Unregulated private development of large Turbines must be addressed now.

Alt scríofa ag:
Martin O Reilly SFRY, Midlands

Local representatives from numerous different Action Groups on Wind Turbines met with TDs in Leinster House on Tuesday 16 July, to discuss their concerns over the unregulated development of Turbines in the midlands.  This was a cross party meeting organised by Sinn Féin. 

Speaking at the meeting were concerned residents based in Laois, Offaly, Westmeath, Kildare and Meath.  One speaker from Roscommon, spoke of his distress at having to live beside a Turbine located just 700 meters from his family home and the constant health problems he has suffered as a result.  Many areas of concern were raised by the Wind Turbine Action Groups to the TDs, such as; height, noise, health, impact to the land and devaluation in cost to local properties where turbines are proposed to be built. 

In attendance at the meeting also was North Offaly Sinn Féin representative Martin O Reilly. Mr O Reilly was also involved in the organising of the meeting in Leinster House for the Offaly Action Group, which is based in Rhode and Castlejordan.  After the meeting had concluded Mr O Reilly stated ‘The current situation regarding the unregulated and unlegislated development of large Turbines is a huge mistake and needs proper attention from our government ministers.  What we need here is cross party support and co-operation to address this huge rural problem.  If we do not act now, we will have a Ghost Estate like situation on our hands with Wind Turbines built on unsuitable sites close to family homes.  This will be to the detriment of local communities and individuals. 

Sinn Féin TD, Brian Stanley pledged his continued support to the action groups based in Laois and Offaly at the meeting also.  

Remembering Joe McDonnell

Today, July 8th, marks Vol. Joe McDonnell's 32nd anniversary. He was the fifth Hunger Striker to die, having spent 61 days on Hunger Strike. 

Republicans from across the country, and indeed all over the world, remember him with pride today. Over the course of the weekend, the Lenadoon Commemoration Committee hosted a series of events, including kids football tournaments, before the main annual commemoration last night in the Roddy McCorley Club on the Glen Road where Mairéad Farrell Republican Youth chairperson Eóin McShane was honoured to have given a short speech before the main speaker, Bik McFarlane.

Below is the text to Eóins' speech - very worthwhile read for any young, or indeed not so young, Irish Republican.

'As the chairperson of Mairéad Farrell Belfast Sinn Féin Youth it gives me great honour to be standing before you all here this evening - I have never done this before, so you may need to bear with me - and that's my disclaimer!

Being born some 10 or more years after the 1980/81 hunger strikes, i never had the privilege of knowing brave Volunteer Joe McDonnell. But being born and bread in west Belfast, surrounded day & daily by the republican ethos and imagery - of which I am very proud - I feel deeply inspired by his sacrifice, and deeply angered, and motivated to pick up the fight and carry on with the struggle that Joe gave his life for.

This weekend marks the 32nd anniversary of Óglach Joe McDonnell. As a young man, like myself, Joe became politicised, and indeed Republicanised, by the injustices that surrounded him day & daily. Joe, like many of his comrades at that time, probably weren't born Republicans; but Joe quickly adopted to the circumstances of the struggle at that time by joining the republican movement.

To me, Joe, along with his Belfast comrades from 1st Battalion Oglaigh na hÉierann, Kieran & Bobby, and their comrades Francis, Raymond, Patsy, Kevin, Martin, Tom & Mickey epitomise everything that it means to be a republican. What Nelson Mandela is to the open-minded free thinkers of the world, the revolutionaries of 1980/81 are to me & the scores of other young republicans across every pocket of this island.

To me, in 2013, this is very much the same struggle - a struggle for the right to national self determination of the Irish People. Granted however that yes, the circumstances are very different, we must not let this deter us from the work that still needs done. We owe our thanks to men and women like Joe McDonnell for this reality, but for me this isn't enough. The only fitting tribute that we can give to Joe and his comrades is to see the current fight right through to the very end.

Much like Joe, we need to adopt to the circumstances that suit this stage of the struggle. It is our duty as Irishmen and Irishwomen to fulfill Joe's vision of a Republic - we can make this a reality and I have never been more confident that this generation WILL deliver Irish Unity.

In my capacity as chairperson of Belfast Sinn Féin Youth I would like to take this opportunity to urge all the like minded, republican youth to join this fight and make Irish Unity more than just a dream or a fairy-tale.

We need to use the stories of Joe McDonnell and remember his sacrifice as we tackle head on the new challenges that face us. These challenges should be embraced and as Irish Republicans we need to lead by example.

