A Chairde
31/o7/09
It has been brought to the attention of 32 County Sovereignty Movement members in Co. Fermanagh of an attempt by the PSNI/RUC to recruit as an informer a relative of ex Republican POW John Connolly.
John's relative who comes from Co.Cavan was driving through a part in Co Fermanagh when he was forced to pull his car in after being given the siren by the PSNI/RUC he was then subsequently arrested on road traffic matters and brought to Enniskillen PSNI/RUC station were he was put into a cell there.
After half an hour in the cell the man overheard people talking about his relative John and others in the Fermanagh/Cavan area.
Then his cell door was opened and he was brought to a small holding room were two plain clothes men who never identified themselves asked him would he have information on terrorist activity in the area the man comes from.
He said "no i know nothing" at this point one of the plain clothed men who had a scottish accent handed John's relative a piece of paper with a number on it and said "listen you can help us save lives" at this point John's relative refused to co-operate with anymore questions and asked to be released.
The man was subsequently then released from custody and came straight to the 32 County Sovereignty Movement and told them what had happened him.
We in the 32 County Sovereignty Movement here in Fermanagh would like to commend this man for coming forward with this information.
Furthermore the 32 County Sovereignty Movement would like to reiterate that should anyone else be asked to become an informer or any form of pressure being put on them from the PSNI/RUC they should come forward to the 32 County Sovereignty Movement and we will help you!
PRO: Fermanagh 32csm.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Unwanted media harrasment of former Fermanagh Republican POW John Connolly
Fermanagh 32 County Sovereignty Movement would like to condemn the recent upsurge of unwanted and dangerous media attention that former Fermanagh IRA POW John Connolly has been getting from the Sunday World newspaper.
John got released from Maghaberry gaol in November 2007 after serving a 14 year sentence for possesion of a Mark 15 "Barrack Buster" Mortar bomb and having 250lbs of explosives. And since his release he has been getting constant harassment from the PSNI/RUC and also some unwanted media attention as was seen in the recent articles of the Sunday World.
Fermanagh 32csm believe this is a deliberate attempt by elements within the British security services in cohorts with the Sunday World to demonise John, and a calculated effort to try and smash the growing support that the 32csm have been getting from within the county and further afield.
We in Fermanagh 32 County Sovereignty Movement also believe that there could be a more sinister element to this which could be the every possibility of framing or setup of this man.
Maybe it is also a very deliberate attempt to have John's license revoked and have him sent back to prison, Whatever the reasons behind this unwanted media attention being directed against John Connolly we send our full solidarity and support to this man.
All of this comes just days after Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliot called for savings in the British security budget for the occupied six counties should be used to fund covert units of the British Army to ‘Wipe out’ the threat from Republicans sounds suspiciously like a call for the SAS and other such units to re-engage in the practice of ‘shoot to kill’ against Republican separatists.
The calls for an additional £114 million to be allocated to the British Army units is cause for concern, particularly in the Fermanagh area where by their own admission, the RUC/PSNI have been forced of the roads and it has been revealed that covert British Army units are already established to counter the threat posed by Irish Republicans.
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement already know that the British security apparatus is already investing vast sums into the targeting and harassment of Republicans, their families and the wider Republican/Nationalist community across the six counties and calls for even more money to be made available are a tactit admission that the normalisation process is not going to plan, it is also proof, if it were needed, that Britain most certainly does have political, strategic and economic reasons for being in this part of Ireland.
And comments like those of Tom Elliot could well result in the deaths of innocent nationalists and political activists as has happened so many times in out recent history.
PRO: Fermanagh 32csm.
John got released from Maghaberry gaol in November 2007 after serving a 14 year sentence for possesion of a Mark 15 "Barrack Buster" Mortar bomb and having 250lbs of explosives. And since his release he has been getting constant harassment from the PSNI/RUC and also some unwanted media attention as was seen in the recent articles of the Sunday World.
Fermanagh 32csm believe this is a deliberate attempt by elements within the British security services in cohorts with the Sunday World to demonise John, and a calculated effort to try and smash the growing support that the 32csm have been getting from within the county and further afield.
We in Fermanagh 32 County Sovereignty Movement also believe that there could be a more sinister element to this which could be the every possibility of framing or setup of this man.
Maybe it is also a very deliberate attempt to have John's license revoked and have him sent back to prison, Whatever the reasons behind this unwanted media attention being directed against John Connolly we send our full solidarity and support to this man.
All of this comes just days after Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliot called for savings in the British security budget for the occupied six counties should be used to fund covert units of the British Army to ‘Wipe out’ the threat from Republicans sounds suspiciously like a call for the SAS and other such units to re-engage in the practice of ‘shoot to kill’ against Republican separatists.
The calls for an additional £114 million to be allocated to the British Army units is cause for concern, particularly in the Fermanagh area where by their own admission, the RUC/PSNI have been forced of the roads and it has been revealed that covert British Army units are already established to counter the threat posed by Irish Republicans.
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement already know that the British security apparatus is already investing vast sums into the targeting and harassment of Republicans, their families and the wider Republican/Nationalist community across the six counties and calls for even more money to be made available are a tactit admission that the normalisation process is not going to plan, it is also proof, if it were needed, that Britain most certainly does have political, strategic and economic reasons for being in this part of Ireland.
And comments like those of Tom Elliot could well result in the deaths of innocent nationalists and political activists as has happened so many times in out recent history.
PRO: Fermanagh 32csm.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Calls for shoot to kill
32 County Sovereignty Movement Fermanagh
22/07/2009
Elliot’s comments a cause for concern
Today’s comments by Fermanagh UUP MLA Tom Elliot that savings in the British security budget for the occupied six counties should be used to fund covert units of the British Army to ‘Wipe out’ the threat from Republicans sounds suspiciously like a call for the SAS and other such units to re-engage in the practice of ‘shoot to kill’ against Republican separatists.
The calls for an additional £114 million to be allocated to the British Army units is cause for concern, particularly in the Fermanagh area where by their own admission, the RUC/PSNI have been forced of the roads and it has been revealed that covert British Army units are already established to counter the threat posed by Irish Republicans.
The British security apparatus is already investing vast sums into the targeting and harassment of Republicans, their families and the wider Republican/Nationalist community across the six counties and calls for even more money to be made available are a tactit admission that the normalisation process is not going to plan, it is also proof, if it were needed, that Britain most certainly does have political, strategic and economic reasons for being in this part of Ireland.
While all IRA volunteers and other insurgents fighting the British occupation in Ireland are aware of and accept the risk of death, it is our fear that allocating more resources to British killer gangs and comments like those of Tom Elliot could well result in the deaths of innocent nationalists and political activists as has happened so many times in out recent history.
