New Year statement from the leadership of Republican Sinn Féin

THE year ahead brings challenges and opportunities for Irish Republicanism. The worsening economic situation, the subversion of the people’s democratic rejection of the Lisbon Treaty and the ongoing normalisation of British rule in Ireland are three of the key battlegrounds for Irish Republicans in 2009.

The 26-County local elections due to be held in June are a key opportunity to present a viable, radical and true Republican and Socialist alternative to the people. At a time when people are suffering the effects of the failed right-wing economic ideology of the 26-County establishment these elections will allow Republican Sinn
Féin to promote a vision of a New Ireland.

While a vision for the future of any kind is glaringly absent from any of the constitutional political organisations, ÉIRE NUA and SAOL NUA provide a blueprint for real political and economic democracy.

With people losing jobs, and even their homes, with 7% of the population of the 26-Counties in ‘consistent poverty’ ÉIRE NUA and SAOL NUA are a blueprint for building the kind of All-Ireland Republic which, according to James Connolly: “must be made a word to conjure with – a rallying point for the disaffected, a haven for the oppressed”. All areas, members and supporters must be prepared to put their shoulder to the wheel in promoting and supporting Republican Sinn Féin candidates next June!

Another battleground will be Lisbon Mark II. Instead of respecting and defending the democratic decision of the Irish people last June to reject the Lisbon Treaty/EU Constitution, the 26-County administration in an act of treachery have collaborated in attempting to overturn that vote by forcing the people to vote a second time. Despite the game of smoke and mirrors engaged in by the Dublin and Brussels political elites the Lisbon Treaty has not been amended or changed in any way.

Talk of opt-outs and non-binding declarations are merely a distraction from the agenda of Lisbon – the creation of an undemocratic and militarised United States of Europe. Such a referendum is likely to be held in October. Once more Republican Sinn Féin will place itself at the heart of the campaign for a second ‘No’ vote. Defend Democracy, Neutrality and Sovereignty.

Meanwhile the campaign of normalising British rule and the partition of Ireland continues. Republican Sinn Féin as the only political organisation espousing the doctrine of true revolutionary Irish Republicanism will continue to spearhead the opposition to this process. Once more we place on the public record our intention to oppose visits to any part of Ireland by the Queen of England or other members of the British Royal family while the British state continues to occupy part of Ireland.

Just as we oppose British imperialism in Ireland Irish Republicans oppose imperialism internationally. As we go to press the people of Gaza suffer the onslaught of the Israeli army. Over 500 men, women and children have been killed by the Israeli army to date as a result of their bombardment and invasion of Gaza.

In Cuba celebrations are already underway marking the 50th anniversary of the revolution. Irish Republicans extend greeting and salutations to the Cuban people and their revolutionary leader Fidel Castro.

A clear programme of work has been set out and the battle lines drawn. Republican Sinn Féin will provide the leadership to meet the challenges and opportunities which 2009 present us.