32 County Sovereignty Movement.
IMF not welcome in Ireland.
The confirmation that the Free State government is seeking aid from the International Monetary fund and the EU is a grim development in what has been a catastrophic two years for the Irish people. Incompetence, greed and corruption have destroyed the Free State’s ability to manage its own affairs and so with begging cup in hand they have crawled to the IMF.
The 32csm wishes to make clear that the IMF is not welcome in Ireland. Their track record has been one of attacking the working class to preserve the ruling class wherever they have intervened. Make no mistake there are plans being put in place to attack fundamental rights of workers in the 26 Counties. The minimum wage, social welfare and education for working class people are all going to be altered so as to facilitate the process of "recovery". We are calling now on the Trade Union Movement to fight back and to fight back ferociously. The leadership of these bodies have failed to protect workers and have signed deals to preserve social partnership; deals that are now being torn up with abandon.
Now is not the time for meaningless words about people sharing the burden. The burden must be bore by those responsible for it, the bankers, the political establishment and their apologists. Now is the time for a widespread campaign of resistance and fundamental to this must be a National Strike which brings the state to a halt and shows the government and their neo-liberal allies that the power is with the workers!
It is also imperative to point out that an election called now will be nothing more than a rubber stamp of approval for the IMF and their policies for none of the Parties have the moral courage to take a stand for the Irish people above their own interests. The press conferences called by Fianna Fail are to reassure the international banking system not the Irish people. It is the duty of republicans everywhere to support the people of Ireland north and south in resisting these savage cuts, it is the time for unity and the time to resist!
Beir Bua
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Time To Act
32 County Sovereignty Movement.
Time to Act.
After usurping the Declaration of Independence the architects of the Twenty Six County State invoked a sovereign legitimacy to use British guns on fellow Irish people. It continued to invoke this legitimacy to strap Irishmen to landmines, to execute Irish prisoners, to allow Irishmen die on hunger strike and to employ an English hangman to eradicate those who believed that Irish sovereignty does not stop at the border and that our national ethos should be modelled on the Proclamation.
Invoking a sovereign legitimacy it set about rewriting the terms of its own existence, not in accordance with those who defended it as a preamble to national reunification, but as a prologue for establishing a partitionist power base serving sectional interests. When it introduced its Constitution in 1937 it predicated that document on a definition of sovereignty as one which encompassed the whole island and its peoples. It spent the next sixty one years failing to restore that sovereignty culminating in its abandonment in 1998. It abandoned their fellow Irish people in the Six Counties, standing idly by whilst a sectarian gerrymander was allowed to masquerade as democracy.
Invoking a sovereign legitimacy it raised an army and called it Oglaigh Na hEireann. It placed this army on the border to reinforce its view that the Twenty Six County State had a sovereign right to exist. It sent this army into the world as a symbol of its sovereignty and generously referenced their peace keeping efforts, and their deaths, as a glowing tribute to this sovereignty.
Invoking a sovereign legitimacy it raised its own tax and allowed its governments to utilise these funds for party political interests. It allowed its Ministers to feather their own nests and encouraged a political ethos which was solely concerned with satisfying the local constituency. In pursuit of power it placed the Catholic Church and Financial Speculators at the heart of its policy making with disastrous consequences. Those that
opposed such economics were adjured to commit suicide and those who argued for complete Church State separation were marginalized and stigmatised.
And now it stares into the abyss created by its own abject failure to understand what Irish sovereignty actually represents. It has now surrendered the fate of its citizens to an institution whose sole concern is the making of money no matter the social cost. As a state it can neither look back nor look forward to redeem itself. Only its citizens retain the ability to rise above the penury the state has forced them into.
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement calls on all the Irish people to take back their sovereignty. We call on all republican organisations and the labour movement to unite and organise the shutting down of the state. This is not a time for righteous rhetoric or for tinkering with the status quo. It is a time to reach out and effect fundamental change for our people. Partition has failed on both sides of the border. The restoration of our national sovereignty is an essential prerequisite to achieving this change. It is time to act.
Time to Act.
After usurping the Declaration of Independence the architects of the Twenty Six County State invoked a sovereign legitimacy to use British guns on fellow Irish people. It continued to invoke this legitimacy to strap Irishmen to landmines, to execute Irish prisoners, to allow Irishmen die on hunger strike and to employ an English hangman to eradicate those who believed that Irish sovereignty does not stop at the border and that our national ethos should be modelled on the Proclamation.
