numbers through the medium of Irish and it is their future and their rights that must be cherished.

"I urge everyone, young and old to attend this showcase of Irish culture and to follow on from last years excellent weekend in Béal Feirste."

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Slogadh Shinn Fein 2007

Datai: Aoine 19u - Domhnach 21u Deireadh Fomhair

Ionad: Ostan Deerpark, Binn Eadair, Co. Atha Cliath

Costas: 125euro- 2 oiche B+B agus dinnear oiche Shathairn

Imeachtai: diospoireachtai, leacht, turas ar Bhinn Eadair,

bronnadh Gradam na Poblachta,

ceol oiche Aoine agus oiche Shathairn.

Nios mo eolais o: Eimear Ni Mhurchadha

Oifigeach Chultuir BAC

mailto:enimhurchadha@netscape.net

00 353 87 9691620

Naoimh nó Naimhde

le Peadar de Bluit

Bheifeá caillte tar éis an tseachtain seo ag iarraidh a dhéanamh amach cé atá ar cén taobh insan agóid Aer Lingus. Tá an méid sin taobhanna éagsúla go bhfuilid roinnte suas idir naoimh is naimhde. Bhí mé suí ann tar éis an nuacht an céad lá a bhris an scéal is mé measctha go hiomlán. Bhí ciréib cainte idir muintir Sionna, na ceardchumainn, oibrithe an t-Aerfort, an Rialtas, Ryanair, bainistíocht Aer Lingus agus na meán cumarsáide sáite eatarthu ar fad. Bhíos caillte go hiomlán ach ansin d’imigh an scéal in olcas. Bhí na eitiltí ag bogadh, “Go dtí cén áit?”, arsa mé féin. Ansin do chonaic mé miongháire ollmhór ar an céad Aire, agus Gearóid Ó Ceallaigh taobh leis, bhí a fhios agam nach ag críochnú a bhí an scéal seo ach ag tosú…

An lá dár gcionn lorg mé comhairle ón lár-ionad eolais; sinnfein.ie. An céad rud ós mo chomhair amach ba ea preas ráiteas ó Maurice Quinlivan á cáineadh íobart na heitiltí ó Sionna. Bhí eitiltí nua ag teacht go Béal Feirste áfach ní féidir sin a fhágáil ar leathaobh, an féidir? Níor fhágfadh, thíos píosa ón gcéad preas ráiteas bhí pictiúr Paul Maskey ann. Scrúdaigh mé an méid a bhí ann agus dar ndóigh ag fáiltiú na heitiltí a bhí sé, an raibh cogadh cathartha na heitiltí ar tí briseadh amach eadrainn féin? Ní raibh cinnte, thíos ag bun luaigh sé a déistin gur fhágadh Sionna gan na heitiltí seo, bhíomar tar éis sinn féin a shlánú. Cad féin cuid eile áfach?

Tar éis ár suíomh féin a fhágáil go dtí suíomh eile nuachta a chuas. Cinnte a dhóthain, bhí cogadh na heitiltí faoi lánsheol. Gan dabht an rialtas a bhí ag fulaingt an cáineadh is measa. Níor fhágfadh Aer Lingus gan a gcuidse ach an oiread, bhí na naimhde aimsithe agam, sin a shíl mé ar aon nós. Na naoimh áfach scéal difiriúl a bhí ansin. Bhí Michael O’ Leary - William Martin Muphy II - ag cáineadh an plean amach is amach. Nach eisean an duine a bhfuil 25% de stoc Aer Lingus aige, nach mbeidh siúd ag déanamh airgead ón bplean nua seo, cad a bhí ag dul ar aghaidh anseo?

D’éirigh an scéal níos measa sna laethanta a tháinig ina dhiadh. Bhí Willie O’ Dea anois tagtha amach ag dul i gcoinne seasamh an rialtas, á rá nach raibh an rud a bhí ag tarlú i gceart in aon chor. Bhí na naimhde ag iarraidh a gcuid dathanna a athrú. Mar a d’imigh an tseachtain ar aghaidh áfach d’éirigh an tseachtain níos measa do mhuintir na Sionna; gnó ag dúnadh síos, tógraí á cur ar cheal agus níos mó lena chois sin.

Ag deireadh an lae áfach is cuma cé atá ar cén taobh. Na doine tábhachtach sa scéal seo ná muintir na Sionna iad féin. Ní féidir na daoine seo a fhágáil ar lár agus dearmad a dhéanamh ar na daoine seo i sorcas na meán cumarsáide atá ag dul ar aghaidh ann.

The Results Are In and The Prices Are Up

Ógra Shinn Féin Education spokesperson Michál Harkin has said that a recent Ulster Bank study finding that it has became more expensive for students living in Belfast since last year, will affect many new students and existing students as they begin the new academic year. He also predicted many students will be forced to leave university due to the financial strain.

Mr Harkin said,

"Students have now recieved their A Level results and are making plans for their 'next move'. They're thinking about final decisions on which course to choose and which university to attend in September.

"With rising acommodation costs, travel costs and living costs, Belfast and indeed university life in general is becoming more and more expensive. With the added levy of top-up fees, students particularly from low income families will feel the punch. Ógra Shinn Féin has been clear and consistent with regards these fees. They promote a culture where your bank balance determines your education. This is wrong and should end.

"Many students have to secure part-time jobs, just to make ends meet. With often excessive hours, this can have a knock on effect on their studies. Taking all this into account, it's time students were given adequate financial assistance. Education is a right afterall, no one should be priced out."

Moilligh Síos urged as Leaving Cert Results Due

Le coicís anuas, chuir Ógra Shinn Féin tús le feachtas náisiúnta úrnua bunaithe ar sláinteachas bóithre. Rithfidh an feachtas seo fud fad na tíre ar feadh sé mhí ag tógáil isteach an Nollag agus an Athbhliain.

Ógra Shinn Féin in the past fortnight launched their new National Campaign on Road Safety. The campaign entitled Moilligh Síos! - Slow Down! - will run for the next six months, leading into the Christmas and New Year periods, times synonymous with road accidents. The campaign was launched nationally in the past two weeks and received an extremely positive response. Also recently ÓSF participated in the launch of Sinn Féin’s Road Safety policy in Dublin. These initiatives by both sections of the party, it is hoped, will contribute in some way to alleviating the incidence of road traffic accidents on the country’s roads.

Speaking about the release of the upcoming examination results, ÓSF Campaigns Officer, de Bluit wished all well saying,

“I send my best wishes out to all awaiting their results this week. Guím gach rath orthu agus súil le Dia agam go bhfaigheann siad an méid atá á lorg acu.”

“I would also take this chance to again stress to those who may choose to celebrate, to take care. It is a sad fact that each year we loose young people with their whole lives ahead of them around this time. Don’t become a statistic, be smart. If you’re driving don’t drink, and even then take it easy.”

Referring to the new campaign, de Bluit said,

“I sincerely hope that by engaging in this campaign we can make a real difference on this, an issue that has hurt so many people the length and breadth of our country. The stated aim of our campaign is to increase awareness among young people around Road Safety. This campaign comes only weeks after the end of our very successful anti-imperialist campaign ARISE. We would hope that this campaign can be even better. Fatalities on our roads are one of the biggest killers of young people and we all need to play our part to change this.”

