Presidential address to the Sinn Fein Ard Fheis 2013

Posted by admin on April 16, 2013

The full text of the address in Castlebar to the Sinn Fein Ard Fheis delivered by party leader Gerry Adams.

A chairde,

Ta failte romhaibh uilig chuig Ard Fheis Shinn Fein i gContae Maigh Eo.

Tamid an an sasta a bheith anseo san Iarthar.

A special Cead Mile Failte also to Friends of Sinn Fein from the USA, Canada and Australia; to our comrades from the Basque country, South Africa, Palestine, Cuba, Britain and to all foreign dignitaries.

I want to extend solidarity from this Ard Fheis to the Palestinian
people and urge the international community to take decisive action for peace in the Middle East.

A Border Poll

This week saw the 15th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

Sinn Fein is proud of the pivotal role we played with others in forging that Agreement.

There would be no peace process and no Agreement without the commitment, initiatives and political risks taken by Irish republicans.

Or, without the great work of individuals like Des Wilson, Harold Good, Inez McCormack and especially Fr. Alex Reid.

It isn’t a perfect agreement.

But Sinn Fein secured the removal of the Government of Ireland Act,
under which the British government claimed sovereignty over the North.

The Agreement provides for a border poll on Irish unity.

It’s no surprise that the two governments are saying No.

But Sinn Fein is saying Yes.

And more importantly nationalist and republican Ireland says Yes.

And we now need to work together for a Yes vote.

It’s time to let the people have their say on the future of Ireland.

It’s time for a referendum on Irish unity.

Government Failure

From the 1798 rebellion to Michael Davitt, from the Hunger Strikers
Frank Stagg and Michael Gaughan, to IRA activist and Sinn Fein
Councillor Jackie Clarke, whose wonderful public collection of historic documents and memorabilia charts 200 years of republican resistance, Mayo has a long and distinguished republican history.

So it is particularly appropriate that we meet here.

And proof that the West is Awake.

Is Pairti Poblachtach broduil Sinn Fein.

Ta muid go hiomlan dilis do fior phoblacht a thugann tus aite do chearta gach duine.

We stand for equality, social solidarity and freedom.

Sinn Fein has always stood by the people.

Sin ceann de na priomh difriochtai idir muidinne agus an rialtas i
mBaile Atha Cliath.

This government, like the one before it, has failed the people.

Its core values are those of austerity.

It has refused to negotiate a write-down on the Promissory Note.

It gave away our natural resources.

It tore up the Croke Park Agreement and is now targeting frontline
workers on low and average pay.

It cut child benefit, carer’s allowances and home-help hours.

But it has no problem putting taxpayers money into the pockets of
bankers and financiers.

It and Fianna Fail gave [euro]64 billion to the banks.

Over the last five years, Fine Gael, Labour and Fianna Fail have taken
[euro]28 billion out of the economy in taxes and cuts.

Cuts to hospitals.

To schools.

To garda stations.

Taxes on pensions.

On savings.

And on homes.

In October the Government will take another [euro]3 billion.

Next year, they will take [euro]2.5 billion more.

They have little thought for the social consequences of their actions,
of the divided, polarised, unequal society they are creating.

Of impoverished communities and families hurting from the scourge of
drug and alcohol abuse, and suicide.

But the bankers, developers and politicians who created the mess have
been untouched.

Despite all the election rhetoric from Labour and Fine Gael this is
still the best small country in the world for big bankers, crooked
developers or corrupt politicians.

The Family Home Tax

Be sure of this.

When we make promises and commitments we keep them.

Sinn Fein will put manners on the elites and the fat cats.

Sinn Fein is totally opposed to the Property Tax.

We are against plans to raid salaries, social welfare payments and
pensions to get it.

We will fight this family home tax tooth and nail.

We have published legislation to scrap it.

And in government we will abolish it.

Sinn Fein is also opposed to the introduction of water charges and will
resist any legislation to introduce them.

The only way to restore our economy and rebuild society is to break with
the self-serving politics of Fine Gael, Labour and Fianna Fail.

They refused to share the wealth during the boom years.

But they socialise the debt afterwards.

They are taking from those who have least to benefit those who have
most.

Fairness

Sinn Fein was right during the era of the Celtic Tiger when we said that
the wealth should be used to build public services, infrastructure and
sustainable jobs.

Sinn Fein is right when we say the economy needs growth and jobs – not
debt and cuts.

