how will you remember the sinn fein of 2007?

[manus1916]

just wondering what people's thoughts are on this..... can be a decision, a person a key moment etc... although if you believe all the media hype "Republicans" have had quite a few "historic" moments in the last few years!

[Hildy]

This is an editorial from the An Phoblacht which highlights the past year. Personally, I just think they are going forward with determination and hard work, and I give them credit for all they have accomplished, especially in getting the Irish (Gaelige) Language program off to such a good start. Cruinniú ag Adams le Ó Cuív faoi Acht Gaeilge (http://www.anphoblacht.com/news/detail/22661)

and also with all the work they've done in the European Parliament this week by demanding MEPs to let the Irish people get on with their own referendum on the EU Treaty. 'Let Ireland get on with our own referendum' (http://www.anphoblacht.com/news/detail/22659)


Sinn Féin looking forward with confidence
An Phoblacht (http://www.anphoblacht.com/news/detail/22673)
20 December, 2007

For republicans the past year was marked by significant progress and some disappointment. As it draws to a close Sinn Féin emerges stronger and more equipped to make political advances.

January saw the party make the historic decision to engage with the PSNI, and to hold the North’s police service to account. Already that decision has resulted in tangible progress on the ground.

Negotiations between Sinn Féin and the DUP resulted in the re-establishment of political institutions in the Six Counties. Assembly elections saw Sinn Féin win 28 seats and Martin McGuinness now leads Sinn Féin’s Ministerial team in a power-sharing government with the DUP. Many thought this could never happen. But Sinn Féin’s tenacity and political skill confounded all of the sceptics and the efforts of republicans once again made everything possible.
Significant advances made by Sinn Féin in the 26 Counties in recent years inevitably awakened the political establishment to the fact that Sinn Féin was a serious political and electoral threat and they have been engaged in a protracted political counter offensive. This reached a peak at the general election last May. Republicans were disappointed when Sinn Féin failed to build on its Dáil representation and lost Seán Crowe’s seat in Dublin South West.

Following the election republicans engaged in a consultation process as intensive as that which preceded the Ard Fheis on policing. It produced key conclusions for Sinn Féin's future work, which will result in a party fit to meet the political challenges of Ireland in the 21st century.
This week, the Fianna Fáil/PD/Green Party Government rushed a Bill through the Dáil, which gives legal backing to its private, for-profit hospital co-location plan. Sinn Féin opposed the Bill just as it opposes the government’s inequitable health policies based on the maintenance of a two-tier system and privatisation by stealth. The party will continue to campaign for a world-class health service in Ireland based on equality of access for all citizens.
Last week, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern joined EU heads of state to sign the Lisbon Treaty, which will be put to a referendum in 2008. The treaty involves the most substantial transfer of powers from member states to the European Council and Commission in the history of the European Union. Ratification would result in the influence of smaller European states reduced as the dominance of larger states is consolidated. It also accelerates the militarisation of the EU, and advances an economic agenda based on a race to the bottom for wages and workers’ rights. Over the coming months Sinn Féin will be the only significant political party campaigning against the treaty.
At the end of 2007 Irish republicanism has never been more relevant. Much has been achieved in our struggle and while more challenges remain, Sinn Féin goes into the future with renewed confidence. A united Ireland built on the principles of equality and real social justice has yet to be realised and Sinn Féin is the most effective political vehicle for the achievement of that objective.

Finally, everyone at An Phoblacht would like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers and sellers a Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2008.
Articles may not be reproduced without the consent of An Phoblacht. For further information, please contact editor@anphoblacht.com

[southarmaghceltic1888]

I will remember them accepting a British police force in Ireland.

[Comrade Ryan]

Yeah I think accepting the PSNI/RUC will be how most people will remember SF's work in 2007.

Although, Raymond McCartney's branding of republicans, however mistaken one may feel their actions are, as criminals will stay with me and make him the biggest hypocrite of 2007.