“Peer engagement is at the core of this campaign making it unique from the efforts of other groups and organisations. We have no intention of scare-mongering, or exaggerating the facts. At the same time we want to bring home to the people we engage with, just how serious this issue is and how it has affected and ruined so many lives. ÓSF intend to meet and talk to groups of young people, we feel that if we educate young people about their responsibilities on the roads now, that it will go some way to making the roads safer in the future.”

Sláinteachas Bóithre

Peader DeBluit

Tá deireadh seachtain eile imithe uainn, agus níos mó daoine marbh ar na mbóithre. Is uafásach an scéal é ar fad nár cuireadh leigheas níos fearr ar an gceist seo fós. Tá bagairtí na Gardaí imithe ar shlí na fírinne, feachtas bóithre an rialtais ina thost chomh maith, agus mar is gnáth tá na húdaráis ag déanamh neamh-shuim des na sé contae. Is dochreidte an scéal é nach dtuigeann na daoine seo fós go bhfuil gá an fadhb seo a leigheas ón dá thaobh den teorainn.

Le seachtain anuas tá cáipéis ar shláinte bóithre eisithe ag Sinn Féin, chun aird a tharraingt ar méid na faidhbe seo. Molaim daoibh go hard an méid atá sa cáipéis seo. Tá moltaí ciallmhara radacha istigh ann agus é mar aidhm acu meoin na tiománaithe sa tír seo a athrú. Lena chois sin molann sé athruithe ó thaobh reachtaíocht de chun saol tiomána níos fearr a chothú don uile duine againn. Is doiciméad fíor-cruinn, cuimsitheach í an doiciméad seo a leagann bóthar soiléir amach chun leigheas éigin a cur ar an gceist seo.

In éineacht leis an doiciméad seo an tseachtain seo caite, tá feachtas úrnua tosaithe ag Ógra Shinn Féin ar an ábhar céanna. Tá feachtas ÓSF ag díriú ar dhaoine óga, ag iarraidh dea-cleachtais ar na mbóithre a spreagadh iontu. Ar an ábhar go bhfaigheann níos mó daoine óga bás de bharr ciotrúin bóithre, i ndiadh lámh a cur ina bhás féin, chinn ÓSF go mbeadh an feachtas seo thar a bheith tábhachtach ag an stad seo. Sé aidhm an feachtas ná oiliúint a cur ar dhaoine óga anois chun deimhin a dhéanamh de go mbeidh na bóithre níos sláintiúla sa todhchaí.

Níl aon dabht ach go bhfuil na rudaí seo ar fad ag tarlú ag an am cruinn agus torthaí scrúduithe an tSamhraidh á eisiúint go luath. Gach blian um an dtaca iompaíonn tréimhse, ar cheart a bheith spreagúil agus áthasach, go dtí am brónach ag cuimhniú ar dhaoine óga a chaill a shaol ar an mbóthar. Tá gá anois,a níos mó ná beagnach am ar bith eile sa bhliain, a cur ina luí le daoine óga a bheith curamach ar na bóithre. Más rud é go bhfuil siad ag tiomáint ná bídís ag ól, agus bídís thar a bheith curamach ar fad. Cailltear go leor ógánaigh le linn an tréimhse seo. Déanaimís ár naoi ndícheall nach dtarlóidh sé i mbliana.Beimís go léir ag súil go dtagann athrú ar an scéal seo ins an tréimhse atá le teacht. B’fhéidir - ach ní bhéinnse fanacht - go dtógfaidh an rialtas suas moltaí Shinn Féin suas agus go gcuirfear i bhfeidhm iad. In ainneoin gníomhú sna 26 áfach táim cinnte go bhféachfaidh an Aire Forbairt Réigiúnda sna 6 contae ar an moltaí, tús maith leath na hoibre. Ní féidir linn áfach bheith ag fanacht ar an rialtas an fadhb seo a leigheas. Tá dualgas ar gach uile duine againn bheith níos curamí ar na bóithre agus meas a bheith againn dosna daoine eile atá á úsáid. Más féidir linn an meoin sin a cothú eadrainn féin scaipfidh sé go luath.

Tá ár gcuid beag le himirt ag gach uile duine againn sa streachailt i gcoinne timpistí bóithre. Tá an teachtaireacht soiléir: MOILLIGH SÍOS!!

Announcing Camp Havana ‘07

Armagh Ógra Shinn Féin is happy to show our continuing support for the campaign to free the Miami Five. Although a large number of Ógra activists are heading to the Basque country at the same time of the Camp, I would urge all Ógra activist who are not, to consider going on this trip to learn about the hardships imposed on Cuba by the U.S. government. And to learn about the injustice of the five Cuban nationals imprisoned in the U.S.A.


Glencolumbkille,Co. Donegal,

Ireland

7 - 9 September 2007

From Friday 7th to Sunday 9th September 2007 men, women and children from every corner of this island - and indeed from much further away - will gather in Glencolumbkille, Donegal. They will come in busses, by car, bicycle or on foot.

They will erect CAMP HAVANA and walk the hills surrounding the valley of Glencolumbcille. Some will take the challenging hike across the Slieve League ridge, some will use a more relaxed walking route and some will only go as far as the bus can take them. Some may even attempt to dance salsa!All of them will enjoy Europe's highest sea - cliffs which are surrounded by scenery incomparable to anywhere else on this earth:

(http://marette.free.fr/panorama_irlande/panorama1.html).

Of course we are not just gathering to admire spectacular scenery. We will gather in what is going to be the biggest show of friendship with people from another island - at least since last year’s Camp Havana.Camp Havana is now firmly established as the premier Cuba solidarity event on the Irish calendar. This year's Camp Havana is dedicated to the topic of Cuban Health Care in the World and its unparalleled and unsurpassed delivery of health care to impoverished communities throughout the third world.

Cuba has solved its own health care needs to the extent that the World Health Organisation ranks its system on a par with many advanced western health care systems, Cubans now have the same life expectancy as the average American.

Cubans also enjoy free and equal access to high quality, patient focused, healthcare. Ireland has 17 times the income per head of Cuba and still can't provide decent healthcare to its population.More than 67 countries currently rely on Cuba to provide all or part of their health care systems in a process which is the exact reverse of the West's brain-drain of qualified doctors and nurses from the third world.

Where officials of the Irish HSE travel the world trying to lure doctors from poor countries who can ill-afford to lose them, Cuba provides medics to fill the void and trains more local doctors to replace those stolen.31,000 Cuban health professionals are currently working in 71 countries around the world, a total of 100,000 such professionals who have done so since 1963, according to Cuban records.

These professionals have made 300 million medical consultations, performed 2 million surgeries, 700,000 deliveries and have saved approximately 1 million lives through emergency medical interventions.

At the Havana-based Latin American School of Medicine this July, 1,842 physicians concluded their studies, among them eight students from the United States. This is the third year since its establishment that medics have graduated from the School.