I am very proud to be here today in honour of Joe McDonnell, the same sort of pride that we all know is felt by Joe's family feel in relation to his own specific contribution.

As a young republican activist i feel it is only appropriate for me to pay tribute to Fian John Dempsey. Fian John Dempsey was murdered by the brits just hours after Joe McDonnell's passing as he set about expressing his anger at this news on July 8th 1981.

It is fitting, and somewhat coincidental that merely a fortnight ago, Belfast Sinn Féin Youth occupied a once militarised stretch of land in West Belfast and set up a "Freedom Camp" in open protest and in open defiance of the G8 summit and the injustices that the 8 leaders present represent.

Fian John Dempsey was murdered less than 50 yards just over the road from where our protest took place. He was 16 years of age. 

To me, this again illustrates very clearly the unbreakable bond of Irish Republicanism.

As Republicans we thrive the challenges that come to face us. And we win. In 1980/81, Thatchers government tried to criminalise our struggle. And they failed. In 2013, Stormont Ministers, Insignificant Nationalists & Unionist Dinosaurs tried to do the same. They will also fail.

Sue Ramsey often tells me about how we are all learning each and every day. Shes right. Each and every day brings its very own specific challenges. It is from these challenges that we use the determination & unquenchable thirst for freedom shown by brave Volunteer Joe McDonnell to conquer these and further our struggle as effectively, and as efficiently as possible.

At the graveside oration of Joe McDonnell, a very symbolic and relevent quote from P.H Pearse was used - "They may seem the fool who has given his all, by the wise men of the world; but it was the apparent fools who changed the course of Irish History"

Go raibh míle maith agaibh.'

Eóin also used the opportunity to offer condolences, on behalf of Belfast Sinn Féin, to the family, friends and comrades of Chrissy O Neill & Declan McKenna who tragically died in a car accident in the early hours of Saturday morning.

‘Three Volunteers’ 40th Anniversary Commemorative Weekend

A weekend of events has been organised by Sinn Féin to commemorate the 40^thAnniversary of the ‘Three Volunteers’ Óglach Dermot Crowley, Óglach Seán Loughran and Óglach Patrick Carty who were killed on active service on the Gortin Road, Omagh on 25^th June 1973.

The events will include the Dermot Crowley Memorial lecture in The Venue at 8pm on Friday 28^th June, exploring the courageous life of this young 18 year old Cork City native. The lecture will be delivered by a fellow young Cork man, Donnchadh O’Laoghaire, and Stan Corrigan from Tyrone who knew the three men personally. Music will be provided afterwards by Liam Lappin in the Glebe Bar.

 

Martin Ferris TD will deliver the main oration at the ‘Three Volunteers’ commemoration at Strathroy Republican Monument at 1pm on Saturday 29^th June. Later that evening at 9pm, a Big Summer BBQ will be held in The Boe Inn Dromore, with music by legendary rebel band, The Irish Brigade.

Encouraging people to attend the events, Cllr Martin McColgan said,

“We are inviting you to join us in remembrance and to commemorate the 40^thAnniversary of the ‘Three Volunteers’. We have organised this programme of events to remember Patrick, Seán and Dermot’s ultimate sacrifice for Irish freedom and to keep alive their names. Fuair siad bás ar son Saoirse na hÉireann.”

Vol. Dermot Crowley's 40th Anniversary Commemoration

On Sunday 16^th of June Republicans from Cork and further afield braved the horrific weather to commemorate the 40^th anniversary of Cork Brigade Volunteer Dermot Crowley, who alongside his comrades Volunteers Paddy Carthy and Seán Loughran were killed when a bomb they were transporting on the Goirtín Road outside Omagh, Co. Tyrone exploded prematurely.

The crowd assembled at Rathcooney Fruit Farm for the commemoration march and were led by the MacCurtain/MacSwiney Republican Flute Band to Rathcooney cemetery where Dermot is buried. Once there local Sinn Féin Representative for Cork North East, Pat Coughlan, welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming along. From there wreaths were laid on behalf of the Republican Movement by Arnie O’Connell, on behalf of Ex-POWs by Leo Mullins, on behalf of the Ahern/Crowley cumann by Jim O’Donovan and on behalf of Sinn Féin Óige Phoblachtach Chorcaí by local activist Chris Kelleher. A short lament was played by the piper and the colour party lowered their flags in memory of Volunteer Dermot Crowley and all those who gave their lives in the cause of Irish freedom.

