Posted by Jim on March 15, 2017
Speech by the Taoiseach at the Irish Memorial
Philadelphia, Sunday, 12 March, 2017
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The history of Ireland’s diaspora is long and illustrious, marked by great tragedy but also great achievement.
The tragic origins of the mass emigration at the heart of that story are nowhere more vividly portrayed than here at Philadelphia’s powerful Irish memorial.
Sons and daughters of Ireland – with little hope and few possessions – embarked on a perilous journey to these shores in search of a better life.
For many, that journey ended before they arrived here. For the lucky ones, America provided a new hope – a new beginning. The start of something.
More than 170 years since the worst of those times, we feel that connection with our ancestors and what they endured. It is a part of what – and who – we are.
From that time onwards, the Irish became a part of the fabric of society and of the economy here.
Those emigrants and their descendants also became part of a wider global Irish family that held strongly to their identity and continued to play a part in the unfolding of history back in Ireland.
As the size of that diaspora has grown, it has given Ireland a reach and a voice around the world that is the envy of many other nations.
Our diaspora has also helped to inform and broaden our views – keeping Ireland open to the world.
Last year we joined with you as we commemorated the Centenary of the Easter rising. We learned a lot about the role that was played by the Irish diaspora in the events of that time.
We also learned much about the Ireland of today. We shared a deep pride in our country, our history, our culture, our people.
We remembered a time of conflict with our neighbour and we did so in a spirit of respect and reconciliation.
It allowed us to re-affirm those values that we continue to hold dear in Ireland: freedom and democracy, openness, tolerance, community, solidarity and respect for others. These are values which we will actively foster into the future in respect of all our relationships.
They are vital to us as a globalised open economy that is deeply committed to our EU membership and to international trade.
In more recent times, we had thought that the days of emigration out of economic necessity had been left behind us. But the economic crash of 2008 once again deprived our people and particularly our young people of the jobs and opportunities at home that they deserve.
I am glad to say that our economic recovery is now firmly established. The strength of the recovery is perhaps most clearly evident in the labour market. More than 2 million people are now in work – the highest level since 2008.
We are once again creating opportunities for our young people.
This recovery is a testament to the determination, resilience and creativity of the Irish people – both at home and abroad.
In the bleakest of times, we were deeply fortunate to be able to call upon the assistance of our Global Irish Network to help repair Ireland’s international reputation which had been so badly damaged – an essential part of our recovery.
Throughout my career, I have been deeply aware of the importance and the strength of our Global family.
There are so many reasons why it is important for Government to embrace our diaspora – from supporting those who are vulnerable, to creating cultural connections as well as creating opportunities for investment and jobs.
And that is why, back in 2014, I was delighted to create for the first time the position of Minister for Diaspora Affairs. [We are fortunate to have here today the current holder of that office – Minister of State, Joe McHugh].
The importance to us of our Global Irish family was copper-fastened with the publication of Ireland’s Diaspora Policy in 2015.
This Government policy brings together a broad range of initiatives and networks designed to nurture and develop this unique and important relationship.
A key theme that emerged from submissions received during the development of Ireland’s Diaspora Policy was the importance of the issue of voting rights to many Irish citizens abroad.
Many members of the diaspora felt it would allow them to deepen their engagement with Ireland and to play a more active role in Irish society.
This is something with which I absolutely agree.
That is why I am delighted to be announcing today that the Irish Government has decided that Irish citizens resident outside the State, including in Northern Ireland, should be allowed to vote in Irish presidential elections.
This is in line with the recommendations made by our Convention on the Constitution in their fifth report.
This proposal will, of course, require the approval of the Irish people in a referendum to amend the Constitution.
If the referendum is passed, it will also involve significant work to determine new eligibility rules, to draw up legislation and to implement a new electoral register and new voting procedures for all of our citizens.
It is appropriate that this announcement is being made here in Philadelphia, where the Irish have made such a mark over the centuries.
There is no more fitting time or place, as we look forward toour worldwide celebration of St. Patrick’s Day and of all that is Irish.
This Decision by the Government is a clear recognition of the importance that Ireland attaches to her citizens, wherever they may be.
You are part of who we are as a people, what we have done and where we have gone in the world.
We will make that connection ever stronger for the future.
Go raibh Míle maith agaibh.
Thank you.
Posted by Jim on March 13, 2017
In an announcement timed to coincide with the run-up to St Patrick’s
Day, a referendum is to be held on whether to allow Irish citizens
living abroad or in the North of Ireland to vote in Presidential
elections.
The move, if passed, will see the numbers entitled to vote in
Presidential elections increase by hundreds of thousands. Anyone with an
Irish-born parent, or under additional conditions an Irish-born
grandparent, is entitled to Irish citizenship.