We were right in our demand to burn the bondholders.

We are right in our call not to pay the Promissory Notes.

We are right to tackle the high pay of politicians and top civil
servants.

Taimid ceart faoin ga ata le smaointi nua agus focas nua ar cruthu
poist.

Fairness is at the core of Sinn Fein’s approach.

Of course the deficit must be tackled.

But those with the broadest shoulders must bear the heaviest load.

In a fair Ireland the weak, the vulnerable and the least well-off would
be protected.

If this was a real republic working people would not be punished for the
greed and corruption of others.

If the Proclamation of 1916 was a reality families would not be
punished.

Women would not be punished.

Children would not be punished.

Citizens with disabilities would not be punished.

People in rural Ireland would not be punished.

The poor would not be punished.

Change is Possible Now

But change cannot wait until there is a real republic.

Ta Sinn Fein go han-soileir faoina priomh cheisteanna seo.

It doesn’t have to be like this.

Change is needed and change is possible now.

Sinn Fein is offering a realistic alternative.

We are committed to investing [euro]13 billion in job creation and retention.

And we have presented realistic and costed, alternative budget proposals
to reduce the deficit, create growth, and protect families under
financial pressure.

Is seo cloch coirneal ar bpolasai.

The mortgage crisis is a direct result of Fianna Fail policy and this
government’s failure to help struggling families.

Sinn Fein proposes the establishment of an independent mortgage distress
body to adjudicate and enforce agreements on mortgages between banks and
mortgage holders.

Public Services Delivered Fairly

The mark of a real republic has to be in the quality of its public
services.

Ta cearta ag saoranaigh.

These include the right to a home; the right to a job; the right to
education; to a health service from the cradle to the grave; the right
to a safe and clean environment; and to civil and religious liberties.

This is what republicanism is about.

This is what real democracy should be about.

Public services delivered fairly and paid for by direct taxation.

This should include decent childcare facilities at affordable prices.

No matter what government Ministers say no parent should be forced from
their job because they earn less than the cost of childcare.

Standing up for Rural Ireland

Last year, along with others, I visited many rural communities blighted
by unemployment and poverty.

In places where our young people should have an opportunity to build
their lives we saw at first-hand how emigration is tearing the heart out
of rural families.

We met families bereft by the scourge of suicide.

Sinn Fein will shortly publish a comprehensive report – “Standing up for
Rural Ireland”.

This report outlines the need to:

Reverse Fianna Fail’s decision to cut Garda numbers. Provide a full
grant to upgrade septic tanks. Overhaul CAP to create a fairer
distribution of payments. Ensure that income support for farmers is
directed at those who need it most. Creating jobs, particularly in the
agri-food industry, and investing in our fishing industry, are key to
ensuring a future for rural communities.

Especially in the west of Ireland.

But people who live in rural communities also need schools, an
accessible health service, decent infrastructure, public transport and
an end to isolation.

Gaeltacht areas need active regeneration.

And across this island the Irish language needs to be actively promoted,
including an Acht na Gaeilge in the north.

Women Victims Need Justice

Women are among those most shamefully denied their rights under the
conservative culture, which has dominated this state.

Mary Lou spoke for everyone on the day that the Magdalene report was
published when she said it was time for a full apology to these brave
women.

That happened eventually.

Now they need justice.

The victims of Bethany Home need justice.

The victims of symphysiotomy need justice.

People across Ireland have been moved this week by the reports from the
inquest into the death of Savita Halappanavar and by the grace and great
dignity of her husband.

I want to extend solidarity to Praveen and his family and friends.

Savita’s death brought into sharp and tragic focus the failure of
successive governments to legislate in the X case.

The people have spoken and firmly placed the responsibility upon their
Oireachtas representatives to legislate on this issue.

It is time doctors had legal clarity.

It’s time for protection for pregnant women whose lives are at risk.

Progress in the North

Sinn Fein opposes austerity across this island.

Despite #4bn pounds of cuts by the British government, Sinn Fein’s
Ministerial and Assembly team under Martin McGuinness’s leadership, has
prioritised finding money to maintain frontline services, protect those
on lowest incomes and assist disadvantaged communities.

The so-called Welfare Reform Bill is another example of the English Tory
Agenda.

Sinn Fein is opposed to these cuts in exactly the same way that we are
opposed to the cuts being introduced by our own Tories in Dublin.

