The Irish Republican Forum - eirigi

Promises, Promises: The Rampant Lies from Leinster House

Newry Republican — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 19:14:23 GMT

06/09/10

Despite Brian Lenihan�s pledge to bring about �a big change in banking culture� after �7 billion [�5.9 billion] of public money was transferred to the private Allied Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland, a cursory glance at the people at the top of Irish financial institutions today clearly shows that not to be the case.

On the contrary, figures released by a daily newspaper last week indicate that, bar a few individual resignations, the bulk of the financial hierarchy in the Twenty-Six Counties remains in place and the majority of these are earning massive salaries which far outstrip the Dublin government-recommended rates of pay drawn up last year. Regardless of the posturing of political establishment that �heads would roll� it is clear that this has not transpired in any meaningful shape or form.

Of the 12-strong director�s board of the Bank of Ireland in 2007, eight of them have been retained, while almost half of those in charge of running AIB remain in place today. A particularly notable case is that of Nationwide, which has cost taxpayers in the Twenty-Six Counties over �12 billion [�10 billion] to date. Three of the original five-man board continue to run Nationwide; the departures being disgraced financier Michael Fingleton [who received a �1 million bonus before his resignation] and his deputy, John Purcell.

While the salaries of the banking CEOs have been cut slightly, they remain far in excess of even the Dublin government�s recommendations. Last year, Bank of Ireland CEO Richard Boucher received a total of �1.99 million [�1.7 milion] in salary, associated benefits and a pension top-up. In the same year, AIB director Colm Doherty received �833,000 [�696,000]. Also in 2009, the CEOs of Anglo-Irish Bank and Irish Life and Permanent received �500,000 [�418,000] and �533,000 [�445,000] respectively. These astronomical amounts are being �earned� by bank executives despite the fact that it will eventually cost taxpayers tens of billions of euro to bail out these institutions.

While it will come as no surprise to many that the business class continues to pilfer massive amounts of money, these figures do illustrate the hollow nature of previous government promises to �rein in the banks�. In essence, it demonstrates how the political and financial establishment work hand-in-glove and how each is dependent on the other for survival.

The Twenty-Six County government has no problem with diverting billions of euro of public money into these institutions and then subsequently declaring that the state cannot afford to provide vital services for working class citizens.

One thing is clear, meaningful regulation of the banks will never take place unless they are placed firmly in public hands and run solely for the benefit of society as a whole as opposed to the profit of a few.

http://www.eirigi.org/latest/latest060910.html

Video - �ir�g� Protest Against War Criminal Tony Blair, Dublin Sept 4th, 2010

manus1916 — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:04:04 GMT

Several hundred people took to the streets of Dublin on Saturday September 4th, 2010 to demonstrate against the presence of British war criminal Tony Blair in the capital. The former British prime minister was in Ireland to be fawned upon by the west British establishment on the occasion of the publication of his autobiography.

For more info visit www.eirigi.org

Reminder: No Royal Visit Protest Tonight, 7pm Dublin.

Republican Communist! — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 10:11:24 GMT

A Chairde,

Just a reminder that �ir�g� have called a protest against the proposed visit by the British head of state for tonight at 7pm outside Dublin City Council on Dame Street.

It would be great to see republicans from the Dublin area (and Beyond) turn out in numbers to this protest, to send the message that so long as England occuppy any part of Ireland, their representitives arent welcome here!

Don't let the weather turn you off this is an important issue.

As it say above, All Welcome.

Blair the Pariah Embarrassed Again

Republican Communist! — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 23:07:01 GMT

Blair the Pariah Embarrassed Again
04/09/10

Several hundred people took to the streets of Dublin on Saturday to demonstrate against the presence of British war criminal Tony Blair in the capital.

The former British prime minister was in Ireland to be fawned upon by the west British establishment on the occasion of the publication of his autobiography, the proceeds of which go to the Royal British Legion. On Friday night, Blair was the guest of honour on the notoriously sycophantic Late, Late Show, while on Saturday, he signed copies of his book for his moronic hangers on in Eason’s on O’Connell Street.

The protests, organised by �ir�g� and the Irish Anti-War Movement, took place outside Eason’s amid a police presence, which resulted in a number of roads, including Abbey Street and O’Connell Street, being closed to traffic – a major blow for business on a Saturday.