It was set up to provide medical education to people selected from around the world who are committed to providing healthcare for their own communities and would be unable to fund their own medical education in their home countries.

By this means Cuba hopes to provide health care for disadvantaged communities all around the world delivered by locals who are trained in Cuba.Since 2005 almost 5,000 physicians have been trained free of charge, at Latin American School of Medicine in Havana. Free tuition in Cuba is accompanied by free board and lodgings, free books and medical equipment, free language training for non-Spanish speakers and free transport to and from Cuba. We believe this is a contribution to humanity that is worth celebrating.Get in touch with us now!

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

Friday 7 Sept

8pm - Festival opening ceremony, raising the flag on Camp Havana 2006

9pm - Traditional music session

Saturday 8 September

11am - Sponsored Hill walk Glencolumbcille valley.

7pm – Film Show and Political rally: Cuban Health Care - A Gift to the World

9.30pm - Salsa dance class followed by Club Tropicana with DJ Ron (of Club Sandino, Dublin)

Sunday 9 September

11am - Historic walking tour of Glencolumbcille

2pm - Festival closing ceremony

Contact information and Sponsorship Cards for the walk are available from:Eleanor Lanigan, Dublin, at 01-8339766 or Bill O’Brien, Glencolumbcille, at: 087-2939466(00-3531-8339766 and 00-35387-2939466 respectively from outside of Ireland)Email: FreeMiami5@eircom.netWeb: http://www.cubasupport.com/

How to get there: Directions from Donegal town the village of Glencolumbkille is located on the south western tip of County Donegal. To get there by road take the N56 to Killybegs (approx. 30 Km) and then the R263 to Kilcar, Carrick and finally to Glencolumbcille (approx. 30 Km).

BY BUS: There is a direct bus service from Dublin to Glencolumbkille. The Bus leaves from Busáras, Store Street, Dublin 1 and you will arrive in the centre of Glencolumbcille in 6 hrs.

Reservations: http://tinyurl.com/367g42

BY AIR: Daily flights between Dublin and Donegal Airport are operated by Aer Arann (http://www.aerarann.com/). They also operate a weekend service between Glasgow Prestwick and Donegal

Accommodation.

Contact the northwest tourist office at: +353 (0)71 9161201 or log on to http://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/

Meath Ógra Shinn Féin says Moilligh Síos!

Meath Ogra Shinn Fein took to the streets and doorsteps of Navan Town to highlight the National Road Safety awareness campaign undertaken by Ogra Shinn Fein - 'Moilligh Síos!', translated as Slow Down will be the theme for the peer based campaign.

David Byrne, Meath Ogra Shinn Fein said,

''368 Men, Women and Children were fatally injured in road traffic accidents in 2006. We will be active on this campaign to highlight the dangers on the road and to urge people, especially our peers to take more care on the road.''

"This is only the beginning of the national campaign but in the coming weeks and months Meath Ógra intend to promote this issue as widely as possible through all platforms including murals, public meetings, leaflet and by simply engaging young people on the streets. Road deaths are the second killer of our young people, and it is something which must be combatted now."

Short Film highlighting oppression of Basque Youth

This year the Spanish State determined that the Basque youth movement Segi was a ‘Terrorist’ organisation. In the immediate aftermath, the leadership of Segi where arrested and charged with sentences up to 7 years and the youth movement where banned from organising.

Anyone charged with Segi membership or having materials belonging or displaying Segi are likely to get arrested and serve a lengthy prison sentence.

In order to raise awareness of the plight of the Basque youth and to show support for Segi, Ógra Shinn Féin have produced a short film of the current situation in the Basque Country.

Speaking on the short film, National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin, Barry McColgan said,

“This mammoth act of censorship and attack on civil liberties needs to be made aware to the International community. We hope through small acts such as this film, we can play our part in overturning this decision. Young people are being labelled ‘terrorists’ for daring to challenge the status quo, Segi are a completely legitimate youth organisation who are committed to a peaceful resolution of the Basque Conflict. The only thing that the Spanish State has succeeded in doing by this decision is to make the Basque youth more resilient in the face of oppression and to popularise the demand for Basque Independence.”

“I would appeal to people who view this short film to pass it on to as many people as possible, and we would also ask you to demonstrate your solidarity with Segi by signing the online petition calling for the Spanish State to overturn this nonsensical decision.”

“Ógra Shinn Féin looks forward to our mobilisation to the Basque Country in September where we will stand with our comrades shoulder to shoulder and proudly proclaim – Gora Segi!”

An Seanad

le Seachranaidhe

Sinn Féin recently secured its first seat in the Seanad. This victory came following a disappointing election, and a hard-fought Seanad campaign. Former councillor Pearse Doherty was elected to the Agricultural Panel on the first count. While this is a welcome development in many ways, the politic of this move should also be scrutinised by the broad Sinn Féin membership. To the vast majority of political analysts, the Seanad is viewed as a useless political vehicle, a fact demonstrated by the Taoiseach’s own nominations. For an organisation that continuously asserts itself to be more of a revolutionary movement, than a political party, this move indeed poses some far-reaching questions.

As I have said, Sinn Féin’s participation in the Seanad poses many questions for our membership. The Seanad is widely regarded by pundits on both sides of the political spectrum as a defunct political institution. Notwithstanding the often suspect nominations by the Taoiseach, and the restricted electorate which elects the Seanad, which I will discuss later, the level of debate is often pitifully inept. The assertion that the Seanad can be adapted by us as another site struggle is questionable at best. Thanks to the make-up of the Seanad it is very seldom left without a Government majority. This means that legislation passing through is rarely scrutinised to the point where it is returned to the Dáil. Without a shadow of a doubt we can exploit and publicise our new position in the Seanad, but a site of struggle, realistically, I think not.

The Seanad represents one half of the Oireachtas in the 26 counties, yet by comparison to the Dáil which is elected by Universal Suffrage, the Seanad is elected only by Councillors, TDs, and university graduates. In effect this means it is a second Dáil rather than an upper house. The people vote for the councillors and TDs, in turn (theoretically) the elected representatives of the people vote for the Seanadóirí as they believe the people would want them to. If the Seanad was to be politically useful it would represent the views of minority groups such as the travelling community or the New-Irish, like the Seanad endeavoured to provide on organ for Unionism in the 20’s. As it stands however the Seanad, and the Seanadóirí within, offer very little political divergence from the Dáil. Reform of the Seanad electorate would inevitably bring it closer to the Dáil, rendering it completely politically impotent. However to allow it to continue to function as it is, is neither a viable, nor welcome option. A new model of elections and more accountability are necessary if the existence of the Seanad is to continue to be justified.