We are also working for the transfer of fiscal power to the Assembly and
Executive and a harmonisation of the Corporation Tax rate across
Ireland.

Dialogue with Unionists and Loyalists

The Orange marching season has begun.

This year sees the added vexation about the flying of flags on public
buildings.

Playing party politics with these issues is dangerous and
counter-productive.

There are many genuine loyalists and unionists, including former
combatants, working in disadvantaged communities who realise the dangers
and risks involved.

They also know that it is citizens from these disadvantaged communities
who will bear the brunt of any violent or disruptive actions.

These communities have more in common with their republican neighbours
than they may realise.

Dialogue between them and Sinn Fein is essential and there is an
imperative on republicans, challenging though it may be, to build
alliances on social and economic issues with working class loyalists and
unionists.

The Protestant, Unionist and Loyalist people are not going away.

And Sinn Fein doesn’t want them to go away.

They are part of what we are and we have to get to know each other
better, to listen and take heed of what is being said.

I commit our party, without preconditions, to be part of such
discussions as we face into the Orange marching season, and to find
solutions to contentious issues and to tackle economic disadvantage.

This is the only way to build a fair society.

It is what the vast majority of citizens want.

The tiny minorities who espouse violence have been rejected.

Ta siad greamaithe san am ata caite agus thart orthu ta Eirinn Thuaidh
agus Theas ag athru.

And there is still work to be done to ensure that policing is
non-partisan and civic.

Recent decisions by the PSNI have failed this test.

And clearly there are elements in the NIO who are uncomfortable with the
new dispensation.

A Bill of Rights is long overdue.

And the continued imprisonment of Marian Price and Martin Corey is
wrong.

They should be released.

A Truth Process

So, much work still needs to be done including the creation of a victim
centred truth and reconciliation process.

Dubhshlan mor a bheidh anseo.

Almost 100 years ago the Tan War against British forces was deadly and
vicious.

But the civil war left a bitterness and a legacy that still shapes
politics to this day.

77 republicans were executed during those terrible years by the Free
State – among them six young men from the west who were executed in Tuam
90 years ago this week.

Members of the Free State Army, of the Garda and civilians died too.

There was never any process of truth recovery or reconciliation after
these events.

Ba choir duinn foghlaim on meancog sin.

During the recent conflict, Gardai and other members of the state’s
forces were killed by republicans.

Republicans were killed also, including Tom Smith, and Hugh Hehir.

During the era of the Heavy Gang many citizens were brutally assaulted.

Innocents were imprisoned.

There was collusion between elements of the Irish establishment and the
British system.

Our friend Councillor Eddie Fullerton and John Francis Green and Martin
Doherty and others died.

There were bombs in Dublin and Monaghan and Dundalk and elsewhere.

All this needs to be faced up to.

Sinn Fein has argued for the establishment of an Independent
International Truth Commission.

The two governments; former combatants, and those in leadership across
Ireland and Britain need to be part of such a process.

There can be no hierarchy of victims.

I and others in the Sinn Fein leadership have met many victims and
victim’s families in the north.

I am prepared to meet with victims’ families in this state if they
believe this will be helpful and I intend to do this in the near future.

Irish republicans will not shirk from our obligations to those who died
as a consequence of the conflict.

Imagine a Different Future

Ireland is a great country.

But we are partitioned.

Our people are divided.

Imagine an end to these divisions.

Imagine a new agreed Ireland.

Imagine the unity of Orange and Green.

Imagine a fair society and an economy run democratically in the
interests of all citizens.

Our vision is based on equality.

It means equal rights for citizens in same sex relationships, ethnic
minorities and those of all creeds and none.

The Challenge for Labour

Our history is replete with challenges, adversity and great injustice.

This is such a time.

A time for real leadership.

A real Labour Party with a principled leadership should not be in
government with Fine Gael.

If Fine Gael is set on implementing Fianna Fail policy then let them do
that with the support of Fianna Fail.

Whatever the case for entry into coalition after the last election,
there is now only one principled position for Labour.

Fagaigi an bealach ag sloite na bhFiann.

Stand by working people as Connolly and Larkin did.

Leave this government and leave it now!

Building a New Republic

We are internationalists in solidarity with people in struggle
everywhere.

So, from this Ard Fheis I want to extend our love and solidarity to our
friend and comrade Madiba – Nelson Mandela.

Our people have come through a lot.

In every generation brave men and women have shown the way.