Thats a shame too because I had a lot of respect for the man until that point - even had some for him after he attacked the water non-payment campaign - turing into quite the reactionary our Raymond.

Its a shame.

[jesus begorragh]

they went in the year pushing people to support the PSNI

threatending laurence o'neill

they went out covering up the murder of a young irish man - worse than widgery


i'd say they've been consistent

from endorsing the british police to embracing their tactics

[decko murray]

they went into stormant on the 20 annv of loughall.does that not tell you something.TRAITORS.

[broche]

history has repeated itself

[robertemmett]

joining a police force that was not reformed much beyond the ruc.

(oh yeah they did have new uniforms, diff shade of green)

yet these were the people we were told to have nothing to do with for 40 odd years.

well if you cant beat them, join them

[Rory O'Connor]

I will remember the year of 2007 as the year that Sinn Féin joined the "Policing" Board of the RUC/PSNI.

[Hildy]

I can't believe this thread! Who started this dang thread? All its become is a thread to bash SF, why didn't we just call it.....Slagg on SF Here!

Where are all you SF supporters, you need to be making some positive comments here!

How about when Martin Ferris was appointed Sinn Féin ‘United Ireland’ here is a great article, I only posted a small excerpt. Martin tells in the interview how his life has been a struggle, being in the IRA, in and out of prison, going on hunger-strike, etc., very good article it worth the read! Martin Ferris is still positive about SF's role in achieving a United Ireland!

INTERVIEW Martin Ferris - a life in struggle
Still fighting for a united Ireland (http://www.anphoblacht.com/news/detail/21889)

You’ve just been appointed as Sinn Féin’s ‘United Ireland’ spokesperson.
A united Ireland is what we’ve been about all our lives. Our existence is to bring about a united Ireland. I passionately believe that it will be a reality in my lifetime. I think there’s a huge job of work to be done in the meantime. We have to popularise the concept of a united Ireland and the benefits of that to the Irish people as a whole.

What I’m doing today I don’t see as any different to what I was doing from 1970. The British presence has been a negative and often brutal fact of life in Ireland. I’m very, very proud of having been involved in the IRA struggle because for most of my life there was no other way. Thankfully, I think we’re at a stage now when we can move forward and achieve our aims and objectives of Irish unification.

We have to ask ourselves if we have been adequately engaging with those who share our objective of achieving Irish unity.

I believe that most people on the island of Ireland want Ireland reunited. That’s the starting point and it’s how you structure that belief into becoming a reality. We need to popularise Wolf Tone’s vision of the unification of Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter – bringing people together and showing the benefits of that from economic and cultural points of view and in terms of healing differences and making a reality out of the aspirations of great people in Irish history.

[robertemmett]

oh yeah,

how could we forget sf's absoutlely fantastic electoral performance in the 26counties.

"great foundations laid for the future" type victory.
not "the winning more seats type" of victory.

i would imagine it was anus horriblus for sf.

[setanta81]

2007 should be remembered as the year when we were confirmed as the largest republican or nationalist party in the six counties and as a disappointing one electorally in the 26. However, the fight back has begun and 2007 will be seen as a landmark in that.
As regards policing 2007 will be seen as the year when we took them on at their own game.There is so much potential in our engagement with policing that its frightening.

[JPL]

oh yeah,

how could we forget sf's absoutlely fantastic electoral performance in the 26counties.

"great foundations laid for the future" type victory.
not "the winning more seats type" of victory.

i would imagine it was anus horriblus for sf.

And who do you support - and what public backing do they have?