22/07/2009
Elliot’s comments a cause for concern
Today’s comments by Fermanagh UUP MLA Tom Elliot that savings in the British security budget for the occupied six counties should be used to fund covert units of the British Army to ‘Wipe out’ the threat from Republicans sounds suspiciously like a call for the SAS and other such units to re-engage in the practice of ‘shoot to kill’ against Republican separatists.
The calls for an additional £114 million to be allocated to the British Army units is cause for concern, particularly in the Fermanagh area where by their own admission, the RUC/PSNI have been forced of the roads and it has been revealed that covert British Army units are already established to counter the threat posed by Irish Republicans.
The British security apparatus is already investing vast sums into the targeting and harassment of Republicans, their families and the wider Republican/Nationalist community across the six counties and calls for even more money to be made available are a tactit admission that the normalisation process is not going to plan, it is also proof, if it were needed, that Britain most certainly does have political, strategic and economic reasons for being in this part of Ireland.
While all IRA volunteers and other insurgents fighting the British occupation in Ireland are aware of and accept the risk of death, it is our fear that allocating more resources to British killer gangs and comments like those of Tom Elliot could well result in the deaths of innocent nationalists and political activists as has happened so many times in out recent history.
Friday, July 17, 2009
No Go Area For British Police
The PSNI are refusing to comment on reports that Police personnel will only be allowed to go into certain areas of South Fermanagh by helicopter.
The Impartial Reporter understands that the Police decision was taken because of a high level of Republican threat,Following alot of recent criticism PSNI Commander Michael Skuce appealed to Republicans to get of the communitys backs and let the Police do there job.
Last friday the Real IRA issued bomb warnings in Enniskillen.
And on Saturday the Continuity IRA issued bomb warnings in Lisnaskea and Maguiresbridge.
It has also been reported that the 32 County Sovereignty Movement regarded to be linked to the Real IRA has embarked on a recruitment campaign by putting leaflets through letter boxes in the Newtownbutler area.
"On friday afternoon telephone warnings of devices in Enniskillen and other parts of Fermanagh were made."Police immediately alerted the buisinesses that had been identified and shop staff carried out searches. Nothing was found in any of the searches" a Police spokesman added.
When asked if it was a change of policy to ask shop staff to search for potential bombs, the spokesman replied:"Police have long developed relationships with traders in terms of what to look out for and what to do should the need arise."The traders know there premises and stock and how to assist Police in carrying out searches."There should not be a need for such searches by traders or Police and those that creare that need must bear any consequences" he added.
A caller warning of devices left by the Continuity IRA said it was the second warning.
Police say that other calls that bombs had been left in rural areas continue."A clear and present high level of threat to Police officers exists in Co Fermanagh and we bear that in mind in our operations," the PSNI spokesman added.
Police sourses have said they will not respond to incidents in certain areas around Newtownbutler by road, but only armed Police personnel will be sent in by air.
However, the Police spokesman said "Given the threat, it would not be appropriate to comment on the operational decisions we take in relation to the deployment of resourses.".
( Taken from the Impartial Reporter Thursday 16th July )
The Impartial Reporter understands that the Police decision was taken because of a high level of Republican threat,Following alot of recent criticism PSNI Commander Michael Skuce appealed to Republicans to get of the communitys backs and let the Police do there job.
Last friday the Real IRA issued bomb warnings in Enniskillen.
And on Saturday the Continuity IRA issued bomb warnings in Lisnaskea and Maguiresbridge.
It has also been reported that the 32 County Sovereignty Movement regarded to be linked to the Real IRA has embarked on a recruitment campaign by putting leaflets through letter boxes in the Newtownbutler area.
"On friday afternoon telephone warnings of devices in Enniskillen and other parts of Fermanagh were made."Police immediately alerted the buisinesses that had been identified and shop staff carried out searches. Nothing was found in any of the searches" a Police spokesman added.
When asked if it was a change of policy to ask shop staff to search for potential bombs, the spokesman replied:"Police have long developed relationships with traders in terms of what to look out for and what to do should the need arise."The traders know there premises and stock and how to assist Police in carrying out searches."There should not be a need for such searches by traders or Police and those that creare that need must bear any consequences" he added.
A caller warning of devices left by the Continuity IRA said it was the second warning.
Police say that other calls that bombs had been left in rural areas continue."A clear and present high level of threat to Police officers exists in Co Fermanagh and we bear that in mind in our operations," the PSNI spokesman added.
Police sourses have said they will not respond to incidents in certain areas around Newtownbutler by road, but only armed Police personnel will be sent in by air.
However, the Police spokesman said "Given the threat, it would not be appropriate to comment on the operational decisions we take in relation to the deployment of resourses.".
( Taken from the Impartial Reporter Thursday 16th July )
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
PSNI/RUC harassment continues
On Sunday the 12th of July at approximately 8pm there was an Orange March through the centre of the village of Newtownbutler here in Co Fermanagh.
Tensions had already been high especially after the coat trailing exercise the previous week by Sectarian Loyalist bands that marched through the village.
The PSNI/RUC were there in force and then again on the 12th of July.
PSNI/RUC were very confrontational towards members of the 32csm here in Fermanagh, they were using camcorders and hi tec cameras to take videos and Pictures of our members.
With collusion between Loyalist british murder squads and the RUC confirmed in the past, the 32csm here in Fermanagh are concerned that this video footage and pictures taken by the PSNI/RUC of our members could fall into the hands of Pro British Loyalist death squads.
During the march PSNI/RUC intimidated and tried to provoke a riot by threatening Nationalist residents of the village.
They surrounded members of the 32csm and became aggressive to a number of our members during the march.
The 32csm here in Fermanagh reiterate that we will continue to oppose these sectarian marches in the Nationalist village of Newtownbutler.
PRO:
Fermanagh 32csm.
Tensions had already been high especially after the coat trailing exercise the previous week by Sectarian Loyalist bands that marched through the village.
The PSNI/RUC were there in force and then again on the 12th of July.
PSNI/RUC were very confrontational towards members of the 32csm here in Fermanagh, they were using camcorders and hi tec cameras to take videos and Pictures of our members.
With collusion between Loyalist british murder squads and the RUC confirmed in the past, the 32csm here in Fermanagh are concerned that this video footage and pictures taken by the PSNI/RUC of our members could fall into the hands of Pro British Loyalist death squads.
During the march PSNI/RUC intimidated and tried to provoke a riot by threatening Nationalist residents of the village.
They surrounded members of the 32csm and became aggressive to a number of our members during the march.
The 32csm here in Fermanagh reiterate that we will continue to oppose these sectarian marches in the Nationalist village of Newtownbutler.