At 10.30am, as Blair arrived on O’Connell Street, the protest surged forward with shouts of “Arrest the War Criminal”. Eggs and shoes were thrown at the man who laid waste to Afghanistan and Iraq in symbolic protest as he was shielded by members of the Garda� and private security using umbrellas.

At this point, the Garda� turned violent and drew their batons on peaceful protesters, including members of �ir�g�, while others threatened to use pepper spray. Protestors responded to the onslaught with chants of Garda�-RUC, which was appropriate given Blair’s decision to let the RUC and British army loose on the people of the Garvaghy Road in 1997. As the Garda� attacked the crowd, they arrested a number of protestors.

These arrests lead to an impromptu sit down protest on O’Connell Street, which blocked the route of the Garda vans attempting to ferry one of those arrested to Store Street barracks. Members of the Garda Public Order Unit then attempted to remove people from the road, throwing punches and kicks as they did so.

The protest was not confined to the streets however. A number of anti-war activists attempted to gain access to the book signing by queuing up on Abbey Street amongst the supporters of the war criminal. One protester, Niall Farrell of the Galway Anti-War Alliance, was forcibly removed from Eason’s for being a “security risk”.

However, Kate O’Sullivan, a member of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, managed to reach Blair and attempted to make a citizens arrest, citing his record as a war criminal, before being detained by Garda� and private security without any pretext for over 30 minutes.

At 12.30pm, Blair’s entourage managed, with great difficulty, to spirit him away from the angry Dublin crowd, going to the lengths of using a decoy.

Dublin has joined the list of proud cities where Tony Blair will be welcomed with angry voices and marching feet.

http://www.eirigi.org/latest/latest040910_2.html

�ir�g� Initiative against Windsor Visit � Monday, Dublin

Newry Republican — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 14:01:08 GMT

04/09/10

Cathaoirleach �ir�g� Brian Leeson has called on Fine Gael to clarify its attitude towards the victims of British state violence in response to the comments of its leader on Dublin City Council.

Responding to emails expressing concern at the prospect of a state visit for Elizabeth Windsor and support for �ir�g� councillor Louise Minihan�s motion to the City Council, Fine Gael�s Bill Tormey resorted to abuse.

Tormey advised one correspondent to �keep taking the tablets� and referred to others as �unreconstructed nuts�, while signing himself as �Sir William (k)night of Balmun�.

The emails have since been passed onto �ir�g�.

Leeson said: �Many people, including relatives of those killed by British state forces, have expressed concern about the prospect of a state visit to the Twenty-Six Counties by Elizabeth Windsor. Some of these people took the initiative of emailing Dublin city councillors asking them to support �ir�g� councillor Louise Minihan�s motion on the matter, which will be heard on Monday night.

�The last thing they expected in response was insulting, derogatory and, quite frankly, loopy emails from the leader of one of the main parties on the council.

�Fine Gael must now clarify, for the victims of British state violence who have been hurt by these emails, whether the dismissive and offensive views of Bill Tormey are party policy.�

Leeson continued: �Bill Tormey will have a chance to explain his views publicly on Monday night when the �ir�g� motion is heard, while a demonstration in support takes place outside City Hall.

��ir�g� is calling on all those who are who opposed to the commander-in-chief of Britain�s armed forces traipsing through the streets of Dublin to join Monday�s demonstration.�

The �ir�g� demonstration will take place outside Dublin City Hall between 7pm and 9pm on Monday [September 6].

http://www.eirigi.org/latest/latest040910.html

Shell Takeover of Ireland �Complete�

Republican Communist! — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:20:09 GMT

Shell Takeover of Ireland �Complete�
01/09/10

�The Shell takeover of Ireland is now complete.� This was the message from Shell to Sea campaigners, including a number of �ir�g� activists, who raised a Shell flag at the Twenty-Six County Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in Dublin on Sunday [August 29].

The action recreated an iconic Second World War image of US forces seizing the island of Iwo Jima, south of Japan, in 1945. The demonstration called on environment minister John Gormley to reject Shell�s foreshore license application to lay a pipeline in Kilcommon parish in County Mayo.