[manus1916]

How about when Martin Ferris was appointed Sinn Féin ‘United Ireland’ here is a great article, I only posted a small excerpt. Martin tells in the interview how his life has been a struggle, being in the IRA, in and out of prison, going on hunger-strike, etc., very good article it worth the read! Martin Ferris is still positive about SF's role in achieving a United Ireland!


exactly hildy .. 2007 is the year Sf felt the need to remind people it was still in pursuit of an irish republic by assigning martin ferris the spokesperson on a united ireland! just in case people forget....

i have nothing against martin ferris .....was this role needed specifically because there is no evidence in its day to day business and non exsistent activism that the party is pursuing the main goal... that of a united Ireland????

[jester2207]

first i dont know enuff here in the states to argue little issues, i have a hard enuff time finding out what the issues even are, thank the universe for this web site, ive learned more here about my homeland then i ever did here. but i do know enuff to know that Sinn Fein for the most part follows what i personally believe, i dont see the point in consistantly arguing the same points over and over again, specailly if some one more knowledgable has already stated how we feel. if there not going to get it there not going to get it, even thou some have taken shots at us i dont take it personally and do respect there opions, they stegnthen my resolve, not tear me down. and thank the universe that they feel as pationatly in Ireland as i do, all Republican issues are wanted but do us a favour and lets argue them in another forum, tired of having to sift threw what i feel is ****e do get to what my party wants to do. no problem with dropping a question but do we really need 10 or 15 people on our forum flooding it with....stuff, if we were do that...(matter of numbers mate, respect me in being proud of my people even if you dont like the way we try to achieve it.) thank you brothers and siters:)

[robertemmett]

And who do you support - and what public backing do they have?


about the same backing as the

1916 rebels
sean south
edentubber martyrs

if fact the same as alot of the republican martyrs that the provies traisp around after at commemorations

[grainne]

I will remember SF in 2007 in pretty much the same way as i have
98. 99. 00. 01. 02. 03. 04. 05. 06.

Flogging a dead horse.

[DFCRFB]

it will be remembered as being confirmed as the largest republican party. Others came and tried to show they had a voice but were swiftly swept away by the people. The people spoke and endorsed SF, regardless what others may think here.

[robertemmett]

it will be remembered as being confirmed as the largest republican party. Others came and tried to show they had a voice but were swiftly swept away by the people. The people spoke and endorsed SF, regardless what others may think here.


except in the south, where sinn fein lost a seat, despite the best electoral circumstances that they could have hoped for.

[Vox Populi]

it will be remembered as being confirmed as the largest republican party. Others came and tried to show they had a voice but were swiftly swept away by the people. The people spoke and endorsed SF, regardless what others may think here.Fianna Fail, was endorsed by the majority as An Páirtí Poblachtánach.

[DFCRFB]

except in the south, where sinn fein lost a seat, despite the best electoral circumstances that they could have hoped for.
too true. Its was far from good. I personally thought they would have gained more seats as a opposed to losing.

[Comrade Ryan]

I can't believe this thread! Who started this dang thread? All its become is a thread to bash SF, why didn't we just call it.....Slagg on SF Here!

Where are all you SF supporters, you need to be making some positive comments here!

How about when Martin Ferris was appointed Sinn Féin ‘United Ireland’ here is a great article, I only posted a small excerpt. Martin tells in the interview how his life has been a struggle, being in the IRA, in and out of prison, going on hunger-strike, etc., very good article it worth the read! Martin Ferris is still positive about SF's role in achieving a United Ireland!

This is so funny I can't believe any SF supporter would draw attention to it.

Appointing a United Ireland spokesperson? Is that not the job of every republican?

So now they have equated it with the same importance as finance, transport, agriculture, etc.

[Comrade Ryan]

As regards policing 2007 will be seen as the year when we took them on at their own game.There is so much potential in our engagement with policing that its frightening.

Please do terrify us and elaborate...

[robertemmett]

Please do terrify us and elaborate...

lololol

[Irish Republican Patriot]

I think his meaning is clear enough Comrade Ryan, its a "thin end of the wedge" sort of thing. It certainly is terrifying for genuine Republicans, to see former Republicans becoming a gang of turncoats. He is right enough about one thing though, they are now taking the "police" at their own game, that is, attacking genuine Republicans.