PRO:
Fermanagh 32csm.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Paramilitary PSNI/RUC storm Nationalist village
AChairde
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement here in Co.Fermanagh would like to take this opportunity to condemn a loyalist band parade that took place in the Nationalist village of Newtownbutler on friday 3rd of July at 8.30pm.
Up to 15 loyalist bands took part in what was nothin more than a provocative sectarian coat trailing exercise to stoke up tensions in the area.
If proof was ever needed of the unchanged nature of both British Policing and the wider occupation, it was provided in the sleepy Nationalist village of Newtownbutler last friday nite.
The village was taken over by the new British Colonial Police force who hemmed in the Nationalist residents out to protest against the loyalist march.
Dozens of Paramilitary Police stormed the centre of the village exiting from the backs of armoured land rovers brandising batons and rifles in riot gear. While a British Army helicopter circled over head.
This could have been a scene from back in the 70s or 80s but it wasnt it was July 2009.
A number of Fermanagh 32csm activists who were in the village to monitor and help the residents were victimized and harassed and searched under section 44 of the terrorism act by the PSNI/RUC under the watchful eye of known Sinn Fein members who refused to come to the assistance of those being searched,this speaks volumes in itself.
We in the Fermanagh 32csm would like to commend the many young and old residents of Newtownbutler for standing up against what was an overwhelming number of Crown force personnel and large number of loyalist supporters that were drafted into the town to cause trouble.
Furthermore we state that in the future the 32 County Sovereignty Movement will have activists on the ground for future loyalist parades in the town to support the Nationalist residents of Newtownbutler.
Beir Bua
Pro:
Fermanagh 32csm!
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement here in Co.Fermanagh would like to take this opportunity to condemn a loyalist band parade that took place in the Nationalist village of Newtownbutler on friday 3rd of July at 8.30pm.
Up to 15 loyalist bands took part in what was nothin more than a provocative sectarian coat trailing exercise to stoke up tensions in the area.
If proof was ever needed of the unchanged nature of both British Policing and the wider occupation, it was provided in the sleepy Nationalist village of Newtownbutler last friday nite.
The village was taken over by the new British Colonial Police force who hemmed in the Nationalist residents out to protest against the loyalist march.
Dozens of Paramilitary Police stormed the centre of the village exiting from the backs of armoured land rovers brandising batons and rifles in riot gear. While a British Army helicopter circled over head.
This could have been a scene from back in the 70s or 80s but it wasnt it was July 2009.
A number of Fermanagh 32csm activists who were in the village to monitor and help the residents were victimized and harassed and searched under section 44 of the terrorism act by the PSNI/RUC under the watchful eye of known Sinn Fein members who refused to come to the assistance of those being searched,this speaks volumes in itself.
We in the Fermanagh 32csm would like to commend the many young and old residents of Newtownbutler for standing up against what was an overwhelming number of Crown force personnel and large number of loyalist supporters that were drafted into the town to cause trouble.
Furthermore we state that in the future the 32 County Sovereignty Movement will have activists on the ground for future loyalist parades in the town to support the Nationalist residents of Newtownbutler.
Beir Bua
Pro:
Fermanagh 32csm!
Friday, July 3, 2009
PSNI/RUC force loyalist band through nationalist village.
The PSNI/RUC forced a loyalist parade through the Nationalist village of Newtownbutler on friday 3rd of July at 8.30pm.
A major security operation swung into place in the sleepy border village of Newtownbutler in South Fermanagh tonite as Nationalist residents went out to confront what they seen was a provocative act and coat trailing exercise by the Orange Order and there protectors in the colonial Police force, when they were set apon by riot claddin police brandising batons.
The young Nationalist youth rebelled against this Police aggression by launching a barrage of missiles including bricks and bottles at the crown forces who were protectors for this loyalist band.
Fermanagh 32csm were in the village to support and assist the Nationalist residents in there plight.
On a number of occasions members of Provisional Sinn Fein were seen trying to stop the young Nationalists from attacking the Colonial Police.
We in the 32csm here in Fermanagh would like to commend the brave efforts of the young Nationalists in the border village of Newtownbutler for standing up to overwhelming numbers of crown force personnel and for there resistance to these bully boys.
Fermanagh 32csm will be there at future orange parades to assist the Nationalist residents in there plight.
PRO:
Fermanagh 32 csm.
PRO:
Fermanagh 32 csm.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
RUC/PSNI Harrassment
32CSM Fermanagh 29/06/09 A Chairde
Fermanagh 32CSM would like to condemn the recent victimization and harrasment of our members in Co. Fermanagh. Last week a number of our members houses were searched and two members of our cumann were arrested by the Colonial Police Force/PSNI in the Enniskillen town area.
While the 32CSM here in Fermanagh and indeed the entire Republican Community are well used to this Political Policing we would urge the wider Nationalist Community to open their eyes and take a good look at what is happening around them. The State Police in Ireland are acting on behalf of the British State's political interests in Ireland, there is no seperation of Political Policing and "ordinary" Policing in today's RUC/PSNI.
We in the 32CSM ask all Republicans and Nationalists to reject this Political Police force. Fermanagh 32CSM will not be silenced, we will not be deflected or subdued. Republicans everywhere should follow our example and stand united against the onslaught that is sure to come with the devolution of Policing and Justice. In the words of the late great Brendan "The Dark" Hughes stay true to yourselves and stand by the Republic.
PRO:
Fermanagh 32 County Sovereignty Movement!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Attacks on PSF members Counter Productive.
32 County Sovereignty Movement
11/5/2009
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement categorically deny that the litany of attacks on homes of PSF members and their property, culminating in Sunday nights attack on the home of Mitchell McLaughlin in Derry, are the work of anti agreement republicans. We also condemn, without reservation, attacks on monuments to our republican dead and other acts of wanton vandalism on republican monuments and state that those involved are guilty of crimes against the republican community.
Attacks on members of PSF, their homes or their offices are wrong and counter productive. The 32 County Sovereignty Movement are of the opinion that these attacks are being orchestrated by a dirty tricks department working in the state’s interest and being carried out by criminal elements.
These attacks do nothing to further the cause of republican separatism and serve only to polarise and divide republicans and republican communities. These attacks are taking place at a time when our members and supporters are winning the argument for republicanism against reformism, these attacks on PSF only deflect attention on their failure to protect the republican position and we welcome open, democratic debate on this issue rather than recrimination and tit for tat attacks that conveniently prevent debate from taking place.
11/5/2009
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement categorically deny that the litany of attacks on homes of PSF members and their property, culminating in Sunday nights attack on the home of Mitchell McLaughlin in Derry, are the work of anti agreement republicans. We also condemn, without reservation, attacks on monuments to our republican dead and other acts of wanton vandalism on republican monuments and state that those involved are guilty of crimes against the republican community.