Shell are looking to lay a 4.9km gas pipeline that will travel from Broadhaven Bay through the Sruth Fhada Conn estuary, both of which are designated as Special Areas of Conservation. The proposed route is also close to the D�n Chiort�in mountain, which was devastated by over forty landslides in September 2003 that caused millions of euros of damage, and which remains environmentally unstable.

Sunday�s action took place as a public consultation of Shell�s application came to an end. Shell to Sea are calling on Gormley to reject Shell�s application, and should he go ahead with the plan they are calling for an oral hearing into the granting of the foreshore license so that the health, safety and environmental impacts can be properly assessed.

Cathaoirleach �ir�g� Brian Leeson commented: �Given Shell�s record on human rights and the environment internationally, the Shell to Sea campaigners should be commended for their work in challenging �green� minister Gormley on the Twenty-Six county state�s collusion with Shell.

�This is nothing new of course, and political interference in support of Shell should come as a surprise to no-one. Earlier this year, an official �amon Ryan�s Department of Energy and Natural Resources attempted to influence An Bord Plean�la�s safety standards for the Shell application.�

Leeson continued: �The environmental and health and safety impacts of this project on the local community are of huge concern. Given the slaveen attitude of the Twenty-Six County government, it�s clear that these concerns will only be respected when the giveaway of our natural resources is successfully challenged, and when we choose to exploit our natural resources for the benefit of all the people of Ireland, and not for the benefit of multinational corporations and their political flunkies.�

http://www.eirigi.org/latest/latest010910.html

Article: Blair on Breandan Mac Cionnaith

Duleek Hunger Strike Monu — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:03:49 GMT

He took unreasonableness to an art form.
He conceded nothing, and I mean nothing.
Im not just talking about the substance of meetings.
I mean where a meeting should be held.
Who should be there? Who shouldn't be there?

Shell Takeover of Ireland �Complete�

Young Irelander — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:50:33 GMT

01/09/10

�The Shell takeover of Ireland is now complete.� This was the message from Shell to Sea campaigners, including a number of �ir�g� activists, who raised a Shell flag at the Twenty-Six County Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in Dublin on Sunday [August 29].

The action recreated an iconic Second World War image of US forces seizing the island of Iwo Jima, south of Japan, in 1945. The demonstration called on environment minister John Gormley to reject Shell�s foreshore license application to lay a pipeline in Kilcommon parish in County Mayo.

Shell are looking to lay a 4.9km gas pipeline that will travel from Broadhaven Bay through the Sruth Fhada Conn estuary, both of which are designated as Special Areas of Conservation. The proposed route is also close to the D�n Chiort�in mountain, which was devastated by over forty landslides in September 2003 that caused millions of euros of damage, and which remains environmentally unstable.

Sunday�s action took place as a public consultation of Shell�s application came to an end. Shell to Sea are calling on Gormley to reject Shell�s application, and should he go ahead with the plan they are calling for an oral hearing into the granting of the foreshore license so that the health, safety and environmental impacts can be properly assessed.

Cathaoirleach �ir�g� Brian Leeson commented: �Given Shell�s record on human rights and the environment internationally, the Shell to Sea campaigners should be commended for their work in challenging �green� minister Gormley on the Twenty-Six county state�s collusion with Shell.

�This is nothing new of course, and political interference in support of Shell should come as a surprise to no-one. Earlier this year, an official �amon Ryan�s Department of Energy and Natural Resources attempted to influence An Bord Plean�la�s safety standards for the Shell application.�

Leeson continued: �The environmental and health and safety impacts of this project on the local community are of huge concern. Given the slaveen attitude of the Twenty-Six County government, it�s clear that these concerns will only be respected when the giveaway of our natural resources is successfully challenged, and when we choose to exploit our natural resources for the benefit of all the people of Ireland, and not for the benefit of multinational corporations and their political flunkies.�

http://www.eirigi.org/latest/latest010910.html

The Mavi Marmara Massacre � Three Months On

Young Irelander — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:49:00 GMT

31/08/10

�If any harm comes to any of our citizens, it will have the most serious consequences.�

Those were the words of Brian Cowen in Leinster House on June 1 this year. He was referring to the previous day�s events when the zionist regime launched a military attack in international waters on the Freedom Flotilla as it attempted to bring humanitarian aid to the besieged Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip.