Invoking a sovereign legitimacy it set about rewriting the terms of its own existence, not in accordance with those who defended it as a preamble to national reunification, but as a prologue for establishing a partitionist power base serving sectional interests. When it introduced its Constitution in 1937 it predicated that document on a definition of sovereignty as one which encompassed the whole island and its peoples. It spent the next sixty one years failing to restore that sovereignty culminating in its abandonment in 1998. It abandoned their fellow Irish people in the Six Counties, standing idly by whilst a sectarian gerrymander was allowed to masquerade as democracy.
Invoking a sovereign legitimacy it raised an army and called it Oglaigh Na hEireann. It placed this army on the border to reinforce its view that the Twenty Six County State had a sovereign right to exist. It sent this army into the world as a symbol of its sovereignty and generously referenced their peace keeping efforts, and their deaths, as a glowing tribute to this sovereignty.
Invoking a sovereign legitimacy it raised its own tax and allowed its governments to utilise these funds for party political interests. It allowed its Ministers to feather their own nests and encouraged a political ethos which was solely concerned with satisfying the local constituency. In pursuit of power it placed the Catholic Church and Financial Speculators at the heart of its policy making with disastrous consequences. Those that
opposed such economics were adjured to commit suicide and those who argued for complete Church State separation were marginalized and stigmatised.
And now it stares into the abyss created by its own abject failure to understand what Irish sovereignty actually represents. It has now surrendered the fate of its citizens to an institution whose sole concern is the making of money no matter the social cost. As a state it can neither look back nor look forward to redeem itself. Only its citizens retain the ability to rise above the penury the state has forced them into.
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement calls on all the Irish people to take back their sovereignty. We call on all republican organisations and the labour movement to unite and organise the shutting down of the state. This is not a time for righteous rhetoric or for tinkering with the status quo. It is a time to reach out and effect fundamental change for our people. Partition has failed on both sides of the border. The restoration of our national sovereignty is an essential prerequisite to achieving this change. It is time to act.
Francie Mackey Address 32CSM Ard Fheis 2010
Francie Mackey Address 32CSM Ard Fheis 2010
Chairperson’s Address
Ard Fheis 2010
A chairde, delegates and comrades; we are the spearhead of this struggle. Our innovation, political maturity, our activism and leadership has ensured that this struggle is to the fore in the minds of the political establishment. We are a movement that looks forward and moves forward. We have grasped the nettle of reality concerning our struggle and laid bare the fallacies which have mired it in suspicion and factionalism.
All this we have done because we put republicanism first. We put the objective first. We embraced democracy and married it to our republicanism. We have not cocooned ourselves within restrictive rules or dogmatic history. We took the strength of our argument and brought it to the national and international stage. A liberated republicanism is the proper vehicle for change. A unified republicanism is the most potent mechanism to achieve that change.
Republican unity is not going to go away. All that stands in its way is an unwillingness to engage with it. There is no ideological or political argument against it for if there were we would have heard it by now. It is not a case of the sovereignty movement calling for unity but the goals for which we struggle demanding it. We have no right to stand at the graves of our patriot dead and preach factionalism. We have no right to stand at the monuments of our great thinkers and invoke their words to justify isolationism. And we have no right to stand before our people and in their name give less than the sum total of our parts.
For our part we concentrated on the issue of national sovereignty. We did so because there is armed conflict in our country. As republicans we saw it as our duty to address the causes of this conflict in a clear and defined manner. Ending the armed conflict does not end the struggle for republican ideals. Squabbling over what those ideals should be will not end the armed conflict. War demands from us all an immediacy in our strategic thinking to find ways to resolve it.
We again put forward the view that a coming together of Irish republicans to fashion a course to remove the cause of armed conflict is essential if any of our ideals are to flourish in a unitary state. The sovereignty movement remains committed to this task. We have taken the view that republican unity is more than the coming together of republican organisations. The path the so called peace process has taken has left large numbers of disillusioned republicans searching for direction and new ideas. We are committed to providing these ideas by engaging directly with these republicans. Their contribution to this struggle has been immense and has earned them the right to determine where now they wish to continue it. We want their ideas, we want their commitment, we want their contributions; but we have to earn it. We have to demonstrate to them that our activism looks forward and not back: that our ideas are inclusive and adaptable and not insular and reactionary.
I say to all our activists here that the coming year will require you all to reach out and engage with this constituency. As ambassadors for the sovereignty movement you will need to be fully acquainted with our policies and strategy documents. Read them, and read them again. Discuss them regularly at cumann level but above all spread the thinking behind them. Knowledge of our policies must be the cornerstone of our activism.