Attacks on members of PSF, their homes or their offices are wrong and counter productive. The 32 County Sovereignty Movement are of the opinion that these attacks are being orchestrated by a dirty tricks department working in the state’s interest and being carried out by criminal elements.
These attacks do nothing to further the cause of republican separatism and serve only to polarise and divide republicans and republican communities. These attacks are taking place at a time when our members and supporters are winning the argument for republicanism against reformism, these attacks on PSF only deflect attention on their failure to protect the republican position and we welcome open, democratic debate on this issue rather than recrimination and tit for tat attacks that conveniently prevent debate from taking place.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
E3 Prison Protest to Escalate.
Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association
24/04/2009
E3 Prison Protest to escalate.
The current protest by republican POW’s on E3 landing in Portlaoise gaol is set to escalate following a ruling that yet another prisoner has been denied temporary release by the Free State department of justice. Last week two republicans prisoners went on a no wash/dirty protest over the politically motivated denial of temporary release, more prisoners were set to follow but an agreement was made between the Irish Prison Service and the Officer Commanding republican POW’s to call a temporary halt to the escalation of the protest in order to see what moves could be undertaken to end the action by the prisoners.
Earlier today the OC of the prisoners informed the IRPWA that the Irish Prison Service had come back empty handed and another prisoner was denied temporary release. It seems that the Department of Justice and the Irish Prison Service are committed to the policy of confronting republican prisoners.
We have been informed that all republican prisoners on E3 will join the protest on Monday. The POW’s had earlier stated that they would stagger men in pairs until the whole landing was on protest, the OC has informed the IRPWA that this is no longer the case as the prisoners now see no merit in this course of action.
The IRPWA call on the entire republican family to support the men in their protest and to support the IRPWA in a series of protests they are now planning, we thank those republican comrades who have already come out in support of the POW’s.
The Department of Justice and the Irish Prison Service are making a grave mistake if they think they can call these man’s bluff and they are guilty of a gross underestimation of the Óglaigh na hÉireann POW’s resolve.
24/04/2009
E3 Prison Protest to escalate.
The current protest by republican POW’s on E3 landing in Portlaoise gaol is set to escalate following a ruling that yet another prisoner has been denied temporary release by the Free State department of justice. Last week two republicans prisoners went on a no wash/dirty protest over the politically motivated denial of temporary release, more prisoners were set to follow but an agreement was made between the Irish Prison Service and the Officer Commanding republican POW’s to call a temporary halt to the escalation of the protest in order to see what moves could be undertaken to end the action by the prisoners.
Earlier today the OC of the prisoners informed the IRPWA that the Irish Prison Service had come back empty handed and another prisoner was denied temporary release. It seems that the Department of Justice and the Irish Prison Service are committed to the policy of confronting republican prisoners.
We have been informed that all republican prisoners on E3 will join the protest on Monday. The POW’s had earlier stated that they would stagger men in pairs until the whole landing was on protest, the OC has informed the IRPWA that this is no longer the case as the prisoners now see no merit in this course of action.
The IRPWA call on the entire republican family to support the men in their protest and to support the IRPWA in a series of protests they are now planning, we thank those republican comrades who have already come out in support of the POW’s.
The Department of Justice and the Irish Prison Service are making a grave mistake if they think they can call these man’s bluff and they are guilty of a gross underestimation of the Óglaigh na hÉireann POW’s resolve.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Protest on E3 Portlaoise Gaol.
IRISH REPUBLICAN PRISONERS WELFARE ASSOCIATION
18/04/2009
Protest on E3 Portlaoise Gaol.
It is with great regret that the IRPWA call upon the republican family to once again support POW’s in their protest against the blatant injustice of the Prison system in Ireland.
The IRPWA have been tasked by the republican POW’s to state how and why this protest has occurred and to clarify the facts of this protest.
A protest is currently underway on E3 Portlaoise due to the suspension of the temporary release (TR) and compassionate release (CR) programmes. It is the belief of the POW’s that this has happened due to IRA actions in the occupied six counties, indeed the Irish Prison Service have indicated this much and one of their spokespersons has even asked the OC of E3 if he ‘Believed in the border’!
The situation at present is as follows: Two republicans prisoners (Vinny Kelly and Justin McCarthy) are currently involved in a no wash/dirty protest, NOT on the blanket as some have suggested. At intervals republican POW’s will join this protest until the whole landing is on protest , at this stage the protest will escalate.
The Irish Prison Service representative and the Governor have asked the Officer Commanding to reconsider the POW’s stance pending talks with the Free State government, the only concession the POW’s have been willing to make at this stage is to delay further men joining the protest for a short period to give them a chance to resolve the issue. It is the understanding of the IRPWA that this window of opportunity is fast closing and we would urge all those involved in the Free State government and the Irish Prison Service to make strenuous efforts to resolve this intolerable situation as soon as possible.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
32CSM Easter Oration
32CSM Easter Oration
2009
A chairde, there are those who would say we are traitors gathered here to commemorate the actions of traitors. Pearse and Connolly were deemed to be traitors because the British trenches in the Somme were filled with Irishmen deceived into thinking that fighting in the imperial slaughter of the First World War would lead to Home Rule. Pearse and Connolly said it wouldn’t, and they were right, but still they were vilified and executed. Ninety three years later republicans once again state that the Home Rule strategy will not deliver Irish freedom. Calling us traitors for saying so from the steps of Stormont, flanked by Britain’s head policeman in Ireland, proves we are also right. We are immensely proud to share the views of Pearse and Connolly.
Once again British soldiers are being killed on Irish soil. Once again British soldiers are using Irish soil to train to kill in foreign wars. Once again establishment nationalists have moved to support the British regime in Ireland. Nothing has changed. Claiming that unity will be achieved by 2016 is similar to the deception employed to lure men to their deaths in the fields of Flanders in the lost hope of securing Home Rule. Nothing has changed here either. The men and women of 1916 fought for fundamental change. They were not reformists, but Irish separatists who articulated the basic republican message that our sovereignty is inalienable and indefeasable.
This year also marks the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the First Dail Eireann. The First Dail was the Proclamation in action. It was an Irish parliament of, by and for the Irish people. It declared our independence to the world and set about a radical social programme to cherish all of the children equally. It remains our blueprint for the future of our country and our people.
Our history is one of conflict because too often our history has been repeated. Political arrangements which usurp Irish sovereignty cannot lead to peace or freedom. Inherent in these arrangements is the attempted suppression of those who seek to defend our sovereignty. They murder us. They hang us. They intern us. They intimidate us. They malign us. It represents that familiar colonial chorus, ever desperate to maintain itself. Trading civil rights in return for recognition of foreign rule condemns our children to fight for that most basic of rights, their own freedom. The men and women of 1916 were not fooled or bought by the trappings of Home Rule nor intimidated by the forces of Westminster and her Irish lackeys. For them democracy meant more than an opinion poll rating or a gerrymandered election. The voice of the people can only be heard if it is freely expressed.