During the attack, Israel murdered nine human rights activists aboard the Mavi Marmara and seriously wounded scores more. The boats, one of which, the Challenger 1, was Irish, were all seized and those onboard, including a number of Irish citizens, were kidnapped and detained in zionist prisons. During their captivity, the Irish citizens, despite Cowen�s warning of �serious consequences� had their passports taken from then, their property stolen and were assaulted by their captors.

Later that same week, Israel hijacked and seized another Irish boat, the MV Rachel Corrie, which was carrying a cargo, including cement, medical equipment, toys, paper and school books, for the people in Gaza. All on board were also kidnapped and forcibly detained. This was in spite of pleas to the zionist regime from the Dublin government for them not to do so and to allow the boat to complete its journey to Gaza unhindered.

The massacre on the Mavi Marmara occurred three months ago today. So, what �serious consequences� has Israel suffered at the hands of the government in Leinster House as a result of its acts of international piracy?

Actually, the answer is none. Despite the bluster of Cowen and Twenty-Six County foreign minister Martin in the aftermath of the attack, they have failed to take ANY action against Israel whatsoever. Is this shameful? Absolutely. Surprising? Considering this government�s record on Israel, not at all.

The Twenty-Six County administration has failed Irish citizens yet again by not standing up for their rights. It has also failed the Palestinian people by refusing to punish Israel for the war crimes it has committed.

Despite calls from human rights groups to support the campaign of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions [BDS] against Israel, to expel the zionist ambassador, shut down their embassy and sever diplomatic relations with them, this administration have steadfastly refused to do so.

It should be remembered that the massacre on the Mavi Marmara was not some one-off aberration, but a continuation of Israel�s behaviour as a serial human rights abuser and war criminal. It is also worth noting that the Dublin government does not deny Israel�s criminal activity. Brian Cowen has said that his government�s long standing position was that the blockade of Gaza was �immoral�, while Miche�l Martin has described Gaza as an �open prison�.

On November 5 2008, Martin said that �the [Twenty-Six County] Government agrees with those who state that the effective isolation of Gaza constitutes collective punishment and is illegal under international humanitarian law�.

In March 2009, Martin told the International Herald Tribune the blockade was �medieval, inhumane and utterly unacceptable�.

After his recent visit to Gaza, he said: �Eighty percent of the population of Gaza now lives below the poverty line and UNRWA is encountering increasing levels of abject poverty where people basically do not have enough food, even with their meager food allocations, to live� What I witnessed in Gaza, amidst all the rubble and devastation still so evident from last year�s conflict, was a population traumatized and reduced to poverty by an unjust and completely counterproductive blockade.�

In October 2009, the UN General Assembly endorsed the findings of Justice Richard Goldstone�s report into war crimes committed during Israel�s month long assault on Gaza in December 2008-January 2009. The EU Parliament endorsed it on March 10 this year.

Yet, on March 22, the EU Foreign Affairs Council, in spite of the zionist war crimes documented in the Goldstone Report, voted to enhance the EU/Israel Association agreement, providing Israel with even more favourable trading conditions. Israel remains in flagrant breach of the conditions applying to this agreement, which specifically demands a commitment to the rule of law, democracy and human rights.

And, in what can only be described as a slap in the face for the victims of Israel�s crimes, the Dublin government announced in recent weeks that they are to proceed with a multi-million euro contract with zionist weaponry company Elbrit.

Attempting to justify the decision to continue buying military equipment from Israel, Twenty-Six County defence minister Tony Killeen said: �The issue of boycotts or sanctions against Israel or the canceling of contracts with specific Israeli companies is not something that the Irish government supports at this point in time.�

Miche�l Martin, speaking before the Leinster House Committee on European Affairs on June 22 this year, said that he had been a �consistent critic of the blockade since I become Minister for Foreign Affairs two years ago on the basis that it is unjust, illegal, counterproductive and in nobody�s strategic interest�.

However, he then went on to reiterate his excuse for not taking action against Israel, saying they were �trying to persuade Israel to change its policies. It is important for us in doing so to show Israelis that we are open to good relations with them, that we are not inherently hostile or negative, that we genuinely believe we have their best interests at heart. It is clear to me that our influence in Israel would be lessened and our voice weakened if we were to advocate � futilely, as I have pointed out � a policy of bans or boycotts.�

Leaving aside the fact that the Dublin government not just advocate, but support and impose sanctions and bans against quite a number of other states, just how successful has this policy of not punishing Israel been in terms of �persuading Israel to change its policies�? How successful have they been in using this supposed �influence� with Israel that they are so afraid to lose?