 

The main speaker on the day was Tyrone MLA Francie Molloy who made the long journey to Cork for the commemoration. Francie spoke of the importance to remember the sacrifices the Volunteers of Óglaigh na h-Éireann made during the course of the struggle and how we would not be where we are today if it was not for them, he also spoke of the importance to commemorate those who gave their lives in the cause of Ireland’s freedom and to continue that same struggle today which they fought and died for. The tactics may have changed but the overall goal remains the exact same. The subject of the recent arrest and charging of Donegal Republican John Downey was mentioned in Francie’s oration and he condemned the British Government for going against what is enshrined in both the Good Friday Agreement and Weston Park Agreement.

 

The ceremony then concluded with the MacCurtain/MacSwiney RFB playing with Amhrán na bhFiann.

 

Speaking on the day’s events local Óige Phoblachtach activist Dave Barry had this to say,

“It’s fantastic to see so many people turn out today despite the bad weather to honour and commemorate Volunteer Dermot Crowley. I’m glad to see such a strong youth presence here today also as Dermot was only 18 years old when he was killed on active service in Tyrone. He was just an ordinary young person who stepped forward when his country needed him the most to play his part, and unfortunately lost his life in the process. The month previous Dermot’s death his friend and comrade Tony Ahern had been killed while on active service in Fermanagh fighting the British forces of occupation. Both Dermot and Tony remain a big influence on all Óige Phoblachtach activists here in Cork today, and no better tribute can be paid to them by continuing on to achieve that same goal which they gave their lives for.”

 

Annual Planning Session of Coiste Náisiúnta na nÓg

Sinn Féin Republican Youth’s incoming National Youth Committee has held a planning session to discuss activity and strategise for the year ahead. The Committee consists of six elected members and a range of co-options spread geographically across the four cúige.

This year’s meeting saw a great level of enthusiasm with innovative ideas being put forward by all delegates. The neoliberal onslaught of austerity by a right wing Fine Gael-led administration in the 26 counties, propped up by the ironically-titled ‘Labour’ Party, coupled with Tory inspired cuts in the north has left working communities across Ireland under serious financial pressure. Unprecedented levels of youth unemployment, increases in education fees and mental health issues as well as the scourge of emigration have been the result of these attacks and young people are among the worst affected groups in society. Óige Phoblachtach has seen a sway of new members join its ranks who, despite a desolate state of affairs, are more determined now than ever to bring about genuine social, economic and cultural change for this country.

Chairperson of the National Youth Committee, Darren O'Rourke said; "The annual planning meeting affords members of the National Youth Committee to identify national priorities in terms of campaigns and activities for the year ahead. This year's meeting in Omeath was a very engaging affair and set out a plan for a busy period in the months to come. Campaigns on youth unemployment and emigration, suicide and mental health and LGBT rights will keep members busy in colleges and communities right throughout the country. Specific targets in terms of organisational development, online presence, merchandising, education and child protection practices were also identified as priorities."

Guarantee Our Future!

The ‘Guarantee Our Future’ conference, organised by MEP Martina Anderson and Senator Kathryn Reilly, last Friday, was a major success. Young people from across the 32 counties of Ireland attended the discussion forum which focused on the issue of youth unemployment.

There was a range of informative speakers including Valerie Duffy of the European Youth Forum who highlighted the staggering levels of unemployment in the EU. She commented that 1 in every 4 young people, between the ages of 16 and 25 are out of work. James Doorley, Deputy Director of the National Youth Council Ireland, noted that 142,700 people under 25 emigrated between 2008 and 2012. The debate centered on the ‘Youth Guarantee’ scheme, something which Kathryn Reilly has been arguing for.

The conference included an international dimension as Portuguese MEP Ines Zuber, member of the European Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs Committee addressed the gathering. She explained the current economic situation in Portugal, stating that public debt in Portugal is a staggering 123% of GDP. Stefan Lindborg President of the Ung Vänster (Young Left) in Sweden also spoke. He outlined a left alternative to the jobs crisis.

Fermanagh Sinn Féin Republican Youth activist Sophie McClintock, was also in attendance, she said ‘The Guarantee our future talk really highlighted the growing problem of youth unemployment, not only in Ireland, but Portugal and Sweden also, with representatives from both countries explaining how many of their young people are neither employed nor in full time education. Youth unemployment and emigration is a serious issue in border counties such as Fermanagh with friends and family as young as 19 feeling they have no other option but to leave home to find work.’