Another facet that repudiates the political effectiveness, and indeed the democratic nature of the Seanad, is the Taoiseach’s nominations. As we have seen very recently, these nominations were used as little more than: personal thank yous, and to provide a platform for would-be Government TDs. In choosing his nominations recently Bertie could have, as I have said, used them to diversify the Oireachtas. Alternatively he could have placed more scrutiny on the Government legislation passing through, by appointing more independent or opposition Seanadóirí, in turn making his own Cabinet more accountable. However he did not do this instead choosing to fulfil his deal with the Greens and PDs, and do some posturing for FF before the next election. On top of that knowing that he had fought his last election he wanted to counteract any elevated Republican contribution Pearse might make by nominating, the vehemently, anti-republican Eoghan Harris. Not only did this repay the stout defence Harris did for Bertie on the Late Late, but will undoubtedly afford him some favourable coverage in Harris’ satirical column in the Sindo.

The election of Pearse Doherty to the Seanad could not have been achieved through Sinn Féin votes alone. As a result this necessitated the establishment of an election pact. Leaving aside issues surrounding the Seanad itself, this pact with Labour must be welcomed as a step forward and congratulations to our negotiating team are in order. Firstly a pact with a party, somewhat still on the left of Irish politics is a welcome manoeuvre in laying the foundations for a coalition of the left in the future. Secondly this pact allowed us to bypass the undemocratic Standing Orders of the Dáil, which left our TDs without speaking rights. These achievements must be welcomed as they provide some solace to a slightly deflated membership in the 26-counties. Another alluring point relating to the Seanad is the financial benefit. The loss of our 5th TD in the last election had to be counteracted quickly. The procurement of a Seanad seat somewhat softened the blow. The very pertinent question arises from that however. Are we exploiting the Seanad from a purely fiscal point of view?

This is not a criticism of the decision to enter the Seanad; it is merely questioning the logic of entering an establishment that seems so diametrically opposed to our style of politics. In contrast to previous decisions to enter the Dáil and Stormont, which offered the chance of making some political progress, it seems at this moment in the time the Seanad is no more than a talking shop and offers little or no prospect of ever changing. When all is said and done, there are advantages and disadvantages to entering the Seanad. Most of the advantages stand to benefit us and the development of our party, and are not immediately associated to the Seanad. While the disadvantages that we as Republican activists encounter are known to all parties who turn a blind eye in favour of their political carers, and are directly associated to the Seanad process. Personally I doubt very much that we can view the Seanad as a site of struggle in the coming years. While the experience of Leinster House will undoubtedly be of benefit to Pearse, I unfortunately do not see that his presence there will cause great political waves. After all we must consider our primary and ultimate objectives, and while the Labour pact demonstrates our ability to form synergies with other parties when needed, the Seanad itself does not look like doing much to achieve a democratic Socialist Republic.

Ógra Shinn Féin bid 'Slan Abhaile' to the British Army in Omagh

Ógra Shinn Féin concluded their demilitarisation weekend in Tyrone by claiming victory on the issue of British Demilitarisation in Omagh Town at the weekend.



Ógra activists from throughout Ireland were joined by three representatives from the Basque country as Ógra kicked off their weekend last Friday night. First on the agenda was a ‘night of remembrance’ for the Drumnakilly martyrs. Brian Mullin alongside his brother Gerard and Martin Harte were shot dead by the SAS in Drumnakilly in 1988.

Activists heard three accounts of the ambush from a person who knew the men, a local person who was a youth at the time and an Ógra Shinn Féin member on how Ógra look upon the men today. A DVD was also screened, West Tyrone Ógra Shinn Féin made the DVD in memory of the three IRA members who died at Drumnakilly in 1988.

Early on Saturday morning seen locals Jim Falconer and Martin McColgan speak about the history of the British army camp in Omagh. The raid by the IRA in the 1950s was recalled as was the campaign for the demilitarisation of the camp.

Activists then converged on Omagh's high street for a leaflet drop and protest highlighting the issue of road deaths. Activists lined the streets with posters reading 'Moilligh Síos – meaning slow down. Ógra Shinn Féin will be running with the issue as a national campaign over the next 6 months.

Following the protest in Omagh town centre representatives from the Basque country took centre stage at the weekend. They gave Ógra activists an update to the current situation in the Basque country and the continuing oppression by both the French and Spanish establishments.

Before leaving Omagh Town, Ógra activists descended on the entrance to the former British Army camp on the Gortin road and erected a banner reading ‘Slán Abahile’.

Activists then visited the grave of Gerard and Martin Harte in Loughmacrory. Other graves of republican activists who are buried on the same graveyard were visited by the Ógra activists present.

On Sunday Ógra held a Gaelic football match before formally ending the demilitarisation weekend.

Speaking following the weekend West Tyrone Ógra Shinn Fein chairperson, Barry McNally said,

“We claimed victory in our demilitarisation campaign in Omagh at this weekend. However the job does not end here indeed in many ways it is only beginning. Until complete separation from Britain is achieved we as Irish republicans won’t be satisfied. In claiming this local victory we are rejuvenated to carry on with our programme of work on building a 32 County Democratic Socialist Republic in Ireland!"

Ógra organiser co-opted onto Craigavon Council

Ógra Shinn Féin National Secretary and Ulster organiser Johnny McGibbon has been co-opted onto Craigavon Council after Cllr Leah Small stepped down.

Commenting on the successful co-option of 21-year-old Cllr McGibbon, Upper Bann MLA John O'Dowd said:

"Johnny brings with him a wealth of both local and national political experience. He has a track record of organising and campaigning and of supporting the work of Sinn Féin locally through our Lurgan Office.

"It is imporant that we support younger members of the party becoming elected representatives.

"I also want to thank Leah Small for her dedication and commitment and wish her well in the future."

Commenting on his co-option Cllr McGibbon said:

"I will continue to bring the fresh, dynamic and radical approach to politics that has brought increasing support for Sinn Fein in recent years.

"I am looking forward to the challenge in my new role as a public representative. I will help to build on the republican voice in Craigavon Council and will enthusiastically represent the people of the Loughside area.

"I would also like to take the opportunity to thank our outgoing councillor Leah Small for her work as a councillor for the past two years and for helping to increase Sinn Féin's representation in Loughside from two councillors to three."

Short Film Remembering The Drumnakilly Martyrs

On the 30th August 1988, three fine IRA volunteers from County Tyrone went out to engage an enemy target when they where cowardly ambushed by undercover SAS operatives.

The three men where gunned down in a ‘Shoot to Kill’ operation, ordered from the very top of the British Government, with hundreds of British bullets fired into their bodies.

Brothers in arms, Gerard and Martin Harte from Loughmacrory, and Brian Mullin from Foremass, in death became known as the Drumnakilly Martyrs.

All three where great community men, being involved variously in the GAA, local community associations, and all being hard and dedicated workers at their individual trades.

The high regard they where held in, was demonstrated at their funerals, when despite heavy RUC presence and harassment, thousands flocked to remember these brave Irish patriots.

West Tyrone Ógra Shinn Féin proudly remember the Drumnakilly martyrs and at the recent ‘Slan Abahile’ weekend, they produced a short film about their lives and legacy.

The short film traces their inspiration behind joining Óglaigh na hÉireann, their activism, the state oppression in life and in death at their funerals, and the legacy they have left today in the confident Republican Heartland of Tyrone.

To view video click here.