And this is the message which republicans need to articulate today. As republicans we need to put before the people our framework from within which Irish democracy can function without external impediment. We need to set our case against British occupation in a way which is relevant to our people’s needs today. Our aims cannot be solely the product of the past nor can they be a slave to that past. British reasons for remaining in Ireland will change according to modern British interests and republican strategies opposing these interests must adapt accordingly. But in doing so we cannot repeat the failures of history by compromising the legitimacy of our position for the appearance of short term gain. The British have no right to be here and our right to resist them is a matter for us to determine and not them.
We are constantly asked; what is your alternative? The answer depends on who is asking the question. To those who call us traitors we say; any alternative but yours. To those who call us anti democratic we say; let us negotiate without pre conditions. To those republicans who genuinely seek an alternative we say; let us construct one together. We must be clear that the Good Friday Agreement represents a significant defeat for republicanism. And in the face of this we need to be pragmatic and not reactionary. Recrimination is not an alternative. Working constructively together is. Along with other republican comrades the 32 County Sovereignty Movement has engaged in an initiative to forge a way forward from a unified republican position. The ideology behind it is the ideology of necessity. All republican banners are welcome because all republican banners are needed.
How we engage with the Irish people is as important as what we engage them on. From the outset the truth of what we say will be judged by the strength by which we say it. Eloquence and emotion are no substitutes to a unified voice. The politics of conflict resolution requires clarity to ensure that any resolution is just and democratic. Armed conflict is in existence because such a resolution has not been entered into. Neither republicans nor the British government can invoke the existence of armed conflict as an excuse not to engage in a process to find a final democratic resolution to the Anglo Irish conflict. We have to deal with reality as it is and not how we wish it to be.
Standing here in commemoration of 1916 let us invoke the clarity of the Proclamation as we now address the British government today. You must leave Ireland. If, as you say, you have no selfish, strategic or economic reasons for remaining in Ireland then there is no excuse for you not to leave. There is no problem in Ireland which demands your presence that the Irish people themselves cannot resolve. If you require a framework to allow you to disengage from our country we will construct one for you. But for this to happen you must go before the international community and renounce your claim to sovereignty over the Six Counties. A claim of sovereignty represents the bedrock of any strategic interest so let this be the basic test of your intentions.
We call on all republicans to realign ourselves around the securing of achievable aims. We have set forth a programme to rebuild the republican movement through political advancement. We have proposed that commemorating 1916 should be the annual barometer by which we measure our success especially in the run up to its centenary in 2016. Irish republicanism must be in a position on the occasion of this centenary to tell the Irish people that concrete political gains have been made toward making national reunification an unstoppable reality. The Proclamation is too important a document to condemn it to perpetual aspiration.
The Unity Initiative is the only realistic way forward. Armed struggle is a reality in our midst. We must address it for what it is, a symptom of the unwillingness of the British government to engage on the core cause of conflict, namely, its illegal claim to sovereignty over part of our country. For those who want armed struggle to cease they must come forward with proposals to address its cause. The politics of condemnation is a failed irrelevancy just as British micro Ministers are sitting in Stormont. The 32 County Sovereignty Movement have endeavoured since its formation to put such proposals into the public domain.
We sought a peaceful alternative through the auspices of the United Nations only to have that route disbarred to us when the US authorities, acting on influence from London and Dublin, banned our organisation from travelling there. But we are not deterred by this and efforts are underway to petition the Obama administration to reverse this policy. Because contrary to previous declarations made there, Ireland is not at peace.
We have sought dialogue with both governments, unionist and nationalist parties in an attempt to seek a peaceful way forward but these offers have been largely ignored. We thank all those who worked toward achieving this. And we say it again now; if you truly believe our position is so flawed come and tell us how, rather than grandstanding on media soap boxes. Our door remains open and we will not stop knocking on yours.
Comrades, the template of 1916 remains supremely relevant for us today. It was republican unity which drafted the Proclamation and allowed for the accommodation of its diverse views so magnificently. It was republican disunity which led to that fateful confusion on that day. They have given us the benefit of their foresight and the lessons of their errors. Let us leave here today all the wiser for both.
Beir Bua.
2009
A chairde, there are those who would say we are traitors gathered here to commemorate the actions of traitors. Pearse and Connolly were deemed to be traitors because the British trenches in the Somme were filled with Irishmen deceived into thinking that fighting in the imperial slaughter of the First World War would lead to Home Rule. Pearse and Connolly said it wouldn’t, and they were right, but still they were vilified and executed. Ninety three years later republicans once again state that the Home Rule strategy will not deliver Irish freedom. Calling us traitors for saying so from the steps of Stormont, flanked by Britain’s head policeman in Ireland, proves we are also right. We are immensely proud to share the views of Pearse and Connolly.
Once again British soldiers are being killed on Irish soil. Once again British soldiers are using Irish soil to train to kill in foreign wars. Once again establishment nationalists have moved to support the British regime in Ireland. Nothing has changed. Claiming that unity will be achieved by 2016 is similar to the deception employed to lure men to their deaths in the fields of Flanders in the lost hope of securing Home Rule. Nothing has changed here either. The men and women of 1916 fought for fundamental change. They were not reformists, but Irish separatists who articulated the basic republican message that our sovereignty is inalienable and indefeasable.
This year also marks the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the First Dail Eireann. The First Dail was the Proclamation in action. It was an Irish parliament of, by and for the Irish people. It declared our independence to the world and set about a radical social programme to cherish all of the children equally. It remains our blueprint for the future of our country and our people.
Our history is one of conflict because too often our history has been repeated. Political arrangements which usurp Irish sovereignty cannot lead to peace or freedom. Inherent in these arrangements is the attempted suppression of those who seek to defend our sovereignty. They murder us. They hang us. They intern us. They intimidate us. They malign us. It represents that familiar colonial chorus, ever desperate to maintain itself. Trading civil rights in return for recognition of foreign rule condemns our children to fight for that most basic of rights, their own freedom. The men and women of 1916 were not fooled or bought by the trappings of Home Rule nor intimidated by the forces of Westminster and her Irish lackeys. For them democracy meant more than an opinion poll rating or a gerrymandered election. The voice of the people can only be heard if it is freely expressed.
And this is the message which republicans need to articulate today. As republicans we need to put before the people our framework from within which Irish democracy can function without external impediment. We need to set our case against British occupation in a way which is relevant to our people’s needs today. Our aims cannot be solely the product of the past nor can they be a slave to that past. British reasons for remaining in Ireland will change according to modern British interests and republican strategies opposing these interests must adapt accordingly. But in doing so we cannot repeat the failures of history by compromising the legitimacy of our position for the appearance of short term gain. The British have no right to be here and our right to resist them is a matter for us to determine and not them.