There is always healthy debate in the sovereignty movement. It is one of our great strengths. Prominent in these discussions is the issue of policy formation on social matters and the various aspects of governance in a future unitary state. The number and depth of motions before us here today reflects this. I wish to address two points concerning policy and policy formation; firstly the context of our policies and secondly the cause of labour. From the outset I want to commend our activists throughout Ireland for their sterling work in their respective communities. Your innovation and commitment are a lesson for all those seeking social change and justice.
Because we are constituted to campaign on the singular issue of our national sovereignty all our policies must be geared toward this end. Sovereignty is not a narrow nationalist agenda but an agenda for real change and a precursor to Irish society taking charge of its own destiny. Sovereignty is not simply a Brits Out slogan but a charter for ownership returning to the people. It is within this context that our policies must be forged. We cannot adopt policy for policy sake or direct our limited resources away from our central goal. Our policies must satisfy a strategic objective. And because we are engaged in a national struggle how we adopt our policies is just as important as the content of those policies. This is why we campaigned vigorously for republicans to forge policy together so that the very act of unity advances their content. I reiterate to our members; when you sit down to think, and rise to act, be at all times focussed on where we need to go. Be pragmatic, be realistic, do not be distracted nor blindly influenced. Bring your ideas to your comrades so that your comrades can prepare those ideas for our struggle.
James Connolly told us; “The Cause of Ireland is the cause of Labour, The cause of Labour is the cause of Ireland.” The current economic crisis both in Ireland and throughout the world has brought the issue of labour to everyone’s door. We are no different. The question for the sovereignty movement is this; not whether labour must wait but in what capacity must labour act? As it stands the cause of the labour movement is not the cause of Ireland. As it stands the cause of labour is to forge an arrangement with capitalism with labour as the junior partner. The fallout from the economic crisis demonstrates this. Is there any point in marching with the labour movement if the cause of Ireland is left behind? Is socialism served by campaigning with the labour movement for better scraps from the capitalist table? Has not this very same approach on the national question led to the grotesque spectacle at Stormont? Is this a road we truly want to go down just so that we can say we are aligned to labour?
The struggle for sovereignty and the struggle for labour must be synonymous. Republican policy and activism must reflect this. A veneer of mutual association is not enough. At the recent Student demonstrations in Dublin both the veneer and the true alliance were evident. Labour is not a pedestrian stroll, politely shouting slogans for change. Labour must be at the coalface fighting for that change. Labour must be indifferent to the howls of establishment condemnations whenever labour chooses to act. I salute our activists present here today who acted in labour’s best interests. I quote the insightful Irish republican socialist Ta Power when he says ‘there is no parliamentary path to socialism’. Equally there is no waiting for the so called ‘right time to strike’. For revolutionaries it is always the right time to act. Partition and capitalism never postpone their activities and neither should we.
To other republicans and socialists we say this: for the cause of labour to be the cause of Ireland we must rebuild the labour movement by making the cause of Ireland the cause of labour. Connolly sought to do this by working with the national and cultural movements in his day. If we wish to move beyond rhetoric then we must come together to put the bones of this movement in place. If you cannot commit to this, if working together is beyond you then both the cause of labour and of Ireland is beyond you also.
On behalf of us all I wish to send solidarity greetings to Irish republican prisoners of war where ever they may be. We salute your courage and commitment. We send greetings to your families and loved ones and pledge to do everything in our power to be of assistance to you. I also wish to thank the Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association for their diligent work on behalf of prisoners and their families.
The past year has seen our prisoners to the fore in our struggle. Once again Westminster has chosen this venue to try and undermine the republican struggle. And as before they will fail. The despicable use of degrading strip searches as a means of punishment has hardened our resolve. On this issue we did have republican unity and the benefits of it were clear for all to see. This needs to continue because perfidious albion is beginning to resort to form. The agreement reached between the prisoners and the prison authorities is steadily being undone. There is an undoubted political agenda behind this. It is not a case of rogue prison officers but a deliberate policy being overseen by their political masters.
During the year we marched in great numbers to protest. Our protest could not go unnoticed so they had to engage. And if needs be we must protest again, in greater numbers and with greater regularity. Every county must get the message. The plight of our prisoners must be to the fore in our activism. We must place this issue onto the national agenda and keep it there until such time that it is addressed. We can do no less when the prisoners themselves are doing so much.
The National Army continues to engage the enemy. Our right to national self determination will be protected and fought for. War is an inevitable consequence of the presence of the British government in our country. There are those who say that now is not the right time for armed struggle; that alternative strategies must be pursued. But it must be grasped that armed struggle is an inevitable reality and any strategy hoping to be viable must recognise this. Armed struggle cannot be wished away no more than it can be stored neatly in a box so that a political initiative can be aired in public. Avoiding reality cannot be a precondition for any strategy.