However, Irish Presidents play the role of figureheads in Irish society,
with symbolic powers relative to their counterparts in other republics.
There are no plans to extend the right to vote in parliamentary
elections to citizens living outside the 26 Counties.
While a date has not being set for the referendum, Taoiseach Enda Kenny
confirmed the Cabinet has formally decided to hold one.
Speaking in Philadelphia, Mr Kenny said: “Today’s announcement is a
profound recognition of the importance that Ireland attaches to all of
our citizens, wherever they may be.
“It is an opportunity for us to make our country stronger by allowing
all of our citizens resident outside the State, including our emigrants,
to vote in future presidential elections.”
President Michael D Higgins’s seven year term ends next year, with an
election likely in October or November 2018, and it is unclear if he
will run again or be opposed if he chooses to run.
Mr Kenny told an audience at the Irish Famine Memorial in Philadelphia
that changing the voting system will involve significant work to
determine new eligibility rules, to draw up legislation and to implement
a new electoral register and new voting procedures.
“It is appropriate that this announcement is being made here in
Philadelphia, where the Irish have made such a mark over the centuries.
There is no more fitting time or place, as we look forward to our
worldwide celebration of St. Patrick’s Day and of all that is Irish,” he
said.
There is a general consensus that the referendum will pass if put to a
public vote, and government officials are said to be ready to work on
updating the voter registration process.
The London-based campaign group Votes for Irish Citizens Abroad (VICA)
welcomed the announcement.
“In 2013 the Constitutional Convention overwhelmingly recommended that
Irish citizens living outside of the State should be given the right to
vote in presidential elections,” said Mary Hickman, Chair of VICA.
The ‘Home to Vote’ movement during the 2015 marriage equality
referendum also reflected the huge appetite there was for such a
measure, she added.
“The vast majority of democratic countries around the world allow their
citizens living abroad to vote, and there is no reason why Ireland
cannot find a way to make this work.”
Gerry Adams also welcomed the announcement. “Sinn Fein has been pressing
the Irish government since the Good Friday Agreement to allow for
citizens in the North and in the diaspora to have the vote in
Presidential elections,” he said.
“The Taoiseach’s announcement today is very welcome, but the government
needs to quickly clarify what this means in practice and when the
referendum will be held.
“Last November, the Taoiseach, in a reply to me in the Dail, ruled out a
referendum this year or next. This would mean that the vote would not be
available for citizens in the North or the diaspora before 2025.
“Sinn Fein believes that Irish citizens living and working outside of
the state and, in the context of the Good Friday Agreement, those living
in the North should be able to vote in Presidential elections.”
Posted by Jim on
Scotlands first minister Nicola Sturgeon says she plans to trigger
another independence referendum. She said the new poll should be held
between autumn 2018 and spring 2019, once the terms of Britains exit
from the European Union have become clear.
“Right now, Scotland stands at a hugely important crossroads,” she said,
in a keenly watched speech today at her official residence in Edinburgh.
“We didn’t choose to be in this position. In common with most people
across the country, I wish that we weren’t. But we are, and the stakes
are high – so we must have a plan for the way forward.”
She pointed to a series of hazards facing Scotland under London rule,
not just the prospect of being pulled out of the EU and single market,
but also the likelihood of hard-right Conservative government continuing
for decades and taking back powers already devolved to Edinburgh. This
all had implications for jobs, opportunities, public spending and living
standards, she said, as well as forfor Scottish society and democracy.
“In short, it is not just our relationship with Europe that is at
stake,” she said. “What is at stake is the kind of country we will
become.
“At times of change and uncertainty, the instinct to do nothing and just
hope for the best is understandable. But, in my view, it is not the
right one. At times like these, it is more important than ever to have a
clear plan for the way ahead – to try, as far as is possible, to be in
control of events and not just at the mercy of them.”
She added that “for all we know” London is on the verge of triggering
Article 50, amid reports that British PM Theresa May could issue formal
notice of quitting the EU as soon as tomorrow.
“Not only is there no UK wide agreement on the way ahead – but the UK
government has not moved even an inch in pursuit of compromise and
agreement. Our efforts at compromise have instead been met with a brick
wall of intransigence,” she said.
“UK membership of the single market was ruled out with no prior
consultation with the Scottish Government or with the other devolved
administrations – leaving us facing not just Brexit, but a hard Brexit.
“There has been talk of special deals for the car industry and others,
but a point blank refusal to discuss in any meaningful way a
differential approach for Scotland.
“And far from any prospect of significant new powers for the Scottish
Parliament, the UK government is becoming ever more assertive in its
intention to muscle in on the powers we already have.