Fiosrúcháin na Rásaí

Sé an céad rud eile atá i ndán dúinn is cosúil. Tá na fiosrúcháin mairteola curtha dínn, na fiorúcháin pleanála i mbun gnó agus chomh luath is atá siad sin réidh mé á rá leat beidh na rudaí seo anuas orainn. Déanann sé ciall iontach má smaoiníonn tú air soicind. Bhí a fhios ag madra na sráide go raibh rud éigin ag tarlú idir fir mhóra an rialtais agus na solátharaithe feola. Lena chois sin is dócha nach raibh mórán daoine amach i dtreo Gleann na Life nár thuig an méid a bhí ag tarlú amuigh ansin. Anois tá an rud céanna againn; puball mór curtha in airde le linn na rásaí oirthear tíre, buachaillí móra gnó, pleanáil 7rl ag siúl timpeall laistigh ann, agus n'fheadar le duine ar bith cad atá ag tarlú! Níl sin dochreidte in aon chor!

Bímis réasúnta ar feadh soicind. Caithfear bualadh bos ollmhór a thabhairt d'ár ceannaire lách atá de shíor chomh cumasach dallmullóg a tharraingt orainn, agus go deimhin ní fear na bhFál atá i gceist agam, ach an 'ceannaire' eile - Bertie. Trí nó b'fhéidir ceithre uaire le blian anuas, ag braith ar cad a thugann tú san áireamh, tá Bertie tar éis é féin a slánú ó bhás polaitiúl tragóideach, agus tuairim dá laghad ag duine ar bith againn conas a dhéanann sé é. Ar dtús bhí na íocaíochtaí Manchú, níor tharla a dhath ansin ach cur lena gcuid tacaíochta. Ina dhiadh sin bhí scanal eile faoi dhath na peinte a cuireadh ar a thigh, agus cé a soláthar é, nó ar a laghad an tigh ina raibh sé ag cur faoi an tráth sin. Chaill sé a thánaiste dílis agus fuair sé coileáin cantalach ina áit. Agus ansin bhí deacracht aige ag cur tús lena thoghchán, ag cur cosa le ráflaí go mbeadh dul i rialtas linne nó scaoileadh le Enda dul isteach ann. In ainneoin na rudaí seo ar fad áfach ba dhóigh leat go raibh sé díreach ar ais ó bhliain saoire é a fheiscint ag barr na gaoithe dul isteach sa phuball sa Gaillimh.

I ndáirire áfach sé an feall millteach orainn ar fad go bhfuil an coiriúlaí seo in ann dul ar aghaidh leis an geaitsíocht seo fós. Ní ghá domsa cur in iúl daoibh na fadhbanna atá ós ár gcomhair sa tír seo. Gach lá tá praghas maireachtála dul in airde, tá géarchéim na hospidéil ag dul in olcas, tá ranganna ag titim aníos ar pháistí, timpistí ar an mbóthar gach uile lá níl críoch leis an liosta sin ar feadh píosa. Is cuma sa tioc le taoiseach an stát seo áfach tá seisean agus a chomhpairtithe sa rialtas sásta príobháidiú a dhénamh ar na bóithre, an córas oideachas, na comhlachtaí stáit agus dé chúis? Tá sé ag comhlíonadh geallúintí rásaí na Gaillimhe an bliain roimh ré.

Mise á rá libh anois i gceann 10 nó 15 bliain nuair atá forbairt ollmhór dul ar aghaidh mór-thimpeall ráscúrsa na Gaillimhe, tiocfaidh na ceisteanna. Éalóidh Berite athuair áfach, beidh an fear bocht ró-lag, ró-shean tabhairt faoi árdán na ceistiúcháin faoin stad sin. Beidh ar an Páirtí Poblachtánach Fianna Fáil leithscéalta a dhéanamh ar a shon. Beimid go léir gafa le Fiosrucháin na Rásaí ar feadh píosa, ansin áfach beidh daoine ag gearán faoin costas, an am atá sé ag tógáil suas agus caillfear suim. Tiocfaidh an buachaill bó slán athuair. Shíleamar go raibh féith na coiriúlaí ag múinteoir Bertie, níl rud ar bith feicithe againn go fóill.

N'fheadar me an mbeidh Vinnie Browne fós timpeall ár suim a chothú ann? B'fhéidir go mbeidh ar iriseoir níos giorra do bhaile an bearna a líonadh. Mícheál Mac Donncha ar raidió ÓSF? Cé fios?!

Ógra Shinn Féin to Mobilise for National Truth Rally

Ógra Shinn Féin are set to mobilise from across Ireland this weekend in Belfast for the National Truth Rally.

The Rally on Sunday the 12th August is being organised to help uncover the truth behind the British Government policies of ‘Collusion’ and ‘Shoot to Kill’, which claimed the lives of hundreds of citizens the British wished to rule.

Ógra Shinn Féin will be assembling Mountpottinger Shops in the Shortstrand at 1pm.

For any Ógra activists wishing to stay in Belfast the night before, billets will be provided, but please confirm with your Ógra Cuige Organiser or email osfnational@yahoo.ie as soon as possible.

Ógra Shinn Féin will be highlighting 3 themes in the Rally:

• Political and Military control of the Dirty War
• The judiciary and DPP’s role in collusion and cover up
• Youth 4 Truth

We would ask that all Ógra cumann and activists place huge emphasis and mobilise for this hugely important and significant Rally.

And we would be honoured if members of the public and community can join us in the March for Truth. The march will be a call for the truth to be told about the murder of our family members and friends.

Is mise le meas,

Barry McColgan
National Organiser
Ógra Shinn Féin

New Shoot to Kill Website

The Shoot to Kill 25th Anniversary Committee has launched a new website. This site has been launched as part of a series of events and activity to commemorate the events of 1982; when 6 unarmed men were murdered by the RUC.

We in the Memorial Committee feel that the tragic events of 1982 should be remembered. Over the coming months we hope to raise enough money in order to create a permanent memorial for the men that died and to produce a DVD about the events of 1982. In the coming weeks and months fundraising events will be held in the North Armagh area. Please support these events if you can.

Please visit: www.shoottokill25.org

Ógra Shinn Féin launch National Road Safety Campaign - Moilligh Síos!

Ógra Shinn Féin today launched their new National Road Safety Campaign in Omagh, County Tyrone. Dozens of Ógra activists mobilised on High Street for a number of hours to distribute over a thousand leaflets and hold a protest, with banners and posters reading 'Moilligh Síos!'

'Moilligh Síos!' translated as Slow Down will be the theme for the peer based campaign.

National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin, Barry McColgan speaking from the protest said,

"We attended the launch of Sinn Féin's All Ireland Road Safety policy on Wednesday and we made it very clear that this would be an activist led, community based campaign."

"Road deaths are one of the biggest killers of our young people in Ireland, so far this year 264 people have lost their lives on Irish roads. We have a responsibility as a youth movement to play our part in combating many of these preventable deaths, and we all have a responsibility as a community to campaign for more awareness and for practical measures that will impact and lower the number of fatalities on roads."

"We will be approaching the campaign from a youth perspective, and using our young activists to act as peer leaders in engaging with young people on Road Safety. We feel that this is one aspect of the broad campaign which has yet to be developed on and could potentially be one of the most impacting."

