A banner carried in the annual St Patrick’s Day parade in New York has become a battle line in the upcoming elections in Ireland.
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald caused a controversy — for some — by posing with a banner reading ‘England get out of Ireland’. The only political banner allowed in the parade, it has been proudly carried there for over 70 years. The simple message of Irish nationalism, Sinn Fein said, requires no explanation.
Fine Gael and the Irish establishment media saw a ‘gaffe’ and a political opportunity. They claimed the banner was an expression of sectarian bigotry, and attacked Ms McDonald for being photographed with it.
The description efforts bemused Irish Americans, who have presented the same message as far back as the the time of the United Irishmen. Wolfe Tone, a founder of Irish republicanism, said he wanted “to break the connection with England, the never-failing source of all our political evils, and to assert the independence of my country”.
The Brehon Law Society, who carried the banner, said it reflected the desire of millions of Irish Americans and the Irish diaspora for the reunification of Ireland.
“It is an iconic statement that has been carried in the NYC Parade by many groups for decades. Irish reunification must be planned for and discussed openly and inclusively,” they said.
“As a Law Society dedicated to peace and justice for a united Ireland, we are grateful for the opportunity to express a deeply-held sentiment felt by many Irish and Irish-Americans.”
But stung by self-righteousness, Fine Gael Tanaiste Simon Coveney wrote on Twitter: “Mary Lou McDonald this is NOT leadership – it’s offensive, divisive and an embarrassment – grow up, this is NOT #Ireland in 2019! We are better than this!”
Alliance leader and east Belfast representative Naomi Long took offence on behalf of English people, declaring the nationalist sentiment to be hostile “to anyone English or of English extraction”. Green Party leader Clare Bailey went further, and claimed it called into question Ms McDonald’s commitment to “equality and rights”.
There was also no shortage of unionists to take wilful offence, despite not featuring in the banner’s message. DUP MP Gregory Campbell claimed it showed Sinn Fein wanted unionists to leave Ireland, while Ulster Unionist leader Robin Swann said Sinn Fein had ‘returned to type’.
Adding to their anxiety were signs of an increase in support for Irish republicanism internationally, with IRA slogans being sung with gusto on a BBC primetime television show ‘This Time with Alan Partridge’, and by the crowds at boxer Michael Conlan’s entrance into the ring at New York’s Madison Square Gardens.
Fine Gael has now decided to make Sinn Fein a target at its annual conference this weekend in Wexford, where DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson will make a ‘surprise’ appearance alongside a cast of other Sinn Fein critics, including Fine Gael’s new signing, former Derry-based SDLP leader Mark Durkan, now rebranded as a Fine Gael candidate in the European elections in Dublin.
For its part, Sinn Fein showed no sign of being troubled. A Sinn Fein spokesman said: “The most divisive and offensive act on this island for almost the last 100 years has been the partition of Ireland.
“It should come as no surprise that Sinn Fein wants a new united Ireland under the provisions of Good Friday Agreement.
“However if Simon Coveney and the government is serious about achieving a new and agreed united Ireland then he should immediately convene an all-Ireland forum on Irish unity.”
Coveney’s attempt to turn a simple appeal for national freedom into a smear to attack republicans brought back echoes of his party’s avid anti-Irishness in years past. It is no coincidence that the controversy arises with elections set to take place in May.
The photograph was also no ‘gaffe’ — Sinn Fein has been actively highlighting its return to its republican roots after a change in political direction saw it lose almost two-thirds of its electoral support in October’s Presidential election. This year, partly as a result of Brexit, it has adopted a more traditional stance, and the New York banner is a sign of that.
“You have to remember what is that banner about?” said Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill.
“It’s about the end of partition in Ireland and, as Irish republicans, that is what we are about – ending partition, partition has failed.
“I think some of our opponents have tried to spin this and turn it into that it’s about individuals or people with a British identity, or people who are English. It’s not about that, it’s about the relationship between Britain and Ireland.
“And I don’t think it should be a surprise to anyone that the president of Sinn Fein, a republican party, would stand behind a banner that actually says that we want to end partition.”