Quite clearly, they have been a failure. The EU-Israel Association Agreement, which commenced in 2000, has been defended by Martin as part of that �softly softly� approach in order to influence Israel towards complying with international law and cease its human rights abuses. Yet, despite awarding Israel such preferential treatment, the zionist state�s violations of UN resolutions, breaching of international law and committing of war crimes has instead significantly increased.

Illegal settlements, the theft of Palestinian lands and resources and the construction of the Apartheid Wall, which the International Court of Justice has condemned as illegal, have all intensified since 2000. Restrictions placed on Gaza from 2001 transformed into a full blown, illegal and inhumane siege in 2007. In 2006, Israel invaded both Gaza and Lebanon, inflicting massive civilian casualties and committing countless war crimes.

At the end of 2008, they then launched what they called Operation Cast Lead, slaughtering more than 1,400 people, more than 300 of whom were children, in their month long assault on Gaza. Most recently, we have witnessed the act of international piracy, hijacking boats, kidnapping and assaulting passengers and crew and murdering nine of the activists on board. Israel also remains in violation of more than 60 UN resolutions.

Quite clearly, contrary to Miche�l Martin�s claim, his administration has absolutely no influence over the zionist regime, which continues to colonise the West Bank, maintain its inhumane siege of Gaza and deny the Palestinian people their right to freedom and justice. Indeed, just how little influence they had was obvious when Israel contemptuously ignored their pleas to not harm the kidnapped Irish citizens and to allow the MV Rachel Corrie proceed unhindered to Gaza.

The issue at hand is not about this administration�s condemnation of Israel and its war crimes. They acknowledge the barbarity and illegality of Israel�s actions. The issue is their failure to act on this condemnation of Israel, saying that sanctions and boycotts are wrong and counterproductive, while at the same time supporting and enforcing sanctions against other states, including on the democratically elected representatives of the Palestinian people � the Hamas government in Gaza. Once again, the Dublin government and the EU have had their self-proclaimed commitment to human rights exposed as completely bogus.

By refusing to take action against Israel and continuing to afford it favourable trade relations with the EU, the Twenty-Six County state and the EU are helping to bankroll the zionist military machine, making them complicit in war crimes.

Condemnation and diplomacy have failed miserably. What is needed now is a world-wide campaign of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions [BDS] against the zionist state similar to that which helped end apartheid in South Africa. In the coming weeks and months, let us all redouble our efforts towards this end and help to end the apartheid zionist regime, bring zionist war criminals to justice and secure freedom at last for the Palestinian people.

For more information on the BDS campaign and other Palestinian solidarity activities in Ireland, click here.

http://www.eirigi.org/latest/latest310810.html

LIDL Gaelic Products Not Available in 6 Counties

Newry Republican — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:55:00 GMT

It has recently emerged that Lidl is offering a range of Gaelic products including hurls, sliotars and helmets to shops in the 26 counties. Bizarrely this offer is not available to people who shop at Lidl stores in the 6 counties.

Such was the concern at this partitionist attitude, a Newry GAA club contacted Newry & Mourne District Council to raise their concerns that this decision could have been politically motivated.

Newry & Mourne District Council has sent a letter to Lidl asking them to explain why they are excluding the people of the 6 counties. The letter was backed by most Newry & Mourne councillors, however one unionist bigot, Henry Reilly, suggested that Lidl should stock orange collerettes instead.

To date Lidl has not responded to N&MDC, but nonetheless they should be challenged as to why they are discriminating against a vast section of the people of Ireland.

Thousands of people in Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Derry and Tyrone are being excluded from accessing this range of Gaelic equipment and it seems the reason is that they reside in occupied Ireland.

http://eiriginewry.blogspot.com/2010...able-in-6.html

F�ile na Gaeilge 2010

Republican Communist! — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:42:08 GMT

F�ile na Gaeilge 2010
27/08/10

(English version follows.)

Tharla ch�ad Fh�ile na Gaeilge de chuid �ir�g� i gCondae na M� D� Sathairn seo caite [21� L�nasa], la dh� dhosaen ball agus tacad�ir ag taisteal go Gaeltacht R�th Chairn chun p�irt a ghlacadh in imeachta� an lae.