"The campaign begins today but in the weeks and months ahead we aim to bring the message of road safety across Ireland. The campaign will include days of action, protests, erecting murals, petitions, lobbying, public meetings. and we will of course in all of this be campaigning to ensure that the proposals from the road safety policy paper are adopted."

Ógra help launch Sinn Féin's All Ireland Road Safety Policy

An deireadh seachtain seo beidh Ógra Shinn Féin ag cur tús le feachtas náisiúnta úrnua ag díriú ar sláinteachas bóithre. I ndiadh daoine ag cur lámh ina bhás féin sé timpistí bóithre an cúis báis is mó idir an t-aos óg. Is uafásach an scéal seo i sochaí an lae inniu, scéal atáimid ag iarraidh a athrú gaus sinn ag cur tús leis an bhfeachtas seo.

This weekend ÓSF will be launching a new national campaign which will focus on Road Safety. After suicide, an issue campaigned on in the past, road fatalities, are the biggest killer of young people in Ireland . This level of carnage is an unnecessary truism of today’s society, one which Ógra endeavour to change by undertaking this campaign.

Each year on Irish roads hundreds of people are killed, many of whom are children and young people. By making this the focus of national activities in the coming months, ÓSF believe we can make the general public acutely aware of the responsibilities of every person on the road; driver, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian.

In undertaking this campaign, through grassroots activism, Ógra want to see a change in how people look and act upon Road Safety.

Speaking on the new Road Safety campaign, Ógra Campaigns officer, Peadar de Bluit said,

"As this campaign is primarily a peer-based outreach programme, we see the most important part of our campaign as being engagement to try and open people's eyes to the necessity of being more cautious and vigilant on our roads. Our Road Safety campaign aims to stunt the increasing amount of road fatalities in our country among young people in particular. We believe that through grassroots activism, pushing the aims of this campaign in the coming months, we can achieve real and meaningful change in the attitudes of young people towards Road Safety, thereby making the country’s roads safer for all."

"For us in Ógra Shinn Féin, this campaign is about increasing the awareness of younger road users. Our aims at outlined, endeavour to make road use safer in the future by empowering young people with the necessary information now."

"Dúinne in Ógra Shinn Féin sé aidhm an feachtas seo ná meabhair agus ciall, i measc daoine óga ach go háirithe, a spreagadh ar na bóithre. Leis na aidmheanna a luamar, táimid ag iarraidh na bóithre a dhéanamh níos sláintiúla sa todhchaí, tré oideachas a cur ar dhaoine óga anois."

For video of launch of policy click here.

Ógra provide cross community ASIST training

Applied suicide intervention skills training [ASIST programme], came to Armagh on the 30th and 31st July, on the invitation of Armagh Ógra Shinn Féin to deliver a cross community course on suicide intervention.

The course in Armagh is a continuation of the 2006 Ógra Shinn Féin national campaign of suicide prevention. Suicide is something that affects us all regardless of, religion, race, colour, or creed, and is a growing problem facing the youth of today.

Many young people see suicide as a way out, this is something we must begin to change, here in Armagh and across the city we have come face to face with the reality of this growing epidemic.

We welcomed the chance to work with REACT on this course and hope this was a good platform for any future work that is of benefit to the wider community, along with other community leaders and individuals who took this course for their own reasons.

Showing great leadership in taking the lead, an active role in preparing themselves to be better equipped to deal with any potential suicidal behaviour in the community. The need for this course is evident here in Armagh, at community based level there is little to no help for those who find life to much. The ASIST course has given those on the course the tools, that in the event they come across some one who feels like ending their life, they may be able to intervene.

While we often hear of suicide, an aspect we hardly hear of is those that have attempted, which is a much higher number, which is why the need for better funding of all mental health structures is necessary. Mental health is poorly funded across Ireland in comparison to the likes of Scotland.

But this is an issue that, we the community must lead on, we must set the agenda and lobby the governments and councils for the kind of community based suicide prevention schemes that will help to reduce the impact of suicide on the wider community, and for better training for community based activists.

The ASIST course is like first aid, being the first person at a point of intervention, but we should be educating on all different levels, for instance in schools. This is only the start here in Armagh and it will be important where we take it from here, as this problem grows, so must the preventative measures, to stem its growth.

BBC Spotlight also took an interest in the course and on Tuesday sent a film crew to interview a number of people, it is likely Armagh will be featured on the Spotlight progamme later this year.

Damian White of Ógra Shinn Féin said,

“People, are what make up communities, the young, the old, and all the characters in between. When people take their own lives it can often send a ripple effect through our community, we should always be vigilant and aware to the problems people face today, because you never know when someone might be thinking of self harm."

Marion Jameson of REACT said,

"Suicide is a growing problem here in Armagh, it is an issue that we cant ignore, the impact it has on our community is massive, we welcomed the ASIST course to Armagh as we believe it is a vital first step in combating this blight on our community, and we will continue to work on this pressing issue in the coming weeks and months"

Armagh Launch of Unionist Engagement Charter

Monday 30th of July saw the launch of the Sinn Féin unionist engagement charter in Armagh. The event as part of the West Armagh festival was designed to bring republicans and all sections of unionism and community sector together in hope of sparking debate about the way forward for Armagh.

The large crowd in attendance were addressed by Damian White of Ógra Shinn Féin who is the unionist engagement representative in Armagh, Gerry McCartney programme manager Unionist Engagement, Michael Brady MLA, and Cathal Boylan MLA, the debate was honest and open and many valid points of view were raised.

Issues like the attacks on the buses on the 12th July killylea road were addressed and much emphasis was placed on ensuring that all measures were taken to avoid the same negative press on the same date next year.

Damian White said,

“The launch went very well, better than hoped, people came with an open mind and although we may disagree on a political point of view, we all seen the need to work closer together for the betterment of our wider community and the issues that affect our daily lives.”

Any one who could not make the event and would like a charter please feel free to contact the Sinn Féin office Armagh on 02837511797.

Mixed Message from British Army - McGibbon

Uladh Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin Johnny McGibbon has accused the British Army of sending out ‘mixed messages’. He was speaking after he claimed the British Army were trying to recruit members of the public in Belfast ’s Shafesbury Square on the day in which ‘operation banner' was supposed to come to an end.

Mr McGibbon said,

“Today was meant to be a day when the British army’s ‘operation banner’ was brought to an end. Yet we see members of that same army recruiting on the streets of Belfast. Clearly there are mixed signals coming from the British army. I wonder what was the reasoning behind this latest recruitment campaign."

Mr McGibbon also said the British Army’s departure wasn’t a day too soon.

“The Irish people will be glad to see the back of the British army. They have brought death, destruction and carnage where they have went and continue to do so in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan. Whilst the British Army has left, their destructive legacy remains in very many places throughout Ireland."

"Indeed in certain media circles the British army are being portrayed as some sort mediators in the Irish conflict. However it is British interference in Irish affairs which is why there is conflict in Ireland. And whilst the British army have ended their operation in Ireland there will still remain 5,000 British troops in Ireland. To us as Irish republicans this is unacceptable and we won’t settle until the last vestige of British rule in Ireland is removed from our country."