In three years we celebrate the centenary of the 1916 Rising.

The government is contemplating bulldozing the area around Moore Street
into the ground in the interests of private developers.

I commend the work of the families of the 1916 leaders who have
highlighted this hugely important issue.

Every person with a sense of national pride will oppose such a shameful
act of vandalism.

The Moore Street laneways of history should be developed as a 1916
Revolutionary Quarter.

This year also marks the Centenary of the 1913 Lockout.

The Lockout showed the courage and fighting spirit of the Dublin working
class.

They chose to resist rather than submit.

They showed the way.

In Ireland today parents defending children with disabilities, frontline
workers defending each other and vital public services, carers,
teachers, health workers, citizens who are standing up for themselves
and their communities, are showing the way.

Sinn Fein believes in the people of Ireland.

Join with us in building a New Republic.

Sin e. Ar aghaidh linn le cheile

Ireland reacts to Thatcher’s death

Posted by admin on April 8, 2013

There has been a mixed reaction in Ireland at news of the death of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher.

At official level, the response in Dublin to news of her death was tight-lipped.

In an ambivalent statement, President Michael D Higgins said Mrs Thatcher’s would be “remembered as one of the most conviction-driven British prime ministers” who “drew on a scholarship that demanded markets without regulation”.

“The policies of Mrs Thatcher’s government in regard to Northern Ireland gave rise to considerable debate at the time.

“However, her key role in signing the Anglo-Irish Agreement will be recalled as a valuable early contribution to the search for peace and political stability.”

Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny described Mrs Thatcher as a formidable leader.

“Mrs Thatcher was a formidable political leader who had a significant impact on British, European and world politics. During her 11 years as prime minister, she defined an era in British public life,” he said.

“While her period of office came at a challenging time for British-Irish relations, when the violent conflict in Northern Ireland was at its peak, Mrs Thatcher signed the Anglo-Irish Agreement which laid the foundation for improved North-South cooperation and ultimately the Good Friday Agreement.”

But on the streets, there were bitter memories, particularly in Belfast.
Memories of her prolonged and murderous military and security campaign, the deaths of Bobby Sands and the other hunger strikers, and murders directly linked to Downing Street, such as that of Pat Finucane, remain painful for many.

Others, however, expressed satisfaction, even delight, that an old enemy had gone. There were street celebrations in Scotland, England and Wales, where her notorious ‘poll tax’ and privatisation of coal mines profoundly divided British society in a manner which still has serious repercussions today.

Known as the “Iron Lady”, Thatcher dominated Irish politics for two decades. While mostly associated with her vicious determination to secure a military victory in the Six Counties and her tragic efforts to criminalise Irish political prisoners, she gained enemies both across the globe and at home in Britain with an aggressive, right-wing ‘Thatcherite’ approach with which she became synonymous.

British prime minister David Cameron lavished praise on the ‘Iron Lady’, and said she would be given a full ceremonial funeral with military honours.

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams said Thatcher had done “great hurt” to the Irish and British people during her time as British Prime Minister.

“Working class communities were devastated in Britain because of her policies,” he said.

“Her role in international affairs was equally belligerent whether in support of the Chilean dictator Pinochet, her opposition to sanctions against apartheid South Africa; and her support for the Khmer Rouge.

“Here in Ireland her espousal of old draconian militaristic policies prolonged the war and caused great suffering. She embraced censorship, collusion and the killing of citizens by covert operations, including the targeting of solicitors like Pat Finucane, alongside more open military operations and refused to recognise the rights of citizens to vote for parties of their choice.

“Her failed efforts to criminalise the republican struggle and the political prisoners is part of her legacy.

“It should be noted that in complete contradiction of her public posturing, she authorised a back channel of communications with the Sinn Fein leadership but failed to act on the logic of this.

“Unfortunately she was faced with weak Irish governments who failed to oppose her securocrat agenda or to enlist international support in defence of citizens in the north.

“Margaret Thatcher will be especially remembered for her shameful role during the epic hunger strikes of 1980 and 81.

“Her Irish policy failed miserably.”

Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement

Posted by Jim on

On the occasion of the 97th anniversary of the 1916 Rising the Leadership of the Republican Movement sends greetings to all assembled at Irish patriot graves and at monuments to the memory of our Republican dead.