Thosaigh an l� le ranganna Gaeilge, agus chruthaigh an aimsir bhre� coinn�ollacha foirfe don chom�rtas poc fada agus roinnt cluich� lasmuigh. N� ba mhoille, bh� fle� fhulachta ann freisin agus chr�ochnaigh an o�che le seisi�n iond�il ins An Brad�n Feasa.

Thug Diarmuid Breatnach � Choiste Dl�thph�irt�ochta Bhaile �tha Cliath leis na Bascaigh caint ar stair theanga na mBascach, Euskara, agus iarrachta� rath�la na heite cl� ar son na saoirse chun �s�id na teanga a chur chun cinn.

Bhreathnaigh an comhr� ina dhiaidh ar na cos�lachta� agus �ags�lachta� idir c�sanna na mBascach agus na h�ireann, ar na ceachtanna a dtig le gn�omha�gh Ghaeilge foghlaim � ghluaiseachta� athbheochana teanga go hidirn�isi�nta, agus freisin an r�l a bh� agus a d�fh�adfadh bheith ag athbheochan teanga i streachailt� frith-choil�neacha agus um shaoirse n�isi�nta.

Ag caint faoin l�, d�irt urlabhra� �ir�g� Ursula N� Shionnain: �Ba � seo an ch�ad bhliain a bh� F�ile na Gaeilge eagraithe ag roinn Gaeilge �ir�g�. �n aiseolas dearfach ar fad a fuair muid, is cinnte go bhfuil daoine ag d�il go m�r le F�ile na bliana seo chugainn cheana f�in.

�Tugann an Fh�ile deis do Ghaeilgeoir� agus do fhoghlaimeoir� Gaeilge p�irt a ghlacadh in imachta� bunaithe ar �r dteanga agus c�ltur d�chasach. L� sultmhar at� ann do ch�ch, agus cabhra�onn s� chomh maith taispe�int do dhaoine an r�l leathan at� ag an teanga le himirt sa streachtailt in �adan an impiri�lachais in �irinn an lae inniu. I bhfocail Mh�irt�n U� Chadhain, �S� an Ghaeilge Athghabh�il na h�ireann agus is � Athghabh�il na h�ireann sl�n� na Gaeilge�.�

F�ile na Gaeilge 2010
�ir�g�s inaugural F�ile na Gaeilge took place in County Meath last Saturday [August 21], with two dozen members and supporters making their way to the R�th Chairn Gaeltacht to participate in the day�s events.

The day began with Irish language classes, while the good weather provided the perfect atmosphere for the poc fada competition and a number of outdoor games. Later on, there was also a barbecue and the evening concluded with the obligatory session in An Brad�n Feasa.

There was also a talk given by Diarmuid Breatnach of the Dublin Basque Solidarity Committee on the history of the Basque language, Euskara, and the highly successful efforts of the pro-independence left in the country to promote its usage.

The discussion afterward delved into the similarities and differences between the Basque and Irish cases, into what lessons Irish language activists can learn from language revival movements internationally, and also into the role language revival has played and can play in anti-colonial and national liberation struggles.

Speaking about the day, �ir�g� spokesperson Ursula N� Shionnain said: �This year was the first time that F�ile na Gaeilge was organised by �ir�g�s Irish language department. From all the positive feedback we have received, it�s clear that people are already looking forward to next year�s F�ile.

�The F�ile offers Irish speakers and learners an opportunity to take part in activities based around our native language and culture. It�s an enjoyable day for everyone, but it also helps to demonstrate to people the wider role the language has to play in the struggle against imperialism in modern day Ireland. In the words of M�irt�n � Cadhain, �S� an Ghaeilge Athghabh�il na h�ireann agus is � Athghabh�il na h�ireann sl�n� na Gaeilge�. [The Irish language is the Reconquest of Ireland and the Reconquest of Ireland is the salvation of the Irish language.]�

Equal Rights For All, Not Apartheid Law

Republican Communist! — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:36:51 GMT

Equal Rights For All, Not Apartheid Law
25/08/10

Last Sunday [August 22], members of �ir�g� marched through the streets of Baile �tha Cliath in a display of solidarity with the LGBT community, to support their demand to be treated as equal citizens in the Twenty-Six County state.