Matt Carthy, former Ógra Shinn Féin National Organiser and current mayor of Carrickmacross, was at the conference. Afterwards he remarked: “Martina Anderson and Kathryn Reilly are to be commended for organising the event. It was clear from listening to various speakers that governments, not only in Ireland but across Europe , are failing young people in particular. What is also clear is that the Sinn Féin platform of stimulus and development is gaining traction. That can be seen in pronouncements from the EU and even government Ministers in Dublin of late. What we now need is to move beyond pronouncements and statements and onto action plans that will make a real difference to young people. The Youth Guarantee has the potential to be an important first step but above all we need to change direction; we need the policies and the plans to create the conditions where young people can get sustainable, well-paid jobs in their home country. Effectively we need what Sinn Féin has been arguing for over the past five years of austerity”.

New South Antrim SFRY Cumann!

Young Sinn Féin members from across South Antrim have come together to establish a Sinn Féin Republican Youth Committee in their area.

At their first meeting they decided to name the cumann after United Irishman Roddy McCorley. Roddy McCorley participated in the 1798 Irish Rebellion in Antrim and has provided inspiration to many young republicans in the years that followed. He was executed in 1800 at Toome Bridge.

Mary Kate Quinn, a member of this new cumann, said ‘We are excited about the fact that a group of young, like minded people have come together to further and develop Sinn Féin’s youth structures in County Antrim. We are looking forward to the summer during which we plan to organise a few actions and campaigns. All new members are welcome to attend our meeting!’

For more information contact us through Facebook.

A NIGHT AT THE RACES!

The Mairéad Farrell Youth Committee, in conjunction with Clonard Martyrs Cumann, are organising a night at the races on Saturday the 15^th of June in Davitt’s Club. The funds raised will be used to help build Sinn Féin and the Youth Committee in the local area.

MFRYC Chairperson Eoin McShane said ‘Anyone who has attended a Night at the Races will be aware how successful such a night can be. We have sold well over 100 tickets already so it is set to be a great night. 'We encourage all local activists to come along and we would gladly welcome members from other areas who wish to attend.'

 

Tickets are only £3 which provides entrance to eight races and to the disco afterwards. There are also fantastic prizes to be won on the night mar sin bígí linn!

For tickets, or for more information, contact the Mairéad Farrell Republican Youth Committee on Facebook.

Guarantee Our Future

Senator Kathryn Reilly is organising a 'Guarantee Our Future' conference on Friday the 7th of June in the Cavan Crystal Hotel in Cavan Town. This conference will enable a forum for discussion around the issues of youth unemployment and the 'Youth Guarantee'. Speakers include Martina Anderson MEP, Ines Zuber, a Portuguese MEP, and president of the Young Left in Sweden, Stefan Lindborg.
 
Senator Reilly has said:
“Over 30% of under 25s are unemployed. More than 30,000 young people are on the live register for more than 12 months. Youth emigration continues at an alarming pace. There is an urgent need for the government to invest in stemming the youth unemployment crisis. One way of doing this is to invest in a Nordic style youth guarantee scheme which would ensure than no young person was left without a job, training or education for more than four months after becoming unemployed."
 
The event begins at 10am & will finish with a free lunch at 1pm. There is a bus travelling from the 6 counties which will only cost £5 per person and will pick up in the following places:

7am: Belfast (Sevastopol Street)
7.30am: Lurgan (Loughview Park & Ride)
8am: Dungannon (Bus Depot)
8.15am: Ballygawley (Park & Ride)
9.00am: Lisnaskea (Bus Stop)
Please contact Barry on 07885569940 to confirm your place. Spaces limited.

All welcome to attend/ Fáilte roimh cách!

CLÁR FOR OMEATH WEEKEND 14-16Ú MEITHIMH

Óige Phoblachtach Shinn Féin, Lú is organising a youth weekend due to be held in Omeath, Co.Louth 14-16th June. Táille: €40/£35 which includes accommodation, meals and admission to all functions and tours. Gerry Adams opening the weekend of ceol, craic, debate, workshops and tours. Bring an instrument and join in with local musicians 'Ceol Heads' for an seisiún ceol on Friday night!

For more information, to register or if transport from Newry or Dundalk bus/train stations is required please contact Eimear 00353879030462 or Conor 00353871458746.

Dé hAoine - 14/6/2013

5pm: Clarú  / Registration.

6pm: Gerry Adams TD ag oscailt an deireadh seachtain le nuashonrú polaitiúil/ Gerry Adams opening address/political update.

 
7pm: Dinnéar
 

8pm: Droichead Uisce Cúng -Narrow Water Bridge. Ag aontú Eireann, droichead amhain ag an am. Uniting Ireland one bridge at a time!
 

9pm: Séisiún ceol!