Good riddance to the British army

Stephen McGahan
West Tyrone
Ógra Shinn Féin

After 38 we are finally saying good riddance to the majority of the British army in Ireland.

In Tyrone they have left their mark. Through collusion with unionist paramilitaries, their shoot to kill policy and the deployment of the SAS in this area many homes in the district have been affected by their actions.

This weekend we in Ógra Shinn Féin will be hosting a 'Slán Abhaile' weekend in Omagh to conclude our successful demilitarisation campaign in Omagh. However we must not get complacent. There will still be 5,000 members of the British army based in the north. Until complete separation from Britain is achieved Irish republicans will not be complacent.

After 38 year we will be glad to see the back of the British army. Quoting the words of James Connolly speaking about the British interference in Ireland ‘The British government has no right in Ireland, never had any right in Ireland and never can have any right in Ireland”.

For Republicans this still remains the premise!

Ógra scale Mullacairn

A group of Ógra Shinn Féin activists from west Tyrone joined hundreds of people who participated in the annual Cairn Sunday walk. Starting at three different locations hundreds of people scaled the mountain and were greeting at the top with refreshments and traditional music.

West Tyrone Ógra took part in the sponsored walk to raise funds for their upcoming Demilitarisation weekend which is due to take place on the 3-5th August.

Speaking from the summit Ógra Shinn Féin representative Stephen McGahan said,

“I would like to thank everyone who sponsored Ógra to take part in this walk. The money raised will go towards the organisation of the 6th annual demilitarisation weekend in Omagh which is due to take place next weekend.”

West Tyrone ÓSF Demill Weekend "Slán Abhaile!"

West Tyrone Ógra Shinn Féin are to host the annual Omagh Demil Weekend 3rd-5th August 2007

ÓSF in West Tyrone welcome all young republicans to attend the annual Omagh Demil Weekend (3rd-5th Aug), to bid "Slán Abhaile" to the British Army.

The weekend has a packed Clár of various activities, including:

• A Talk on the Drumnakilly Martyrs
• The 2nd Annual Dermott Crowley Memorial Lecture
• History of the British Army Camp in Omagh
• Youth Political Debate
• Function
• and much more...

The weekend coincides with the final closure of the British Army Camp in Omagh, so come along and bid "Slán Abhaile!" to the British Army!

For further info/booking information contact:

osfnational@yahoo.ie

or phone Omagh Sinn Féin Office on: 028 82253040

Armagh Hosts Palestinian Night

The following is a press release from Feile Armagh, regarding an upcoming event in the West Armagh Community Festival; in conjucntion with the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Committee

Often, when we watch the news coverage of international events on our television screens, we are appalled and shocked by the violence and destruction wrought by political conflicts throughout the world. Particularly now that local politics have taken a more peaceful turn, we have more time to reflect on the backgrounds to political tensions in other regions of the globe.

One such region that has recently witnessed the demise of its ‘peace process’ after four decades of renewed hostilities, and the whole scale return of political violence on a huge scale, is Palestine, where the long running Arab – Israeli conflict is creating a nightmare existence for so many people in the Middle East.

Mainstream media reportage often serves to confuse rather than enhance our understanding of the issues behind the Palestinian crisis. People who are genuinely concerned about what is presented as an intractable territorial dispute, find it difficult to decipher the truth behind the headlines. Who are Hamas, Fatah, the Palestinian Authority, the PLO? Who controls Jerusalem, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip? Why are Palestinians hemmed in, segregated and imprisoned in the ‘Occupied Territories’? Why are they continually subject to Israeli air strikes and military raids in addition to crippling economic sanctions by pro-Israeli western governments?

If you would like to know more about the horrendous suffering of the Palestinian people or if you would like to find out how you can help in the struggle for a just and sustainable peace in the Middle East, come along to the Community and Recreation Centre on the Cathedral Road in Armagh City on Thursday 2nd August at 7.30pm. As part of the West Armagh Community Festival / Féile Ard Mhacha Thiar, representatives from the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Committee have been invited to speak on the latest developments in the Occupied Territories. A film illustrating the background to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict will also be shown and a light buffet supper will be provided.

Most importantly, speakers will be on hand to take your questions. So get along to the ‘Solidarity with Palestine’ evening in Armagh on Thursday 2nd August. It promises to be a thought provoking and informative evening.

Meath ÓSF Protest for Tara!

Meath Ogra Shinn Fein came out in force today to show solidarity with the four men arrested at the controversial M3 developement in Tara, Co.Meath.

The four men, who range in age from 20 to 70, were among a group of seven heritage campaigners who were charged with public order offences yesterday following clashes with security and construction workers last week.

Meath ÓSF staged a solidarity protest for several hours with other groups such as Tara Watch and Save Tara present, despite being ordered by the judge to cease their peaceful protest. There was a sizeable crowd and the four men recieved a roaring welcome. Ógra activists also distributed leaflets outlining their stance, which entails the re-routing of the M3 Motorway and a scrapping of the double toll policy.

Speaking on the issue David Byrne of Meath Ógra Shinn Féin said,

“The whole idea of a motorway and interchange so close to what is an archaeological site of such importance is nauseating, Tara is of critical importance for Irish people as a symbol of national identity. It should be treasured and protected by the government. The determination of this Fianna Fail party and their ignorance prove that today’s Irish government care more for foreign investors than they do for the Irish public. The fact of the matter is the road can be redirected West of Tara . The redirection of the M3 west of Tara will cut the length of the motorway by seven kilometres, cut costs by up to 80 million and most importantly rescue one of Irelands most important pre-historic complexes.”

“Meath Ógra Shinn Féin pledges full support the campaign to save Tara and have the M3 rerouted away from the site of massive historical importance and to bring and end to the destruction to our nation heritage. ”

Re-Route the M3 Now

Young Republicans to Mobilise for Cos Derry & Antrim commemoration

Hundreds of republicans from across Counties Derry & Antrim will gather in Gulladuff this Sunday (29th July) for the annual commemoration in honour of the area's republican dead.

Urging a large attendance of young people at the event, Ógra Shinn Féin national organiser, Barry McColgan said,

" As young republicans we are the continuation of the struggle from the time of Wolfe Tone. We are keeping alive Wolfe Tone's vision for unity between Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter on this island - a vision that was taken up in the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic with its core theme of treating all the children of the nature equally oblivious of the differences that have divided us in the past.

"The annual Counties Derry & Antrim republican commemoration is emblematic of a colourful, open and confident republican community coming together to celebrate our growth and unity while remembering the sacrafice of our fallen comrades.

"On Sunday in Gulladuff we will be celebrating the tremendous unity that has been maintained after a year of fairly dramatic change within our movement.

We have a clear direction in terms of where we are going – ready to build, North and South for the All-Ireland government of the future. We’ve a lot to celebrate with a clear mandate to show to the public with the new MLAs elected, the very large number of councillors Sinn Féin have throughout the country, and our TDs."