The march was organised by the LGBT Noise Campaign, whose objective is to work for �the provision of civil marriage for all people in Ireland, irrespective of gender and sexual orientation�.

Nearly 3,000 people gathered at City Hall and proceeded to march to the Twenty-Six County Department of Justice on Stephen�s Green, many equipped with coloured cards containing the definition of the word �Equal�. Outside the Department headquarters, speakers, including Anna McCarthy [LGBT Noise], Colm O�Gorman [Amnesty International Ireland] and Grainne Healy [Marriage Equality], highlighted the injustices being committed against the gay community.

Speakers highlighted the fact that the denial of the right to civil marriage, while not only denying gay couples the usual financial and civil securities that straight couples are entitled to, also denies legal rights to children. Are such children even recognised in the Twenty-Six County state, or are they seen as abominations by the same state that refuses to grant their parents legal rights to them?

Anna McCarthy referred to James Connolly and his support for equal opportunities for all the citizens of Ireland. She then went on to quote the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic, which the Dublin government has ignored time and again in its treatment of Irish citizens. The following quote from the Proclamation reveals the hypocrisy of those who claim that the Twenty-Six County state is founded upon such a document:

�The Republic guarantees religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities to all its citizens, and declares its resolve to pursue the happiness and prosperity of the whole nation and all of its parts��

Max Krzyzanowski of LGBT Noise said: �The Civil Partnership Bill, which was signed into law on July 19, was a step towards equal rights for same-sex couples. But it doesn't give them the right to marry, leaving children of same-sex couples without the same rights as children of heterosexual parents.

�We have always sought the opening of the institution of civil marriage so that same-sex couples can raise children with the same protections as their straight brothers and sisters.�

Krzyzanowski continued: �There are 300 rights that accrue to heterosexual married couples that are missing from civil partnership legislation. This is unacceptable in 2010 when country after country around the world is opening the institution of civil marriage to their gay citizens.�

Another speaker drew attention the fact that the vast majority of secondary and primary schools in the Twenty-Six Counties are explicitly catholic in their ethos, meaning that gay teachers are officially subject to dismissal for not conferring to the school�s ethos.

�ir�g� spokesperson Ursula N� Shionnain, who took part in the march, said: �It is no surprise to �ir�g� to see such intolerance from a capitalist state whose primary objective is the bail out of banks and property developers at the expense of the rights of all working class citizens.

�This state has, from its inception, been in the control of right-wing, conservative elements, and only the destruction of this state will open the door to complete equality.�

N� Shionnain continued: �For too long, the LGBT community in the Twenty-Six County state has been treated as second class citizens. People are being denied the rights promised to them in the Twenty-Six County Constitution because of their sexual orientation.

��ir�g� is committed to supporting the Irish LGBT community in its struggle to secure equality both in the eyes of the law and in the eyes of their fellow citizens.�

Newry Handed Over to the Bigots

Newry Republican — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:11:31 GMT

30/08/10

The freedom of Newry was handed over to sectarian bigots on Friday night [August 27] as thousands of unionist bandsmen and supporters were bussed into the overwhelmingly nationalist city from across the Six Counties for a sectarian coat-trailing exercise.

Putting the impact of this march in its proper setting, during the most recent census in 2001, Newry was found to have a population of 27,433, of whom almost 90 per cent would be viewed as from a catholic/nationalist background.

In the run up to this display of naked bigotry, the organisers proclaimed that �All genres of music will be on parade, which should provide entertainment to suit all musical tastes�.

They forgot to mention Newry being brought to a standstill for several hours with severe traffic disruption; unionists drinking openly in the street, actually outside Ardmore PSNI barracks; the playing of sectarian songs; bands displaying the emblems and flags of unionist paramilitary death squads and nationalists afraid to look out of their windows or venture onto their own streets.

Despite its failure to intervene in any instance of the above, the PSNI was also out in force, sealing off all main roads, which prevented residents and motorists from travelling anywhere near the town centre.

R�na� ginear�lta �ir�g� Breand�n Mac Cionnaith said: �It�s unreal that, in 2010, nationalists are either hemmed into or are too afraid to leave their homes because of unionists indulging in sectarian intimidation in a predominately nationalist area.