[Hildy]

I think his meaning is clear enough Comrade Ryan, its a "thin end of the wedge" sort of thing. It certainly is terrifying for genuine Republicans, to see former Republicans becoming a gang of turncoats. He is right enough about one thing though, they are now taking the "police" at their own game, that is, attacking genuine Republicans.

I'm proud to be a supporter of SF, IRP. You should be more terrified of yer own gang of "wanna be" soldiers than of Republicans that want peace for this nation! And yer unfounded allegations wouldn't stand up in court if yer referring to the Quinn murder. BTW, I believe using the words "turn-coat" are against the forums rules, you might want to read up on that. But then again, I can tell from yer attitude that laws and rules mean nothing to you.

[setanta81]

It means inhabiting ground previously owned by our enemies and bringing our our ideas and making them work. Holding the "police" to account at every oppurtunity and making them accountable to the people who pay their wages, us! Thus showing that republicans are capable of holding power and running government, all adding to the unstoppable journey towards a national republic.
Doubt you'll agree as you are obviously anti SF. Wonder why you spend so much time on the SF forum though.

[robertemmett]

I'm proud to be a supporter of SF, IRP. You should be more terrified of yer own gang of "wanna be" soldiers than of Republicans that want peace for this nation! And yer unfounded allegations wouldn't stand up in court if yer referring to the Quinn murder. BTW, I believe using the words "turn-coat" are against the forums rules, you might want to read up on that. But then again, I can tell from yer attitude that laws and rules mean nothing to you.

why are you proud, hildy??

[Hildy]

It means inhabiting ground previously owned by our enemies and bringing our our ideas and making them work. Holding the "police" to account at every oppurtunity and making them accountable to the people who pay their wages, us! Thus showing that republicans are capable of holding power and running government, all adding to the unstoppable journey towards a national republic.
Doubt you'll agree as you are obviously anti SF. Wonder why you spend so much time on the SF forum though.

Good reply, setanta81.....oh, let me answer the question for you (I'm sure ye already know this already)....Where else would be a better place to bash us? Kind of like the lazy hunter, that lays in the brush and lets the quarry come to him.....same thing!

[Irish Republican Patriot]

Your delusions really are something setanta, even for an Adams Factionist. Your lot have not inhabited ground "previously owned" by the enemy, nothing has changed, the PSNI are still committed to upholding British rule, and by your support for them (and let's not try the pretense that the Adams Faction do not support the "police") so are you. The Adams Faction has no real control over the "police", it is the British government which controls them and pays their wages (the same could probably be said incidentally for the leadership of the Adams Faction). I spend so much time on this forum because I believe it is important that genuine Republicans do all they can to expose the lies and deceit of the Adams Faction.

[robertemmett]

Good reply, setanta81.....oh, let me answer the question for you (I'm sure ye already know this already)....Where else would be a better place to bash us? Kind of like the lazy hunter, that lays in the brush and lets the quarry come to him.....same thing!

yes... its like shooting fish in a barrel. lol

[setanta81]

If only everyone realised how right you are!! How can everyone else not see how we are all being led like sheep by treachorous individuals. I wish I had your foresight which is obviously gained through a long experience of participation in struggle.

What is Santa bringing you??

[Hildy]

yes... its like shooting fish in a barrel. lol


Yeah, that's the purpose of starting these types of threads, is it not? Look who starts them.....why start them if you don't like our answers, then? If all yer doing is criticizing the work SF is doing, and not bragging about all the work you or your group is doing, then it kind of says it all, don't ye think? Can't seem to tell us what yer doing to bring about change, other than complaining!

[robertemmett]

and tell us then, what "change" that has been brought about. you know, that is worth bragging about?

[Hildy]

and tell us then, what "change" that has been brought about. you know, that is worth bragging about?