Once again we issue a reminder that the centenary of that momentous Easter Week is a bare three years away and we ask who has the credentials to honour that 100th commemoration? Surely not those who accept the British and Unionist Veto on the future of Ireland or those who collaborate with English rule in our country. Their political surrender to imperialism is a contradiction of the 1916 Proclamation and all that it stands for. Preparations for 2016 need to continue.

We accept the statement of the Continuity IRA that they abhor drug-dealing and gangsterism and that they have nothing to do with either. We acknowledge their declaration that they remain intact and that their objective is to drive out the British Occupation Forces from the Six Counties just as they were evicted from the 26 Counties by an earlier generation. In short that aim is to complete the work of 1916.

We respond to and reject the untrue claim made without contradiction on RTÉ radio recently that there were “no British soldiers in the North”. The insinuation is that English rule no longer obtains there. The reality is otherwise. And it is accepted widely that the politically biased policing of the so-called PSNI is nothing but a return to that of the pre-1968 RUC simply dressed up with new badges on their head-gear.

We note that the title of Republican Sinn Féin has been misappropriated from it by a tiny splinter group in Limerick. Politicians and a hostile media have given credence to this action by highlighting its misdeeds and then placing the blame on the true Republican Movement. We take advantage of this occasion to clear the air and assert once more Republican Sinn Féin’s integrity and good name.

Similarly, even the name of our country, Ireland, is denied in official circles. The 26 Counties are called “Ireland”, the Six Counties “Northern Ireland” and out native land is dubbed “the island”, thus denying the historic entity which has called forth such service and sacrifice down the years. In this way they seek to deny the very concept of Ireland as our people have known it. They would have us consent to partition and British rule for all time. We say “Never”.

Next year, 2014, will see local elections again in the 26 Counties. Republicans need to make ready and take advantage of openings in this regard. With the abolition of town councils as part of the present administration’s policy of centralisation, elections to Údarás na Gaeltachta were likewise terminated. Gaeltacht self-government was an integral part of our ÉIRE NUA proposals of 1971 making for much stronger local bodies in Irish-speaking areas. Republican Sinn Féin welcomed the limited devolution provided, however, and contested all elections to the Údarás. We see its abolition as a step backwards and deplore its passing.

Meanwhile, the new imperialism through a combination of the Euro currency and lack of regulation of banks has brought a seemingly-endless austerity to the ordinary people. The rich get richer and the poor poorer. This process must be resisted at all costs.

All the while Republican prisoners in Maghaberry, Co Antrim endure as they seek an end to controlled movement and to strip-searching. Following four months of protest, in August 2010 an agreement was reached. It was reneged on by the prison and resulted in another 15 months of a no-wash protest. Nonetheless pressure has continued on the prisoners and the official prisoner ombudsman has admitted publicly that the Republican wing in Maghaberry is the only drug-free wing in the prison. Internment has been reintroduced as Martin Corey of Lurgan, who had served 19 years and was released, was brought back and has been held again for three years without trial. He is still in Maghaberry jail.

At these Easter commemoration ceremonies we are mindful of the prisoners’ struggle and salute their sacrifice. An Phoblacht Abú! Long live the Irish Republic!

— Issued by the Leadership of the Republican Movement, Easter 2013

Andersonstown News April 4, 2013 97th anniversary of the Easter Rising

Posted by Jim on

Belfast has been a place of hope and inspiration in the story of Ireland since the days of the United Irishmen and Irishwomen who founded Irish republicanism in this city over 200 years ago.

Sinn Féin Dublin Central TD Mary Lou McDonald, was speaking at Milltown Cemetery after thousands of republicans including members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians from the United States paraded up the Falls Road. The party’s vice-president said the principles of Irish independence, anti-sectarianism, unity, equality, fraternity and liberty have endured through the years.

“They are still our inspiration as republicans today, a vision as constant as the sight of historic Cave Hill which overlooks this city,” she said. Speaking in Milltown Cemetery to thousands of republicans at the annual National Graves’ Association commemoration, Ms McDonald said countless republicans had given their lives in defence of those principles.

“Many of them are laid to rest here,” she added. “Many of their loved ones are with us at these gravesides today. We extend to them and to the families of all our patriot dead our continuing sympathy and solidarity.

“Half a century after the Proclamation, the Civil Rights movement stepped forward and was met with the same choice – resign yourselves to the reality of this one-party sectarian state or resist.