�In recent weeks, unionists erected provocative flags on the outskirts of Newry in an attempt to intimidate nationalists and now they are coming into Newry in their thousands from all across the Six Counties in an exercise of intimidation against nationalist residents.

�The parading of this bigotry by unionism all too often ends in violence, as was seen with the sectarian assault on a middle-aged woman in Ballymena at the weekend. This is the reality that the promoters of sectarian processions need to face up to.

��ir�g� will continue to campaign for the right for everyone to live free from sectarian harassment and intimidation.�

http://www.eirigi.org/latest/latest300810.html

Timberyard Residents Vow to Fight On for Better Housing

Republican Communist! — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 19:30:04 GMT

Timberyard Residents Vow to Fight On for Better Housing
28/08/10

�ir�g� local area representative Damien � Fearail and Dublin South Central chairperson Bas Curraoin met with residents of the Timberyard development in Dublin on Wednesday [August 25].

The meeting was a follow up to a protest held by residents outside of City Hall in June this year. Approximately 50 residents, supported by �ir�g� activists, protested on that occasion in an attempt to gain all party support for a motion put forward by �ir�g� councillor Louise Minihan for better housing.

The Timberyard development is only a year old and, already, most residents have been experiencing multiple problems some which are specific and others which affect them collectively. Residents have consistently registered their complaints with Dublin City Council Local Area Housing Office on an individual basis and collectively through representations made on their behalf by their residents� committee. Minihan also made several representations on the residents� behalf through city managers questions, culminating with the motion to the council on June 14.

Speaking after Wednesday�s meeting, � Fearail noted: �It was particularly disappointing that the Labour Party did not support the motion in June, despite the fact that all party leaders on the council had been circulated with the motion in advance of the meeting.�

Residents expressed their dismay and anger at the refusal of Dublin City Council to address their plight but vowed to continue their fight to have their housing needs recognised.

Minihan will again raise the relevant issues with Dublin City Council officials in advance of the handover of the development from the building contractor to Dublin City Council.

��ir�g� will continue to support the residents of the Timberyard in their campaign for better housing,� said Minihan.

�Most of these residents left other sub-standard dwellings on the promise of a better future and if formal representations cannot deliver an outcome satisfactory to these residents collectively, �ir�g� will not hesitate to support and join these residents on the streets once again.�

http://www.eirigi.org/latest/latest280810.html

�ir�g� Announce Protest for Blair Book Signing

Republican Communist! — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 19:14:54 GMT

�ir�g� Announce Protest for Blair Book Signing
29/08/10

�ir�g� has reiterated its demand for the former British prime minister Tony Blair to be arrested for war crimes if he enters the Twenty-Six Counties.

The demand was made as the socialist republican party announced it will be staging a demonstration outside Eason�s bookshop on O�Connell Street, Dublin at 10am on Saturday [September 4], where Blair is scheduled to attend a book signing event.

Announcing the protest, �ir�g� spokesperson Daith� Mac An Mhaist�r said Blair�s legacy is one of illegal invasions, occupations and war crimes.

Mac An Mhaist�r said: �Tony Blair is a war criminal, with the blood of hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians on his hands. Alongside his US allies, Blair launched brutal and bloody wars against the people of Afghanistan and Iraq. More than 1.3 million Iraqis are believed to have been killed during the illegal invasion and subsequent occupation.

�This man should be arrested and put before the International Criminal Court.�

He continued: �In Afghanistan, casualties continue to mount as the occupation and slaughter of civilians continues. Blair�s justifications for these invasions are a tissue of lies and deceit. His book is an attempt to rewrite history and justify his role in these illegal wars and the countless war crimes committed by British troops.

�In his time as British prime minister, Blair also oversaw the normalisation of the British occupation in the Six Counties and the murder by pro-British forces of nationalist civilians, including human rights lawyer Rosemary Nelson. He also blocked all attempts to secure the truth about collusion between British forces and unionist death squads, in particular their role in the Dublin/Monaghan bombings.�

Mac An Mhaist�r concluded: �The book promotion in Eason�s is an insult to the victims of Blair's war crimes and Eason�s should withdraw their invitation to him. If Blair proceeds with his visit, �ir�g� will be highlighting his crimes and staging a protest outside Eason�s from 10am on Saturday [September 4].