"There’s been immense progress from the sad days when volunteers suffered so much to a time when we are a confident and ever growing movement for real change. We are confident republicans on the march. But while we celebrate we remember and remembering is very important so that we learn from the past and put that learning into our vision for the future in Ireland. We’ve moved from sometimes dark and troubled times to a very bright day with the ever growing support for the republican struggle for Irish independence, freedom and equality."

Sunday's commemoration will assemble at 6pm at the carpark opposite St. Mary's Church on Mayogall Road before making its way to the Garden of Remembrance which is sited at Ionad Poblachtach Lár Uladh. The colourful parade will include the South Derry Martyrs Flute Band.

Joanne Spain from Dublin, an emerging young leader within the Sinn Féin national leadership will deliver the key address.

Event organiser, Cllr. Peter Bateson said,

"everyone is welcome to attend our republican commemoration and I am particularly looking forward to meeting with the many republican ex-prisoners from across the area who will turn out in large numbers to remember our fallen comrades."

New Look Glór na nÓg Hits The Streets in Upper Bann!

Ógra Shinn Féin An Lorgain hit the streets of Upper Bann this week, with the new look newsletter Glór na nÓg.

The newsletter, launched some months back, has proved a success for Ógra in the area.

Ógra An Lorgain spokesperson Lee Casey commented,

“Glór na nÓg has proven an effective way of keeping the public aware of the message and activity of Republican Youth in Upper Bann.”

He continued,

“The newsletter provides a fresh, up to date information sheet, helping Ógra to be active and helping to spread the Republican message.”

Electronic versions of Glór na nÓg are available at osfnational_secretary@yahoo.ie

McColgan congratulates Doherty on Seanad success

Ógra Shinn Fein national organiser, Barry McColgan has congratulated Pearse Doherty on winning a seat in the Seanad.

Himself a former member of the national leadership of Ógra, Mr Doherty secured 103 votes to top the poll in the Agriculture Panel and be elected to the Seanad.

Speaking on Mr Doherty’s success national organiser McColgan said

“Firstly on behalf of Ógra I congratulate Pearse and those involved in his campaign and who have secured this success. His election will undoubtedly advance the republican agenda for real change.

This once again highlights the importance of the youth of Sinn Féin. Pearse came through the youth structures of Ógra Shinn Fein himself. The sight of young people like Pierce fulfilling important roles is evidence a youthful and vibrant party.

With Pearse now sitting in the Agricultural panel it opens a huge opportunity for all Ireland development with Michelle Gildernew MP as minister for agriculture in the north."

ARMAGH HOSTS SHELL TO SEA NIGHT!

The following is a press release from Feile Armagh, regarding an upcoming Shell to Sea event in the West Armagh Community Festival

In accordance with its objective to build links with other communities throughout Ireland and further afield, three local community activists from the West Armagh Community Festival recently went on a fact finding tour to County Mayo in the west of Ireland to learn more about the ‘Shell to Sea’ campaign.

The trip resulted in an invitation to host a Shell to Sea’ information night as part of the West Armagh Community Festival. Mícháel Ó Seighin, a member of the Rossport Five from Mayo, will join a discussion panel comprising Tommy McKearney, Northern Regional Organiser of the Independent Workers’ Union and Barry McElduff, All Ireland Affairs Spokesperson for Sinn Féin. The aim of the evening is to educate and inform about the tactics currently being employed by Shell and the Irish state to override the wishes of the local population.

‘Shell to Sea’ is an international non violent campaign, rooted in the Erris community, Co. Mayo. The campaign seeks to ensure that the proposed Corrib gas terminal and pipeline are constructed offshore. Five local people, internationally known as the Rossport Five, were jailed in Mountjoy Prison as a result of resisting Shell’s and Statoil’s plans to build their refinery and pipeline, despite the opposition of the people in this part of Mayo. Three fishermen were also arrested recently for their opposition to the multinationals’ plans while a ‘Solidarity Camp’ is continuously present on the beach near Pollathomais along the proposed route of the gas pipeline.

One of the Rossport Five campaigners has just received the acclaimed ‘Goldaman Environmental Award ’. A growing wave of national and international support has grown up around the Mayo people’s campaign of opposition. Despite this, and the daily series of pickets, direct action and confrontations between protestors and the gardaí at the Shell site near Glenamoy, there is little coverage in the southern Irish media in relation to the dramatic events currently ongoing in Mayo. The information night will take place in the Cathedral Road Recreation Centre in Armagh City at 8pm on Friday 3rd August and will include speeches from the Rossport Five, information films and discussion as well as traditional music and a buffet supper. Everyone is welcome.

For more information, visit our website on http://www.feilearmagh.com/ or e.mail us at westarmagh@aol.com . Alternatively, you can telephone us on 028/048 37522759 or 028/048 37518338.

Ógra Speech at Catalan Youth Festival

Johnny McGibbon

Bona tarda jovent dels Paisos Catalans.

Friends and comrades,

It is an honour and a privilege to speak to you today as a representative of Sinn Féin and of Ógra Shinn Féin. Speaking as a member of the Republican Movement is always an honour, but even more so in front of people such as you.

Irish Republicans have had a long struggle against foreign imperialism in our country. From the rebellion of 1798 and Wolfe Tone, striving to unite “Protestant, Catholic and Dissenter”; to the Easter Rebellion of 1916 and onwards to the latest phase of our struggle; Republicans have an unbroken tradition of resistance to British rule in Ireland.

This opposition remains today.

Sinn Féin are now in government in the northern Assembly as the largest nationalist/republican party, and are the third largest party in the whole of Ireland. A feat many thought impossible 20 or even 10 years ago.

In the past we have faced impossible odds, and had to overcome barrier after barrier, in pursuit of what we know is right. It is now that we are beginning to see the results of the courageous struggle we have had in the past.

But this doesn’t mean it is over.

Our struggle is at its most popular now than at any time since the partition of Ireland, over 80 years ago. But our goals are not yet complete, nor should they be taken for granted. And this is where the importance of Ógra and of Irish Republican youth comes to the fore.

We strive to be the generation that builds and lives in a United and Independent Ireland. We continue to campaign on issues of national and social relevance, growing all the time and helping to popularise the Irish Republican struggle. We openly show our solidarity internationally to peoples rightly entitled to their national independence and sovereignty such as Palestine, the Basque Country and Catalan Countries.

And we simply will not stop until we achieve a United, Independent Irish Republic, based on freedom, rights and justice for all. A new Ireland, an Ireland of Equals. We hope Ireland will act as a beacon to other countries and peoples throughout the world; but we continue to take inspiration from the Basque Country, Palestine, Catalan Countries and beyond.

In conclusion friends,

Your struggle like ours cannot be defeated, it cannot be broken, but it is the young people who must ensure the struggle continues. The youth must ensure the dream becomes a reality.

I leave you with an Irish phrase, made famous by Irish Hunger Striker Bobby Sands in a secret diary he kept for the first 17 days of his 66 day Hunger Strike.

“Tiocfaidh Ár Lá!”

Independencia i Socialisme!

La Lluita Continua!