We are constantly asked; what is your alternative? The answer depends on who is asking the question. To those who call us traitors we say; any alternative but yours. To those who call us anti democratic we say; let us negotiate without pre conditions. To those republicans who genuinely seek an alternative we say; let us construct one together. We must be clear that the Good Friday Agreement represents a significant defeat for republicanism. And in the face of this we need to be pragmatic and not reactionary. Recrimination is not an alternative. Working constructively together is. Along with other republican comrades the 32 County Sovereignty Movement has engaged in an initiative to forge a way forward from a unified republican position. The ideology behind it is the ideology of necessity. All republican banners are welcome because all republican banners are needed.
How we engage with the Irish people is as important as what we engage them on. From the outset the truth of what we say will be judged by the strength by which we say it. Eloquence and emotion are no substitutes to a unified voice. The politics of conflict resolution requires clarity to ensure that any resolution is just and democratic. Armed conflict is in existence because such a resolution has not been entered into. Neither republicans nor the British government can invoke the existence of armed conflict as an excuse not to engage in a process to find a final democratic resolution to the Anglo Irish conflict. We have to deal with reality as it is and not how we wish it to be.
Standing here in commemoration of 1916 let us invoke the clarity of the Proclamation as we now address the British government today. You must leave Ireland. If, as you say, you have no selfish, strategic or economic reasons for remaining in Ireland then there is no excuse for you not to leave. There is no problem in Ireland which demands your presence that the Irish people themselves cannot resolve. If you require a framework to allow you to disengage from our country we will construct one for you. But for this to happen you must go before the international community and renounce your claim to sovereignty over the Six Counties. A claim of sovereignty represents the bedrock of any strategic interest so let this be the basic test of your intentions.
We call on all republicans to realign ourselves around the securing of achievable aims. We have set forth a programme to rebuild the republican movement through political advancement. We have proposed that commemorating 1916 should be the annual barometer by which we measure our success especially in the run up to its centenary in 2016. Irish republicanism must be in a position on the occasion of this centenary to tell the Irish people that concrete political gains have been made toward making national reunification an unstoppable reality. The Proclamation is too important a document to condemn it to perpetual aspiration.
The Unity Initiative is the only realistic way forward. Armed struggle is a reality in our midst. We must address it for what it is, a symptom of the unwillingness of the British government to engage on the core cause of conflict, namely, its illegal claim to sovereignty over part of our country. For those who want armed struggle to cease they must come forward with proposals to address its cause. The politics of condemnation is a failed irrelevancy just as British micro Ministers are sitting in Stormont. The 32 County Sovereignty Movement have endeavoured since its formation to put such proposals into the public domain.
We sought a peaceful alternative through the auspices of the United Nations only to have that route disbarred to us when the US authorities, acting on influence from London and Dublin, banned our organisation from travelling there. But we are not deterred by this and efforts are underway to petition the Obama administration to reverse this policy. Because contrary to previous declarations made there, Ireland is not at peace.
We have sought dialogue with both governments, unionist and nationalist parties in an attempt to seek a peaceful way forward but these offers have been largely ignored. We thank all those who worked toward achieving this. And we say it again now; if you truly believe our position is so flawed come and tell us how, rather than grandstanding on media soap boxes. Our door remains open and we will not stop knocking on yours.
Comrades, the template of 1916 remains supremely relevant for us today. It was republican unity which drafted the Proclamation and allowed for the accommodation of its diverse views so magnificently. It was republican disunity which led to that fateful confusion on that day. They have given us the benefit of their foresight and the lessons of their errors. Let us leave here today all the wiser for both.
Beir Bua.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Vol Jim Lynagh Cumman 32CSM Fermanagh
Following a meeting with his family this evening, it is with great pride that we can announce the new 32CSM cumman in Fermanagh will be named after Vol Jim Lynagh a great republican and soldier of Ireland.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
End The Conflict, End British Rule In Ireland
12/03/2009
End The Conflict, End British Rule In Ireland
If the conflict in Ireland is to end once and for all, so too must the illegal British claim to sovereignty over the Six Counties. That has been made clear in light of the violent events of recent days. That the so called peace process failed to openly address this central core issue of conflict is the reason for its failure now. Attempts to cocoon the problem in a puppet British Assembly arguing along sectarian lines are doomed to failure. From the outset of this process the British government have moved to defend their illegal sovereign claim to Irelands territory. This was evident when they made it an absolute pre-condition that the entry fee into negotiations was the acceptance of a partitionist outcome. Once republican leaders acquiesced to this British demand the republican project within that process was doomed. As it limped from crisis to crisis its British and unionist credentials began to assert themselves. What also emerged was the clear fact that rather than accept their abject defeat in negotiations with the British, republican leaders dug deeper into the morass whilst making outlandish and unsustainable claims about achieving Irish unity by certain dates to keep supporters on board. It was a classic British trap. This British strategy has now reached its pinnacle with a Provisional Sinn Fein leader standing at Stormont, under the British flag, as a minister of the British crown, calling IRA Volunteers ‘traitors’ for continuing to resist British occupation.
We note the ritual chorus of condemnation emanating from Leinster House. Far from reflecting a unity of purpose it represents a bankruptcy of will from that institution to pursue the objective of a Sovereign Irish Republic. From its inception Leinster House abandoned the Irish people in the Six Counties. It abandoned them further under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. It evolved a politics which made it a slave to vested interests. It is economically on its knees because of financial and political corruption at the highest level. It has selectively spurned its own referenda results because it lacked the courage to represent those results to the political elite in Europe. It is no position to lecture to anyone on any matter of substance.
From its inception the 32 County Sovereignty Movement has endeavored to place the issue of Irish National Sovereignty at the heart of the political process via peaceful methods. We sought to raise our concerns by pursuing our case at the United Nations only to have that peaceful route disbarred to us when London and Dublin petitioned Washington to have our organization declared illegal in the US. We petitioned all the main parties with detailed submissions but were met with silence. We sought peace. We seek peace, but we recognise clearly that this can only be achieved if true parity is brought to a negotiations process. Britain’s claim to have ‘no selfish, strategic or economic reasons’ to remain in Ireland is laid bare when one sees its use of Irish soil to train and dispatch British soldiers to kill in foreign wars. The British are not neutral in Ireland, no more than they are in Afghanistan or Iraq. To allow them to claim this, which the Good Friday Agreement does, represents a massive abdication of duty and responsibility by all those supposed nationalists who support it. The recent loss of life as a result of military action is yet another tragedy in the continuing conflict in Ireland. What is required to resolve it is an end to British Parliamentary activity in Ireland so that the people of the island can come to their own democratic arrangements as to how we govern ourselves.