MEMORIAL MASSOn Thursday, March 28, 2019, at 1000 hours, E-24/L-5/B-2 will have a Memorial Mass honoring the memory of Captain John J. Drennan, L-5, FF James F. Young, E-24 and FF Christopher J. Siedenburg, E-24, who made the supreme sacrifice on March 28, 1994. The mass will take place at St. Anthony’s Church located at Sullivan and West Houston Streets, Manhattan. All off-duty members and their families are invited to attend. Members are requested to attend in dress uniform. BAYSIDE ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADEThe 2nd annual Bayside St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Saturday, March 30, 2019, at 11:00 AM. This year’s Grand Marshal will be Chief Ed Kilduff, Retired Chief of Department, with Aides Phil Brady, Martin Dolan, Betty McLoughlin, John Ryan, and Rev. Msgr. Thomas Machalaski, Sacred Heart. Formation location has been updated, and will now be between 35th and 36th Avenues at 10:30 AM. Pipe Band and Color Guard will be marching as well. All members participating in the march are requested in their Class A Uniform. For further information, please contact Lt. Gerard Walsh, BN 51, at 347-525-4108 or FF Daniel Casey, E316, at 917-484-2291. KNICKS 9/11 MEMORIAL STAIR CLIMB & FIRST RESPONDERS NIGHT This year’s New York Knicks 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Presented by Chase will be held on Sunday, April 7, at Madison Square Garden. The Stair Climb is a way to honor and remember the FDNY members who selflessly gave their lives so that others might live on 9-11-2001. To donate or to register, visit events.firehero.org/2019NYKnicks. Cost to climb is $50 and includes a t-shirt, 343 honor badge and entrance for up to 3 guests. Additionally, MSG, the Garden of Dreams and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation have asked us to provide volunteers to assist with the Stair Climb. If interested, please email RecordingSecretary@ufanyc.org. After the Stair Climb, the Knicks will be hosting First Responders Night vs. Washington Wizards at 7:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased through the link https://www.fevo.com/edp/2019-Knicks-First-Responder-Night-fs4zCk9?referrer_hash=6mnnQqmd. A portion of each ticket purchased through this link will be donated to the UFA Widows and Children’s Fund. GARDEN OF DREAMS TALENT SHOW On Tuesday, April 9, at 7:00 PM, 150 children will take the Great Stage at Radio City Music Hall for the Annual Garden of Dreams Talent Show. The inspiring and entertaining evening will include individual and group performances by Garden of Dreams children. The Garden of Dreams Foundation invites you, your family and friends to this event to fill the house with as many guests as possible to help provide an amazing experience for a very talented group of children and to show New York City the power of Garden of Dreams. Admission is free; however, tickets are required for entry. RSVP to afatone@ufanyc.org no later than Thursday, March
MCLEAN AVENUE ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE This Saturday, March 23rd, led by the FDNY Emerald Society Pipe Band, the FDNY Emerald Society will march in the Yonkers/McLean Avenue St. Patrick’s Parade. In order to give members the opportunity to attend Mike Davidson’s Plaque Dedication and still make the parade, they will be stepping off from Vireo Avenue and East 239 St at approximately 1:45 PM. All members are requested to attend in Class A uniforms. Bring your kids to this family friendly parade. For more info, or questions, call Frank Beirne at (917) 842-0578.
MEET STEVE BUSCEMI AT FRIENDS OF FIREFIGHTERS Steve Buscemi and Friends of Firefighters invite you to an exclusive cocktail event and live screening of the final episode of Season 1 of Steve’s new TBS comedy series Miracle Workers. On Tuesday, March 26th, from 8-11 PM, at 199 Van Brunt Street in Brooklyn, talk life, talk characters, talk film and TV with the actor, comedian, director, and former FF while enjoying drinks and assorted appetizers prepared by MasterChef finalist and Ladder 4 FF Chef Eric Howard and team. Before the show airs at 10:30, sit down for a fascinating Q&A, moderated by actor and director Anatol Yusef, who starred alongside Steve in HBO’s Boardwalk Empire. Ticket price is $350 per person, or $600 for two. Click this link (https://bit.ly/2FpWlYj) to purchase tickets. All proceeds support Friends of Firefighters’ mission to provide free mental health counseling and wellness services to active and retired FDNY firefighters and their families. For more info, email Marlo at info@friendsoffirefighters.org.