Dé Sathairn - 15/6/2013

9:30am: Bricfeasta

10:30am: Bus go Dun Dealgan. Turas de phriosún Dún Dealgain/ Tour of Dundalk Gaol.

1pm: Lón  

  

2pm: Dundalk Outcomers Society (LGBT Society) & PIPS

4:30pm: Turas stairiúl Ómeith trí mhéan na Gaeilge/ Irish language historical tour of Omeath.

7pm: Dinnéar

8pm: Mícheál Mac Donncha - 1913 Lockout & its Legacy

9:30pm: Ceol Beo le Ronan
 

Dé Domhnaigh - 16/6/2013

10am: Bricfeasta

Cork SFRY to hold Fundraiser!

Cork SFRY will be holding a fundraiser on Saturday the 13th of July in An Spailpín Fánach. They are delighted to announce that Clann Éireann will be providing the entertainment for the night. All welcome to attend/ Tá fáilte roimh cách!

For more information contact Cork SFRY via Facebook.

Cork SFRY highlight Political Oppression in the Basque Country

On Saturday the 18th of May members of Sinn Féin Republican Youth, Sinn Féin Chorcaí and the Cork Basque Committee came together to hold a joint protest to highlight the on-going political oppression in the Basque Country. 
The protest was held at the National Monument on Grand Parade in the heart of Cork city centre. There Republican Youth activists distributed hundreds of leaflets detailing the current situation politically in the Basque Country to the passing public. 

Once the protest had ended Republican Youth activists made their way to Hibernian Road bridge. This bridge overlooks the Link Road, which is one of the main thoroughfares into the city. There our activists proceeded to hang a banner from the side of the bridge calling for an end to political oppression in the Basque Country. This attracted the attention of passing motorists with a number beeping their horns in support! 

Speaking on the days events Sinn Féin Republican Youth Chorcaí Chairperson Shane O'Rourke had this to say, 
"Sinn Féin Republican Youth will continue to highlight the ongoing political oppression in the Basque Country and wish to send solidarity greetings and support to our comrades there. We call for the repatriation of all POWs back to the Basque Country and the immediate release of all those suffering with terminal and serious illness."

For more information on Cork SFRY, find them on Facebook. 

Ireland's young people should not be brought up for export

Young people in North West Donegal were joined by families of those who have emigrated as they gathered along the West side of Muckish mountain on Sunday morning at a well-known historical landmark, passed by those emigrating from the region in years gone by.

‘Droichead na nDeor’, or as it is known in English, ‘The Bridge of Sorrows’ was used as a parting spot for local emigrants who were bound for the Derry port in search of a better life. Members of Sinn Féin Republican Youth gathered at the spot as a mark of remembrance and respect, while highlighting the high level of emigration among young people in the county that still exists today.

“The reality is, while Donegal is crippled with a 50% youth unemployment rate, over ten young people are leaving this country every hour” event organiser and local Sinn Féin activist, Simon Gillespie, told the crowd that had gathered. 

Gillespie explained that the aim of the event was “twofold”. 

“Young people are gathered here today in solidarity with our peers who have been forced to emigrate as a direct result of this Government’s crushing austerity policies and their utter lack of compassion. At the same time, we also remember those who emigrated from this spot in the past, especially those who were never fortunate enough to return.”

“Thousands who emigrated in the past to America or Australia would have crossed this bridge, and many of those left behind on one occasion, were bid farewell at the same place a short time later.”

Gillespie continued, “We are sending a strong message to the Fine Gael and Labour Government, as well as to those who went before them, that the young people of Ireland are determined that we are not going to be educated for export.”

“Minister Perry and his cabinet colleagues may try to fool themselves by implying that the 87,000 young people leaving this state every year are going to ‘enjoy themselves’, well, I put this to the Minister; while Fine Gael and Labour may be engaged in empty rhetoric in advocating that Ireland is the ‘best small country in which to raise a family’, I invite any Government representative to come and visit rural Donegal and sit down with any family who have watched their son or daughter emigrate, and tell them that this is ‘the best small country’.

“Come and visit the mother who Skyped her children in Australia on Christmas Day, or the Grandfather who has to watch his Grandchildren grow up through Facebook photographs. Come and visit the younger siblings of those who have been forced to leave, and watch, as they too trudge through the education system, all the time knowing the inevitable that lies ahead. Towns have been left lifeless, communities destroyed and families ripped apart.”

Gillespie concluded by asking the Government to introduce a job stimulus package, aimed at youth employment, as a means of getting young people back to work, and back home to live.