Comrades I wish to conclude with an impassioned plea to you all, at every level in our organisation, to both experienced and novice activists, make the coming year one of sustained activism within your communities. Bring the issue of national liberation with you. Demonstrate that there is an alternative and that they have it within their power to realise change.
Chairperson’s Address
Ard Fheis 2010
A chairde, delegates and comrades; we are the spearhead of this struggle. Our innovation, political maturity, our activism and leadership has ensured that this struggle is to the fore in the minds of the political establishment. We are a movement that looks forward and moves forward. We have grasped the nettle of reality concerning our struggle and laid bare the fallacies which have mired it in suspicion and factionalism.
All this we have done because we put republicanism first. We put the objective first. We embraced democracy and married it to our republicanism. We have not cocooned ourselves within restrictive rules or dogmatic history. We took the strength of our argument and brought it to the national and international stage. A liberated republicanism is the proper vehicle for change. A unified republicanism is the most potent mechanism to achieve that change.
Republican unity is not going to go away. All that stands in its way is an unwillingness to engage with it. There is no ideological or political argument against it for if there were we would have heard it by now. It is not a case of the sovereignty movement calling for unity but the goals for which we struggle demanding it. We have no right to stand at the graves of our patriot dead and preach factionalism. We have no right to stand at the monuments of our great thinkers and invoke their words to justify isolationism. And we have no right to stand before our people and in their name give less than the sum total of our parts.
For our part we concentrated on the issue of national sovereignty. We did so because there is armed conflict in our country. As republicans we saw it as our duty to address the causes of this conflict in a clear and defined manner. Ending the armed conflict does not end the struggle for republican ideals. Squabbling over what those ideals should be will not end the armed conflict. War demands from us all an immediacy in our strategic thinking to find ways to resolve it.
We again put forward the view that a coming together of Irish republicans to fashion a course to remove the cause of armed conflict is essential if any of our ideals are to flourish in a unitary state. The sovereignty movement remains committed to this task. We have taken the view that republican unity is more than the coming together of republican organisations. The path the so called peace process has taken has left large numbers of disillusioned republicans searching for direction and new ideas. We are committed to providing these ideas by engaging directly with these republicans. Their contribution to this struggle has been immense and has earned them the right to determine where now they wish to continue it. We want their ideas, we want their commitment, we want their contributions; but we have to earn it. We have to demonstrate to them that our activism looks forward and not back: that our ideas are inclusive and adaptable and not insular and reactionary.
I say to all our activists here that the coming year will require you all to reach out and engage with this constituency. As ambassadors for the sovereignty movement you will need to be fully acquainted with our policies and strategy documents. Read them, and read them again. Discuss them regularly at cumann level but above all spread the thinking behind them. Knowledge of our policies must be the cornerstone of our activism.
There is always healthy debate in the sovereignty movement. It is one of our great strengths. Prominent in these discussions is the issue of policy formation on social matters and the various aspects of governance in a future unitary state. The number and depth of motions before us here today reflects this. I wish to address two points concerning policy and policy formation; firstly the context of our policies and secondly the cause of labour. From the outset I want to commend our activists throughout Ireland for their sterling work in their respective communities. Your innovation and commitment are a lesson for all those seeking social change and justice.
Because we are constituted to campaign on the singular issue of our national sovereignty all our policies must be geared toward this end. Sovereignty is not a narrow nationalist agenda but an agenda for real change and a precursor to Irish society taking charge of its own destiny. Sovereignty is not simply a Brits Out slogan but a charter for ownership returning to the people. It is within this context that our policies must be forged. We cannot adopt policy for policy sake or direct our limited resources away from our central goal. Our policies must satisfy a strategic objective. And because we are engaged in a national struggle how we adopt our policies is just as important as the content of those policies. This is why we campaigned vigorously for republicans to forge policy together so that the very act of unity advances their content. I reiterate to our members; when you sit down to think, and rise to act, be at all times focussed on where we need to go. Be pragmatic, be realistic, do not be distracted nor blindly influenced. Bring your ideas to your comrades so that your comrades can prepare those ideas for our struggle.