“They chose resistance. RUC brutality was resisted. Internment was resisted. The British Army was resisted. Criminalisation in the H-Blocks and Armagh was resisted. Collusion and censorship and the demonisation of whole communities was resisted.

“And do you know what? That resistance succeeded because our oppressors failed in their plan to crush us. They could not defeat a risen people.

“They could not defeat us and they had to come to terms with us. The peace process opened that new way forward and the Irish Republican Army, with the same courage they showed during every phase of the struggle, endorsed that new strategy, that new road to our objectives, and set aside armed actions for good.

“Armed conflict is in the past. It has no place in the present. No-one has the right to inflict it on our children’s future. The splinter groups who pursue armed actions today are acting out a travesty that too often has turned to tragedy. They should desist and desist immediately. To those who are sincerely republican and who do not agree with Sinn Féin’s strategy, we have made clear that we are open to dialogue and engagement, recognising the common goal of Irish unity and independence. The peace process and the republican peace strategy have helped to transform our country. They have opened up new possibilities and unlocked the huge potential of our island and its people. They are the essential starting point for the next phase of struggle – the move towards a united Ireland, a new republic.”

The Sinn Féin Vice-President said the party fully recognise that the majority within the unionist community do not share this aim, that many fear such a future and believe their identity will be subsumed and they will become “a discriminated-against minor- ity on this island”.

“Words alone from us will not convince them otherwise. That said, we must always reaffirm our opposition to sectarianism in all its forms, our commitment to equality and parity of esteem and our respect for people’s chosen identity, whether Irish or British.

“We believe that all who share this island have a place in a new republic.

“Because we believe that a united Ireland is essential and because we recognise that the agreement of a significant section of unionists is required, we are calling for a border poll. Such a poll is a threat to no-one. It is a logical step and by making this call we are demonstrating our firm resolve to end partition peacefully and to build a new democracy. A chairde, the New Republic of Ireland is ours to achieve.”

Another one interned by decree

Posted by Jim on

Alec McCrory writes on the latest in a series of British state measures which are directed towards republicans and pose a significant threat to civil liberties. From the Pensive Quill.

When Damien McLaughlin returned from a visit with his wife and young children on Tuesday, he discovered a large folder sitting on his bed. A sixth sense alerted him to the possibility of bad news. Damien had not ruled out the revocation of his licence due to the weakness of the current charges against him. With a degree of foreboding he gingerly lifted the folder removing a larger brown envelope. Inside the envelope was a letter from the British Secretary of State informing him that his licence had indeed been revoked based on security reports. No other explanation was given for this decision.

Damien was previously convicted of possessing a weapon and was sentenced to five years imprisonment. He was on Roe House during the protest and was subjected to dozens of brutal strip searches. His personal account of the procedure, which appeared on TPQ last year, is the most graphic and disturbing to appear to date.

He was released last year having completed more than half of his sentence. Because he fell under the terms of ‘The Criminal Justice Order 2008’ – this effectively removed fifty-per cent remission – the remainder of his sentence was to be served on probation. The conditions of release required him to meet with a probation officer on a monthly basis, inform them of all changes in his personal circumstances, provide fingerprints when requested to by the police, and to seek permission to travel. Damien was also placed on a ‘terrorist’ register for an extended period of five years.

All of this reeks of a new policy of criminalisation which political prisoners are bound to resist to the better end.

Damien McLaughlin now finds himself one of a growing number of Republicans who have been interned by decree. This policy of creeping internment has been met with little opposition from the nationalist parties at Stormont. They prefer to approach the issue on the basis of the individual injustice rather than that of systemic abuse. To shout too loudly would run the risk of alerting people to the existence of serious anomalies within the criminal justice system.

Our appointed champions of the new political order want the people to remain ignorant to the old ways of British misrule. As long as those being jailed are a tiny minority there is no need to kick-up a fuss. And if asked what we are doing about Marian Price: we are working our backsides of behind the scenes. This has become the stock response of the political parties to any questions.

Martin Corey, Marian Price, Gerry McGeough (released), Brendan McConville, John Paul Wotton, Stephen Murney, Brian Shivers and Damien McLaughlin. All of these people have families and are well respected members of their communities. Slowly, these human rights abuses are leaking out into the public arena thanks to the efforts of political and human rights activists. Many campaigns have helped to raise awareness around these issues, so much so, that more questions are now being asked about the return of internment and other forms of injustice. The people are awaking from their slumber.

END INTERNMENT NOW!