“The language of partnership has gone, completely. And there should be
little doubt about this – if Scotland can be ignored on an issue as
important as our membership of the EU and the single market, then it is
clear that our voice and our interests can be ignored at any time and on
any issue.
“That cannot be a secure basis on which to build a better Scotland. But
it is where we stand today.”
Posted by Jim on March 12, 2017
Bloody Sunday
As gray clouds ladened the Derry sky
People gathered with voices high
Bodies in motion through joining arms
With cries for justice echoing afar.
But foreign troops edged our walls
Taking positions that made no sense
And as the march proceeded in faith
Their military presence shattered our peace.
Though spirits were lifted by a cause so grand
Harmony was crushed by thunderous lead
Victims fell as young blood spilled
With streets running red with jolts of fear.
As many eyes filled with sorrowful tears
And hearts were broken by events so cursed
Our young men lined up to take the pledge
And in the end — resistance spread.
Though ’72 has long since past
And peace now rains where injustice stood
Our past reminds us of progress made
Yet our nation’s unity remains — long overdue!
Gríoghár Seán Ó Canannáin
Posted by Jim on March 10, 2017
There have been vocal and widespread calls for Irish reunification in
the face of the British government’s determination to leave the European
Union and a historic election result last week which has delivered
unprecedented political strength for nationalism and Sinn Fein.
Speaking on the Falls Road in west Belfast, flanked by senior party
representatives, Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams pointed to the
significance of the fact that the unionist majority at Stormont has been
ended by last week’s election.
“The notion of a permanent or a perpetual unionist majority has been
dismantled,” he declared.
For the first time, unionists do not have an overall majority at the Six
County legislature, which dates back to the partition of Ireland. Sinn
Fein came within one seat of drawing level with the DUP, and only 1,168
first preference votes separated the two parties.
The result means the DUP no longer has enough Assembly members to use
their veto on political change without external support.
Mr Adams said that the election in the north had been “a watershed”.
“This has brought an end to the unionist majority in the Assembly,” he
said. “It has also demolished any notion of a perpetual unionist
majority in the north. This needs to be reflected in the approach of the
unionist parties and the two governments.”
The increase in Sinn Fein vote came after the party successfully
challenged unionist corruption, as well as the failure of unionists and
the British government to deliver on talks deals dating back to 1998. On
the back of an increased turnout, the party secured 27 seats,
maintaining its numbers at Stormont in spite of the reduction of
assembly seats, on an increase of almost 4 percentage points on last
May’s result.
In a blog post, Mr Adams said there was now a need for political leaders
“to co-operate with other progressives to create real changes in
peoples’ lives based on everyone’s right to equality.” His full post is
included below.
But its response to the election result, Republican Sinn Fein described
it as a “setback” for republicans and the Irish working-class. Stormont
remained a “fundamentally undemocratic” assembly “kept under the strict
control of British imperialism, designed to give British rule in Ireland
a democratic mantle”, they said.
Republican Network for Unity Chairperson Stephen McCourt, meanwhile
called for a realignment of republicanism to challenge the Six County
administration. “We need to begin a process of working together,” he
said. “Factionalism and protesting in isolation is allowing Stormont to
dominate the narrative.”
But the election has ignited strong new demands for Irish reunification.
In the past week, three university student unions have voted
overwhelmingly in favour of taking an official stance for Irish
reunification. Mainstream media commentators have also rowed in behind
the concept of Irish unity, motivated equally by Brexit and the election
result.
Political analyst Siobhan Fenton, writing in the London Independent
wrote: “A united Ireland is no longer hypothetical or absurd, but a
credible option that must be considered seriously by both the Irish and
British governments.”
Irish Times columnist Noel Whelan wrote: “We need to talk about Irish
unity. We have been avoiding the conversation in the Republic for too
long. The ground has shifted quite dramatically on the question in
recent years. Last week’s Assembly Elections in Northern Ireland was a
reflection of that new reality. The results of that election should now
also serve as a lightbulb moment for nationalism south of the border.”
Economist and financial analyst Chris Johns pointed to the need to
explain to northern unionists that “their economic future looks far
rosier in the EU rather than outside, and the only way to achieve that
is to accept Irish reunification”.
But there has also been an opposite reaction from unionist extremists.
One English commentator, Melanie Phillips, writing for The Times of
London, caused an angry backlash after she called for the 26 Counties to
be reintegrated into the “authentic unitary nation” of the UK, asserting
that Ireland has but “a tenuous claim to nationhood, having seceded from
Britain as the Irish Free State only in 1922”.
Daniel Mulhall, Irish ambassador to Britain, pointed to Ireland’s 100
years since the proclamation of the Republic outside the GPO in Dublin.
“Irish nationhood based on strong sense of identity, distinctive culture
and shared values and interests. Nothing ‘tenuous’,” he wrote.