“Young people are willing and ready to work, but this Government seem to prefer to see them emigrate as a means of claiming that the live register figures and dole queues have decreased. They have not decreased. The people have emigrated.”

“Finally, we have a message for those who have emigrated. Our friends, our schoolmates and our siblings. We have not forgotten you. Sinn Féin will continue to fight to secure voting rights for all Irish citizens, home and abroad. We will continue to fight on your behalf to put an end to austerity, and most of all, we will continue to campaign for an adequate job creation stimulus package to get you back home.”

“The young people of Ireland are this country’s best asset. We must put a stop to them becoming our best export too.”

Mairéad Farrell Republican Youth participate in Cross Party Debate

Last night (Tuesday 23rd April) Belfast Sinn Féin Republican Youth activists took part in the first cross party youth debate in the chamber of Belfast City Hall.

From the outset it was clear the apparent benches of 'Unionist Unity' (DUP/PUP/UUP) were on an anti-Sinn Féin crusade as they continually spiralled into paisleyite rants of outdated rheotric. Despite these blatant displays of bigotry throughout, the strong Sinn Féin team, predominately made up of young Mairéad Farrell Republican Youth activists kept their cool.

A number of motions were proposed from the floor ranging from equality and welfare reform, to fiscal autonomy for the north and youth unemployment & emigration. 

 

Glenavy Sinn Féin representative Mary-Kate Quinn, along with comrades Seán Bateson & Dominic Sherry Adams highlighted the need for, and the benefits of, fiscal autonomy for the north, coining the term 'the right of the people of Ireland to the ownership of Ireland' as the foundation of their argument.

Admist the constant jeers & heckles from the opposite benches, Saoirse O'Neill & Kathy Crawford, Belfast Republican Youth spokespersons on proposed Welfare Reform, held their nerve as they sold a clear & solid Sinn Féin line on the potentially catastrophic imposition of British government, Tory cuts.

 

As the debate went on, the ever-increasing sense of unionist elitism & paranoia became ever evident to the rest of the chamber & the public gallery as the Sinn Féin team were continually refused permission to make points of order.

Bewildered by this, Mairéad Farrell Republican Youth chairperson Eoín McShane pointed out, after some time, how this suggested a clear lack of belief & understanding in what those among the unionist benches were actually talking about & accused the 'Unionist Unity' delegation of a lack of confidence in their own position as they consistently refuted Sinn Féin attempts to intervene. He concluded by saying, "IF i am wrong, and IF this, the future of unionism in this city actually ARE confident, then what is there to fear from a vote on Irish Unity?".

 

Following further disruption, and jeers of 'hear hear' in false English accents, North Belfast activists Anthony Lowry & Mick Vernon calmly dealt with a final onslaught of failed Unionist intimidation as they calmly & professionally dealt with a number of difficult, sectarian contributions.

 

Despite the tension, the chamber witnessed much light hearted debate. At one point, Niall Ó Donnghaile, ex-Mayor of Belfast even resumed his seat in the chair as the current DUP Mayor, Gavin Robinson had to step out for a short period.

All in all, it is quite clear that the Republic is safe in the hands of this generation, and that we will deliver Irish Unity.

 

 

You can contact the Mairéad Farrell Youth Committee on Facebook or Twitter.

Sheena Campbell Cumann to host Big Irish Night!

Queen's University's Sheena Campbell Cumann are set to host a Big Irish Night to celebrate 'Republic Day', the 97th anniversary of the Easter Rising. The Spirit of Freedom will be playing from 9pm in the Hatfield bar on Wednesday the 24th of April.

Sean Bateson, chairperson of the Sheena Campbell Cumann is encouraging everyone to attend; 'It will be a great night and we are expecting a big attendance. Tickets are only £5 mar sin bígí linn!'

For more information click on the Facebook event page!

Fairness must be at the heart of social and economic recovery - Simon Mac Giolla Easpaig

Simon Mac Giolla Easpaig of Donegal and UCD Sinn Féin speaks on the issue of a wealth tax at Sinn Féin's 2013 Ard Fheis in Castlebar.

 

Our parents did not raise us for export - Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Sinn Féin Cork (Carrigaline) representative and Óige Phoblachtach activist Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire speaks on the issue of youth unemployment and emigration.

 

 

Republican Youth condemn arrests of Corsican student activists

SINN FÉIN REPUBLICAN YOUTH has condemned the arrest of four members of Corsican nationalist youth organisation Ghjuventú Indipendentista (GI) on Thursday morning following a peaceful protest at a French government building in the town of Corte.

