Open letter to the President of the GAA

Nioclás Uasal Ó Braonáin
Uachtarán
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
Páirc an Chrócaigh
Baile Átha Cliath

27ú Feabhra/February 2009

A Uachtaráin, a chara

I am writing to you to reiterate the opposition of Sinn Féin Poblachtach to the hosting of the England rugby team, the flying of the English national flag and the playing of God Save the Queen (English national anthem) in Páirc an Chrócaigh on February 28.

As pointed out in the letter which was handed in to Páirc an Chrócaigh by An tUachtaráin Sinn Féin Poblachtach Ruairí Ó Brádaigh and myself on February 24 2007, such events are part of the process of normalising British rule in our country. The dropping of Rule 21 by the GAA, the playing of Gaelic football matches between 26-County police/army teams and teams representing British forces, British royal visits, so- called ‘courtesy’ visits by British naval vessels to 26-County ports, are also part of this process. This occupation will never be normal or acceptable and such events will always be opposed by Irish Republicans.

Páirc an Chrócaigh is a place of huge cultural and historical significance for the Irish people. The senior All-Ireland hurling and football finals each year are a showcase of our national games and identity of which the Irish people are rightly proud. They symbolise the essential unity the historic Irish nation. Many of our members are also members of the GAA and rightly take pride in the association’s contribution to the sporting, cultural and social life of communities throughout Ireland and the Irish community abroad. I am proud to number myself among the ranks of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael.

The events of Bloody Sunday November 21 1920 when British forces murdered 14 people still have a deep resonance for the Irish people. However the political context within which the events of Bloody Sunday occurred is not a matter of history. As we pointed out two years ago, British rule in Ireland remains a reality. As Irish Republicans we strive for a just and lasting settlement for all of the Irish people. The lesson of Irish history is that British rule must be removed before this can happen.

British rule and the continued partition of Ireland is not normal nor is it acceptable and we would be failing in our duty as Irish Republicans if we did not raise our voice in protest at attempts to pretend that it were so

Is Mise
Des Dalton
Leas Uachtarán

Anti-heroin protest held in Newbridge

THE Frank Driver Cumann/North Kildare of Republican Sinn Féin held an anti-heroin protest in Rosconnell estate in Newbridge, Co Kildare on Saturday, February 7.

According to the Chairperson of the Frank Driver Cumann, Éamonn Mahoney, the purpose of the protest is to highlight the danger posed by heroin and other drugs to young people in the estate and in society in general.

“The economic collapse facing the 26-Counties brings with it increased unemployment and rising levels of poverty and marginalisation. One of the consequences will be that more young people may through a feeling of hopelessness turn to drugs such as heroin. We feel it is essential that attention is focused on the crisis facing communities throughout Kildare and nationally. The response to drugs has to be across the board. Communities cannot be left on their own to tackle this problem, a multi agency approach with proper resources and funding is the only way to seriously begin to tackle the culture of drugs for the users, their families and the wider community.” Éamonn Mahoney said.

Reports from local media (click on the titles):
Kildare Nationalist: Garda resources ‘wasted’ at anti drugs protest in Newbridge (February 12, 2009)
Leinster Leader: Large garda presence at Rosconnell anti-drugs rally (February 12, 2009)

Des Dalton questions Athy council

People of Athy once more victims of undemocratic planning

IN A statement Republican Sinn Féin candidate for Athy Town Council Des Dalton said that once again the people of Athy have fallen victim to an unaccountable planning process:

“Once more the people of Athy have fallen victim to an undemocratic and unaccountable planning process. One of the grounds given for refusing the development of a 50 million euro shopping centre at the Abbey site in Athy, was its locatation in close proximity to the route of the proposed ‘Inner relief Street’ as identified in the Athy Town Development plan.

“However An Bord Pleanála rejected the ‘Inner Relief Street’ proposal and a subsequent judicial review of the decision failed in the High Court.. The judicial review taken to the High Court was a shameful waste of public time, resources and funds and now it appears that despite its rejection by both An Bord Pleanála and the High Court the ‘Inner Relief Street’ proposal was left on the town’s development plan. The question must be answered by the Athy Town Council - why was the ‘Inner Relief Street’ proposal not removed from Athy’s development plan three years ago following the failure of the Judicial review in the High Court?

“Once more it appears that the people have come second to the narrow agendas of a minority with detrimental effects for the development of our town.”

RSF anti-heroin protest in Newbridge

THE Frank Driver Cumann/North Kildare of Republican Sinn Féin will be holding an ant-heroin protest in Rosconnell estate in Newbridge, Co Kildare on Saturday, February 7 from 3.00pm to 4.00pm.

According to the Chairman of the Frank Driver Cumann Eamonn Mahoney, the purpose of the protest is to highlight the danger posed by heroin and other drugs to young people in the estate and in society in general.

“The economic collapse facing the 26-Counties brings with it increased unemployment and rising levels of poverty and marginalisation. One of the consequences will be that more young people may through a feeling of hopelessness turn to drugs such as heroin. We feel it is essential that attention is focused on the crisis facing communities throughout Kildare and nationally. The response to drugs has to be across the board. Communities cannot be left on their own to tackle this problem, a multi agency approach with proper resources and funding is the only way to seriously begin to tackle the culture of drugs for the users, their families and the wider community.” Eamonn Mahoney said.

Waterford workers lead the way

IN A statement in support of the Waterford Crystal workers the Vice President of Republican Sinn Féin and Athy Town Council local election candidate Des Dalton said:

“With their ongoing sit-in the workers of Waterford-Wedgwood are leading the way by sending out a clear message throughout Ireland and internationally that workers are not prepared to simply roll over and allow their livelihoods to be taken away.

“The Dublin government is on the one hand prepared to recapitalise the banks from the ‘National Pension Reserve Fund’ whilst on the other no support is forthcoming for the workers of Waterford and the hundreds of thousands facing the loss of their jobs. In Waterford workers who have given up to 40 years service to the company now face the real prospect of being left without a pension. The same prospect faces many other workers also.

“Working people have no great cash reserves or secret off-shore bank accounts. They pay their tax at source, their main and in many cases only asset is their job. Their job is their means to live with dignity and respect, to rear and educate their children and put a roof over their heads. The workers of Waterford Crystal are striking a blow for all workers and it is the duty of all workers and the entire trade union movement to fully support them. Rarely has the old trade union slogan ‘An injury to one is an injury to all’ carried more meaning or relevance.”