End The Conflict, End British Rule In Ireland
If the conflict in Ireland is to end once and for all, so too must the illegal British claim to sovereignty over the Six Counties. That has been made clear in light of the violent events of recent days. That the so called peace process failed to openly address this central core issue of conflict is the reason for its failure now. Attempts to cocoon the problem in a puppet British Assembly arguing along sectarian lines are doomed to failure. From the outset of this process the British government have moved to defend their illegal sovereign claim to Irelands territory. This was evident when they made it an absolute pre-condition that the entry fee into negotiations was the acceptance of a partitionist outcome. Once republican leaders acquiesced to this British demand the republican project within that process was doomed. As it limped from crisis to crisis its British and unionist credentials began to assert themselves. What also emerged was the clear fact that rather than accept their abject defeat in negotiations with the British, republican leaders dug deeper into the morass whilst making outlandish and unsustainable claims about achieving Irish unity by certain dates to keep supporters on board. It was a classic British trap. This British strategy has now reached its pinnacle with a Provisional Sinn Fein leader standing at Stormont, under the British flag, as a minister of the British crown, calling IRA Volunteers ‘traitors’ for continuing to resist British occupation.
We note the ritual chorus of condemnation emanating from Leinster House. Far from reflecting a unity of purpose it represents a bankruptcy of will from that institution to pursue the objective of a Sovereign Irish Republic. From its inception Leinster House abandoned the Irish people in the Six Counties. It abandoned them further under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. It evolved a politics which made it a slave to vested interests. It is economically on its knees because of financial and political corruption at the highest level. It has selectively spurned its own referenda results because it lacked the courage to represent those results to the political elite in Europe. It is no position to lecture to anyone on any matter of substance.
From its inception the 32 County Sovereignty Movement has endeavored to place the issue of Irish National Sovereignty at the heart of the political process via peaceful methods. We sought to raise our concerns by pursuing our case at the United Nations only to have that peaceful route disbarred to us when London and Dublin petitioned Washington to have our organization declared illegal in the US. We petitioned all the main parties with detailed submissions but were met with silence. We sought peace. We seek peace, but we recognise clearly that this can only be achieved if true parity is brought to a negotiations process. Britain’s claim to have ‘no selfish, strategic or economic reasons’ to remain in Ireland is laid bare when one sees its use of Irish soil to train and dispatch British soldiers to kill in foreign wars. The British are not neutral in Ireland, no more than they are in Afghanistan or Iraq. To allow them to claim this, which the Good Friday Agreement does, represents a massive abdication of duty and responsibility by all those supposed nationalists who support it. The recent loss of life as a result of military action is yet another tragedy in the continuing conflict in Ireland. What is required to resolve it is an end to British Parliamentary activity in Ireland so that the people of the island can come to their own democratic arrangements as to how we govern ourselves.
Monday, January 26, 2009
British Army Incursion
32 County Sovereignty Movement
25/01/2009
British Army Incursion in County Monaghan.
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement are calling on the 26 county government to clarify its position regarding British Army and police activities in the 26 county jurisdiction following the latest incursion by Crown Forces.
It has been reported that a British military spotter plane circled over the town of Clones in County Monaghan on at least three occasions between 10.00am and 1.00pm on Saturday 24th January 2009.
A large deployment of Crown Forces has been just over the illegal border for the last number of days in the nearby village of Newtownbutler following warnings that the IRA have left a rocket in the area.
Republicans in Counties Fermanagh, Cavan and Leitrim have been aware of RUC/PSNI patrols straying over the border on numerous occasions recently and this latest incursion is another blatant affront to Irish Sovereignty.
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement would like to know if this incursion has been sanctioned by the 26 County administration as part of their war on Irish Republicanism and if so where does that leave their own claims to having sovereign integrity over their own jurisdiction and where does it leave their claims of neutrality given that a heavily armed occupation army and police force may be allowed to use their territory.
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement not alone condemn the military wing of the British government for continuing these deliberate incursions but we also condemn the 26 county administrations failure to protect its sovereignty in 1998 and again in 2009 when attacks on that sovereignty are ignored , encouraged or even facilitated.
25/01/2009
British Army Incursion in County Monaghan.
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement are calling on the 26 county government to clarify its position regarding British Army and police activities in the 26 county jurisdiction following the latest incursion by Crown Forces.
It has been reported that a British military spotter plane circled over the town of Clones in County Monaghan on at least three occasions between 10.00am and 1.00pm on Saturday 24th January 2009.
A large deployment of Crown Forces has been just over the illegal border for the last number of days in the nearby village of Newtownbutler following warnings that the IRA have left a rocket in the area.
Republicans in Counties Fermanagh, Cavan and Leitrim have been aware of RUC/PSNI patrols straying over the border on numerous occasions recently and this latest incursion is another blatant affront to Irish Sovereignty.
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement would like to know if this incursion has been sanctioned by the 26 County administration as part of their war on Irish Republicanism and if so where does that leave their own claims to having sovereign integrity over their own jurisdiction and where does it leave their claims of neutrality given that a heavily armed occupation army and police force may be allowed to use their territory.
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement not alone condemn the military wing of the British government for continuing these deliberate incursions but we also condemn the 26 county administrations failure to protect its sovereignty in 1998 and again in 2009 when attacks on that sovereignty are ignored , encouraged or even facilitated.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
32 CSM New Year Statement
32 County Sovereignty Movement.
New Year Statement
2009
On behalf of the National Executive I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all our activists who campaigned so effectively for our goals during 2008. I choose the word effectively deliberately as I believe certain milestones in Irish republicanism were achieved during the past year. At the outset let me address the realities of our struggle by welcoming home the Derry 4 but in equal breath call for the immediate release of Terry McCafferty, Michael Campbell and all incarcerated Irish republicans. If ever a set of circumstances so described the nature of justice under partition it is these which do so with the greatest clarity. Partition is maintained by the establishments on either side of it which makes our struggle a thirty two county affair. A protest in Kerry is no less important than a protest in Belfast and in our efforts to build our organisation this is the message we must bring with us.
Our organisation has grown in 2008. We have reached into new areas and attracted new people who share our strategic vision. 2009 must see the Sovereignty Movement consolidate this growth and give it firm political leadership. The effective activism I speak of was visible in a number of areas;
A mature campaign for a No Vote against Lisbon.
The sustained protests on Prisoner issues.
The establishment of the Irish Republican Forum For Unity.