Fifteen members of GI peacefully occupied the lobby of the sub-prefecture building in Corte on Thursday morning to demand that the French government follow through with promises to co-officialise the Corsican language in Corsica, along with other promises regarding tax. The island's native language is spoken by about 50% of the people who live there. Current French president Francois Hollande promised to ratify the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages if he won the Presidential election, however, more than a year on and he has still not fulfilled his promise.

GI activists occupy the sub-prefecture building in Corte

Four GI activists were arrested and detained at Borgu French military camp where they went on hunger and thirst strike before being released the next day. They are now facing a number of charges

SFRY Dublin spokesperson, Mark Moloney, who represented SFRY at GI's annual Scontri Internaziunali youth conference in Corte in 2009 and 2012 said the arrests were “disgraceful”.

“We've heard from those present at the protest that the French police used excessive force in the arrests. Upwards of a dozen officers dragged the activists from the building. During the incident police punched and kicked the activists. Two were injured, one sustained injuries to his jaw and another was wounded in the face, shoulder and hip.

“These activists were making a peaceful protest for the right to speak their own language in official business in their own country. Their peaceful protest was met with completely disproportionate force by the French authorities. It is absolutely unacceptable that student activists who are simply standing up for their cultural rights should be treated in this fashion

“Here in Ireland we face a similar battle. In the Six Counties, Irish language speakers have faced opposition and resistance to their demands for an Irish Language Act which would give them the same basic rights and entitlements as others.

“Whether in Corsica or Ireland, the people of the country who speak their native language should have the same linguistic rights and entitlements as everybody else.”

SFRY with GI & CGC activists at the Scontri Internaziunali in Corte in 2012

Securing the Future – Martin McGuinness (Keynote Address to Comhdháil Náisiúnta Óige Phoblachtach)

It is a great pleasure to be invited here this afternoon to close this year’s An Comhdail
I know the past 12 months have been one of reorganisation and building for the youth wing of the party.

And like everything else we do organisationally this is a vital area of work.
Republicanism all of the time needs to be renewing – renewing our membership, renewing our politics and renewing the way we do our business.

We do not have the luxury of standing still.

You are the first generation of young Republicans sine partition who have grew up without the scourge of war as a backdrop to your politics.

You are the generation of Republican leaders who have developed your politics and your aspirations in a political playing field that was for the first time level. Levelled by the Good Friday Agreement and the principles of equality and respect, which underpin it.

Your identity, your politics and your outlook is rooted in Irish Republicanism but secure enough in its own right to be open to debate and discussion with others from a different viewpoint.
And I commend the event you have put together this weekend. It would be very easy to construct a conference where we simply talk to ourselves. It shows a certain confidence to open this event to other voices and other opinions and sets out a marker to us all about how we need to do politics going forward.

And I also commend those unionist voices who are confident enough in their politics to come here to the Felons club and engage in debate and discussion about the sort of society we want to build on this island in the years ahead.

The past three months have been bad ones for the peace process and for those of us wedded to the creation of a new type of politics and a new type of society.

I have listened very carefully to the various reasons being put forward by those involved in the protests and in the violence. Indeed I have met with some of those involved. None of them can excuse what has been happened on our streets.

I know from experience what it is like to feel discriminated against, to feel powerless and to feel under threat. Nobody should be in that position in 2013. The unique political structures we operate within lend themselves to political opponents being able to exercise power jointly and in a spirit of respect and equality for the benefit of all citizens. There is space for everyone in the process.
It is my firm view that issues of identity and culture have been quite cynically used by some to promote their own narrow sectarian agenda. The result has seen dozens of young Protestants arrested and jailed and the community in the Short Strand put under siege while those who set the path sit happily in their ivory tower denying culpability and blame.

Far better those young people, who clearly care about their community, where in forums like this, discussing the future with their republican peers, than lying in Hydebank or Maghaberry.

There is a better way to do business. We must return to the basics of the Good Friday Agreement. A commitment to non violence, a need for inclusivity, a respect for difference and a commitment to reach agreements.

Difficult issues are not insurmountable issues. But difficult issues will not be resolved on the streets or at the front of City Hall on a Saturday afternoon. Difficult issues are resolved through dialogue, through engagement and ultimately through compromise and agreement.

I will absolutely guarantee the right of any citizen here to their British identity. All I ask in return is for the same respect and recognition to be given to my Irishness. For too long we have approached issues of identity as wins or losses for one community or another. That is not sustainable going forward.