FDNY COUNSELING SERVICE UNIT The Counseling Service Unit of the FDNY, with the support of Captain Kananowicz (aka K9) from Engine 53 (retired), is running a monthly support group for members who have children or family members with special needs. This includes parents with dementia. Come together with other members who share similar challenges and exchange ideas and get support. The next group will be held on Wednesday, March 27, from 11AM-12:30PM at Fort Totten Building 405 (CFRD) Room 200. To RSVP, contact Captain Eugene Kananowicz (aka K9) at 516-238-1024 or ek953@icloud.com or Mike O’Keeffe at 917-853-5772 or michaelokeeffe55@gmail.com.
FIREHOUSE KITCHEN TALK WITH EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS LIAISON ANDY PERLMAN NYC Emergency Management helps New Yorkers before, during, and after emergencies through preparedness, education, and response. Join Friends of Firefighters on Wednesday, March 27, from 6-9 PM at 199 Van Brunt Street in Brooklyn, for a firefighter-prepared dinner followed by a presentation from NYCEM Operations Liaison Andy Perlman on NYCEM’s role in planning, tools to aid in response, and how NYCEM works with FDNY & other emergency services. Open to active and retired FDNY members. No RSVP necessary. For more info, email Marlo at info@friendsoffirefighters.org.
A return of loyalist violence in the north of Ireland could help Britain wriggle out of its international treaty obligations in regard to the border and the Good Friday Agreement, according to its Attorney General.
AG Geoffrey Cox has delivered his latest legal advice to help convince unionists and racist Tories to support the current Brexit deal and its ‘backstop’ provisions, which are intended to prevent a remilitarisation of the border.
Cox’s new advice may be enough to squeeze the deal through parliament after it was rejected by British MPs last week. Amid a mounting sense of crisis in London, other divisions at Westminster also saw them reject a crash Brexit, and seek an extension to the Brexit deadline, currently set for March 29, until June 30.
In a desperate gambit, Cox has now claimed that Britain could legally resile from the ‘backstop’ provisions, intended to prevent a remilitarisation of the border, if they are considered by London to have a “socially destabilising effect on Northern Ireland”.
Such a ‘destabilisation’ in the north of Ireland would facilitate the British government to trigger Article 62 of the Vienna Convention, he argued, which allows international treaties such as the Brexit deal to be broken in “exceptional” cases.
That appears to suggest that loyalist violence, or merely disturbances similar to the flags protests of 2012, could be used as a pretext for Britain to abandon the backstop and restore spy-posts and other military infrastructure to the border area.
The idea that loyalist paramilitaries could play a role in reinforcing the partition of Ireland appears to have won favour with the DUP, who remain closely allied with loyalist hardliners across the north of Ireland. DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds has described the discussions as “constructive”.
However, Cox’s legal advice received criticism from other quarters. Some commentators noted that it would actively encourage loyalists to use violence to achieve their goals, while other legal experts pointed out that by advising of the idea, Cox had already ruled out that it could be considered ‘exceptional’ or ‘unforeseen’, as required under the Vienna Convention.
One hardline unionist politician has already warned that the border through Ireland could be “maintained by the gun”. In a Facebook video late last year, loyalist pastor Barrie Halliday said “men and women… paid for that line to remain where it is by laying down their lives. It was defended by the gun and will be maintained by the gun.”
Brexit has also been linked to a degree of social destabilisation and violence in Ireland already. Last week, a series of package devices were sent from Ireland to Britain, including two posted to military recruitment offices. None of the devices exploded, but they were claimed in the name of the New IRA, their first parcel bomb attack in five years. The same organisation in January detonated a large car bomb at Derry’s courthouse, without causing injury.
Discussions between the DUP and the British government are to resume on Monday ahead of an expected third Westminster vote on the Brexit deal next week. Sinn Fein’s Chris Hazzard has called on the DUP and Tory Brexiteers to step back from the “cliff-edge” of a “crash-out”.
“After yet another week of chaos in the British Parliament with ministerial resignations and bizarre and delusional votes, the north of Ireland is still facing the possibility of being dragged out of the EU and over an economic cliff edge in a no-deal Brexit,” he said.
“There is no such thing as a good Brexit but crashing out with no deal would have dire economic consequences for the north.”