Ha! Cannot tell us? I asked you....don't turn it around on me....go find the appropriate thread and expound on all yer worthiness for the cause.

[robertemmett]

i wasnt here to "expound on all yer (my) worthiness for the cause".
but i suspose the biggest thing i did this year to bring about change was to leave the sf party.

[Hildy]

i wasnt here to "expound on all yer (my) worthiness for the cause".
but i suspose the biggest thing i did this year to bring about change was to leave the sf party.


Just another attempt at a cheap shot, well you got it in, and that tells us all about yer good work, robert! Now go find another thread that you can be positive on, or is yer only purpose on this forum is to be negative?

[Comrade Ryan]

It means inhabiting ground previously owned by our enemies and bringing our our ideas and making them work. Holding the "police" to account at every oppurtunity and making them accountable to the people who pay their wages, us! Thus showing that republicans are capable of holding power and running government, all adding to the unstoppable journey towards a national republic.
Doubt you'll agree as you are obviously anti SF. Wonder why you spend so much time on the SF forum though.

I don't like to get off on the wrong foot with people but that is just blah blah blah.

No substance, no fact, no methodolgy, just generalisms, and spin.

It means inhabiting ground previously owned by our enemies and bringing our our ideas and making them work.

Inhabiting ground once owned by your enemies. I could see the logic in this if you had displaced your enemy, like if you had taken power, real power, and thus used that power to effect radical change.

But there had been no displacement. You have merely joined your enemy on their ground and operating by their rules. That is the fact. No radical change can be effected. Period.

But do explain in detail how this will practically happen.

Holding the "police" to account at every oppurtunity and making them accountable to the people who pay their wages, us!

How will this happen exactly? Specifics please, because we all know it can't happen via the DPP, there simply is no mechanism for it, and its obvious that Hugh Orde simply ignores the Policing Board (ie Taser decision and RUC Reserve) and even at that you are massively out numbered on the board anyways with only 3 seats.

But i'm interested in the detail as to how you propose to do this - detail my friend not generality.

Thus showing that republicans are capable of holding power and running government, all adding to the unstoppable journey towards a national republic.

Oh my goodness. Anyone is capable of 'holding power' (which SF don't do by the way - they are minority players in a forced coalition) but the real test is if one could use 'power' to effect change, SF can't do that.

If all that is proposed though, is that SF can responsibly administer the pocket money the British Exchequer gives them, then this is doable. I fail to see what pride Irish Republican Socialists would get from attempting to prove that they can run the British Captialist Budget and system better than the brits - whats the point?

Secondly, I would really love to hear how this leads to an unstoppable journey towards a national republic - enthral us.

Doubt you'll agree as you are obviously anti SF. Wonder why you spend so much time on the SF forum though

I am not anti-SF but I do not agree with their direction or their perversion of a once great movement, of which I was a member.

I don't spend 'so much time in a SF forum' I do come to this republican forum though, which has a SF section, which is open to all.

Look forward to a little more detail from you on the above points though - if it can't be provided feel free to bow out of the conversation.

[Comrade Ryan]

Good reply, setanta81.....oh, let me answer the question for you (I'm sure ye already know this already)....Where else would be a better place to bash us? Kind of like the lazy hunter, that lays in the brush and lets the quarry come to him.....same thing!

Good reply? Really.

Santa must love you - you are so easily pleased and impressed.

Here hildy I have a shiny thing here you could get hours of wonderment out of.

[Comrade Ryan]

Still nothing eh setanta81?

No surprise really.

There really doesn't seem to be much detail on any SF program to a united Ireland - loads of aspiration and fluffy phrases but no detail.

So next time someone asks me - whats your alternative? - I'll simply respond, whats my alternative to what?

I dare say that'll f*ck most of them up a bit.

Answers including phrases like, sites of struggle, levers of power, etc, will not be accepted as detail.

[robertemmett]

or

toe to toe??? (if its said in a derry accent)