Our efforts at securing a No Vote in the Lisbon referendum were based on ensuring that the issue of Sovereignty and Partition were at the heart of our strategy. In doing so we made it clear that all issues of national relevance, be they concerned with natural resources or national heritage, can only be addressed in the context of National Sovereignty and that a resolution of one must contain a resolution of all. Sovereignty cannot be sub-divided.
Our comrades in the Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association facilitated our activists in holding protests and demonstrations concerning imprisoned Irish Republicans. We point to the successful intervention in the Aidan Hulme case and the release of the Derry 4. But the cases of Terry McCafferty and Michael Campbell loom large and require similar attention to secure similar outcomes. We send solidarity greetings to all imprisoned republicans but we will do so through continued activism on their behalf.
After long and searching debate the Unity Initiative bore fruit with the formal establishment of The Irish Republican Forum For Unity. At its inaugural meeting in Derry City the republican base could finally see the unity idea transformed into political action on an inclusive basis. A series of public meetings have been planned throughout 2009 to bring the Unity Forum to different areas so that the broad republican base can be instrumental in forging its political activity. The 32CSM will remain fully engaged with the Unity Forum and have proposals prepared to put to it for the coming year.
2009 will see us once again confronted with the Lisbon issue. Those who make the repeated charge that republicans should respect the ‘democratic’ wish expressed in the dual referendums on the Good Friday Agreement should have their hypocrisy thrown back at them. A second referendum will have the added issue of its democratic nature and once again the 32CSM will campaign to ensure that this undemocratic premise and that of Partition itself will be seen as one. Our analysis of the re-run Nice Treaty convinced us that only a Yes vote will satisfy the Dublin Government and having anticipated the inevitability of a second poll we had begun our preparations for our campaign soon after the No victory. I take this opportunity to formally launch ‘Countdown To Lisbon II’ as our effort in the forthcoming campaign. It will be a campaign which will focus on our original objections to Lisbon and also on the status of a second referendum as it relates to our National Sovereignty. We will also campaign for a No Vote by highlighting the extraordinary corruption and social bankruptcy of the Twenty Six Counties political and financial classes as it tries to convince the people that a treaty hewn from the same bankruptcy is in our best interests.
2009 will not see the ending of Partition. Neither will 2016. These are the realities which face us and they need to be recognised by all republicans. However, this does not mean that 2009 and 2016 cannot witness political achievements that will help us secure this objective. Acting within our limitations and acting together to reduce those limitations can greatly enhance our prospects to once again place the republican position back onto the national agenda. Wallowing in the past or afraid to grasp nettles is the stuff of cul-de-sac politics. There is no need to reinvent the republican wheel but we do need to reinvent ways and means by which our core message is given the weight of political activity behind it. We view the Unity Forum as one such means and we strongly urge that all republican groups engage with it so that 2009 can become a watershed in our history.
Beir Bua.
Francie Mackey
National Chairperson
32 CSM
New Year Statement
2009
On behalf of the National Executive I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all our activists who campaigned so effectively for our goals during 2008. I choose the word effectively deliberately as I believe certain milestones in Irish republicanism were achieved during the past year. At the outset let me address the realities of our struggle by welcoming home the Derry 4 but in equal breath call for the immediate release of Terry McCafferty, Michael Campbell and all incarcerated Irish republicans. If ever a set of circumstances so described the nature of justice under partition it is these which do so with the greatest clarity. Partition is maintained by the establishments on either side of it which makes our struggle a thirty two county affair. A protest in Kerry is no less important than a protest in Belfast and in our efforts to build our organisation this is the message we must bring with us.
Our organisation has grown in 2008. We have reached into new areas and attracted new people who share our strategic vision. 2009 must see the Sovereignty Movement consolidate this growth and give it firm political leadership. The effective activism I speak of was visible in a number of areas;
A mature campaign for a No Vote against Lisbon.
The sustained protests on Prisoner issues.
The establishment of the Irish Republican Forum For Unity.
Our efforts at securing a No Vote in the Lisbon referendum were based on ensuring that the issue of Sovereignty and Partition were at the heart of our strategy. In doing so we made it clear that all issues of national relevance, be they concerned with natural resources or national heritage, can only be addressed in the context of National Sovereignty and that a resolution of one must contain a resolution of all. Sovereignty cannot be sub-divided.
Our comrades in the Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association facilitated our activists in holding protests and demonstrations concerning imprisoned Irish Republicans. We point to the successful intervention in the Aidan Hulme case and the release of the Derry 4. But the cases of Terry McCafferty and Michael Campbell loom large and require similar attention to secure similar outcomes. We send solidarity greetings to all imprisoned republicans but we will do so through continued activism on their behalf.
After long and searching debate the Unity Initiative bore fruit with the formal establishment of The Irish Republican Forum For Unity. At its inaugural meeting in Derry City the republican base could finally see the unity idea transformed into political action on an inclusive basis. A series of public meetings have been planned throughout 2009 to bring the Unity Forum to different areas so that the broad republican base can be instrumental in forging its political activity. The 32CSM will remain fully engaged with the Unity Forum and have proposals prepared to put to it for the coming year.
2009 will see us once again confronted with the Lisbon issue. Those who make the repeated charge that republicans should respect the ‘democratic’ wish expressed in the dual referendums on the Good Friday Agreement should have their hypocrisy thrown back at them. A second referendum will have the added issue of its democratic nature and once again the 32CSM will campaign to ensure that this undemocratic premise and that of Partition itself will be seen as one. Our analysis of the re-run Nice Treaty convinced us that only a Yes vote will satisfy the Dublin Government and having anticipated the inevitability of a second poll we had begun our preparations for our campaign soon after the No victory. I take this opportunity to formally launch ‘Countdown To Lisbon II’ as our effort in the forthcoming campaign. It will be a campaign which will focus on our original objections to Lisbon and also on the status of a second referendum as it relates to our National Sovereignty. We will also campaign for a No Vote by highlighting the extraordinary corruption and social bankruptcy of the Twenty Six Counties political and financial classes as it tries to convince the people that a treaty hewn from the same bankruptcy is in our best interests.
2009 will not see the ending of Partition. Neither will 2016. These are the realities which face us and they need to be recognised by all republicans. However, this does not mean that 2009 and 2016 cannot witness political achievements that will help us secure this objective. Acting within our limitations and acting together to reduce those limitations can greatly enhance our prospects to once again place the republican position back onto the national agenda. Wallowing in the past or afraid to grasp nettles is the stuff of cul-de-sac politics. There is no need to reinvent the republican wheel but we do need to reinvent ways and means by which our core message is given the weight of political activity behind it. We view the Unity Forum as one such means and we strongly urge that all republican groups engage with it so that 2009 can become a watershed in our history.
Beir Bua.
Francie Mackey
National Chairperson
32 CSM
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