It disappoints me that we have not yet got to the stage where political unionism can give the same absolute guarantee that I have just given about identity going forward. I genuinely want to hear from a Gregory Campbell or Mike Nesbitt about how they see protecting and respecting the Irish identity of their neighbours as we build a shared society and likewise I am sure unionists are interested in how their British identity is given equal respect and protection by political leaders like me.

But building the sort of new Ireland I want to see has to be about much more than issues of identity or symbolism. It must be about real substance – it must be about delivering a future where young people aren’t forced to emigrate and can get access to a first class education system across the island. We have made a welcome move in recent months when we as an Executive have managed to secure EMA for students here at the same time the British government have abolished it in their jurisdiction.
In the course of the past year or so Sinn Féin have sought to engage with a cross section of society in exploring the prospects for constructing a genuine process of reconciliation. This has involved private events and indeed public events like the one here this afternoon.

I have to say the response from political unionism while predictable has been a disappointment. I think the political leadership of unionism is behind where many ordinary unionists are on this issue. I think there is a realisation across society that the sticking plaster approach or even the head in the sand approach to dealing with the past isn’t sustainable going forward.

Such an approach is not only short sighted it is in my opinion selling all of your generation short. It is simply wrong that people like those gathered here, who have developed your politics in an environment of peace see the political process contaminated and distorted by a failure to tackle in a proper way the legacy of our troubled past.

And that provokes challenges for republicans also. Reconciliation is not a one way street. Republicans caused much hurt also. We need to recognise that and deal with it in a proper fashion. Declan Kearney has characterised this as a difficult conversation we as a society need to have. Difficult as it may be not having it stores much more difficulties for us and for you in the future.
I am an optimist. I am confident in you and your generation. I am also confident in the political system we have built. I am also confident that in the future new negotiations will be had. New agreements will be reached. More positive change will be delivered. More relationships will be built.
The sort of society I want to see, at peace with itself, built upon equality and mutual respect has the foundations already laid. That happened 15 years ago in Castle Buildings. Since then despite ups and downs steady sure progress has been made. Now is the time to grasp the potential that is there and raise us to a new level. You as young political activists need to play your role in that. Your voice is important, but even more important is your contribution. You need to step forward and you need to actively build the sort of Ireland you want to see. You need to engage with your peers from whatever political background or none.

Transforming our island is a massive challenge. Rebuilding broken relationships and creating new ones is central to that nation building task. But as Republicans it is our duty to reach out and to build. To stretch ourselves and our politics. You can only do that if we are confident in our own vision and our own belief that a united Ireland offers the best hope for the future and for all of the citizens who live on this island.

Let us secure the new future that is out there. Not doing so is not an option for me, for you or for Ireland.

Sheena Campbell Cumann Remember Former Student

Students of Queen’s University Belfast gathered on Wednesday the 6^th of March in remembrance of former QUB student Mairéad Farrell. Mairéad was a member of the cumann at the time of her murder 25 years ago.

The memorial opened with the showing of a documentary recording the events surrounding the fortnight of tragic occurrences which began on the 6^th of March 1988. This was both informative and emotional for the audience. The documentary (as seen below) detailed the attack, by Michael Stone, on the funeral on March 16^th and the bravery shown by those who attempted to stop him. Tributes were paid to Thomas McErlean, John Murray and Volunteers Kevin McCracken and Caoimhín Mac Brádaigh who died protecting their community.

 

Barry McElduff, who was a student at QUB at the time, addressed the event as did Jennifer McCann, a close friend of both Mairéad Farrell and Dan McCann, Seán Bateson, chair of QUB SF, chaired the event.  

McElduff gave an account of the university cumann’s reaction to the murders in Gibraltar. He recounted the cumann occupying the Chancellor’s Office at Queen’s in an attempt to have the murders marked by the university. Upon the death of a student it was common practice for QUB to lower the flag to half mast; however, they refused to do so for Mairéad, labelling her a ‘terrorist’. McElduff and others, in an act of comradeship, took over the office and lowered the flag to half mast themselves. He also spoke of the tough and tense times at the University in the months that followed.

Jennifer McCann spoke of Dan McCann, Seán Savage and Mairéad Farrell, describing them as ordinary young people, full of life, who happened to live in extraordinary times. She detailed their dedication to the struggle.

Seán Bateson, speaking after the event, stated “We are delighted with the turn out and interest shown in tonight’s proceedings. As a cumann, we felt that it was important to remember all that happened in March 1988 and in particular Mairéad, as a former student. The speakers were very informative and I think everyone left this evening better educated as to what happened 25 years ago this week.”