James Connolly told us; “The Cause of Ireland is the cause of Labour, The cause of Labour is the cause of Ireland.” The current economic crisis both in Ireland and throughout the world has brought the issue of labour to everyone’s door. We are no different. The question for the sovereignty movement is this; not whether labour must wait but in what capacity must labour act? As it stands the cause of the labour movement is not the cause of Ireland. As it stands the cause of labour is to forge an arrangement with capitalism with labour as the junior partner. The fallout from the economic crisis demonstrates this. Is there any point in marching with the labour movement if the cause of Ireland is left behind? Is socialism served by campaigning with the labour movement for better scraps from the capitalist table? Has not this very same approach on the national question led to the grotesque spectacle at Stormont? Is this a road we truly want to go down just so that we can say we are aligned to labour?
The struggle for sovereignty and the struggle for labour must be synonymous. Republican policy and activism must reflect this. A veneer of mutual association is not enough. At the recent Student demonstrations in Dublin both the veneer and the true alliance were evident. Labour is not a pedestrian stroll, politely shouting slogans for change. Labour must be at the coalface fighting for that change. Labour must be indifferent to the howls of establishment condemnations whenever labour chooses to act. I salute our activists present here today who acted in labour’s best interests. I quote the insightful Irish republican socialist Ta Power when he says ‘there is no parliamentary path to socialism’. Equally there is no waiting for the so called ‘right time to strike’. For revolutionaries it is always the right time to act. Partition and capitalism never postpone their activities and neither should we.
To other republicans and socialists we say this: for the cause of labour to be the cause of Ireland we must rebuild the labour movement by making the cause of Ireland the cause of labour. Connolly sought to do this by working with the national and cultural movements in his day. If we wish to move beyond rhetoric then we must come together to put the bones of this movement in place. If you cannot commit to this, if working together is beyond you then both the cause of labour and of Ireland is beyond you also.
On behalf of us all I wish to send solidarity greetings to Irish republican prisoners of war where ever they may be. We salute your courage and commitment. We send greetings to your families and loved ones and pledge to do everything in our power to be of assistance to you. I also wish to thank the Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association for their diligent work on behalf of prisoners and their families.
The past year has seen our prisoners to the fore in our struggle. Once again Westminster has chosen this venue to try and undermine the republican struggle. And as before they will fail. The despicable use of degrading strip searches as a means of punishment has hardened our resolve. On this issue we did have republican unity and the benefits of it were clear for all to see. This needs to continue because perfidious albion is beginning to resort to form. The agreement reached between the prisoners and the prison authorities is steadily being undone. There is an undoubted political agenda behind this. It is not a case of rogue prison officers but a deliberate policy being overseen by their political masters.
During the year we marched in great numbers to protest. Our protest could not go unnoticed so they had to engage. And if needs be we must protest again, in greater numbers and with greater regularity. Every county must get the message. The plight of our prisoners must be to the fore in our activism. We must place this issue onto the national agenda and keep it there until such time that it is addressed. We can do no less when the prisoners themselves are doing so much.
The National Army continues to engage the enemy. Our right to national self determination will be protected and fought for. War is an inevitable consequence of the presence of the British government in our country. There are those who say that now is not the right time for armed struggle; that alternative strategies must be pursued. But it must be grasped that armed struggle is an inevitable reality and any strategy hoping to be viable must recognise this. Armed struggle cannot be wished away no more than it can be stored neatly in a box so that a political initiative can be aired in public. Avoiding reality cannot be a precondition for any strategy.
Comrades I wish to conclude with an impassioned plea to you all, at every level in our organisation, to both experienced and novice activists, make the coming year one of sustained activism within your communities. Bring the issue of national liberation with you. Demonstrate that there is an alternative and that they have it within their power to realise change.
New Years Day Sponsored Swim.(Galway Bay)
Galway 32CSM will be holding a New Years Day sponsored swim,in aid of the Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association.
Anyone wishing to participate or sponsor an activist contact directly.
32csmgaillimh@gmail.com
Venue and Time
12 noon New Years Day
Diving Board,Galway Bay
Salthill,Galway City.
www.irpwa.blogspot.com
Anyone wishing to participate or sponsor an activist contact directly.
32csmgaillimh@gmail.com
Venue and Time
12 noon New Years Day
Diving Board,Galway Bay
Salthill,Galway City.
www.irpwa.blogspot.com
Friday, September 24, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
32CSM Sligo - Noble Six Commemeration
Sligo 32 CSM will be holding a commemeration for the Noble Six, six IRA volunteers murdered by Free State forces on Benbulben in 1922.
The commemeration will assemble at Mc Sharry Park on Sunday September 19th at 1pm and march to the republican plot at Sligo Cemetery for speeches.
This will be followed by a fundraiser that night for the IRPWA,get in contact for details.
Everyone is invited to attend to remember the ultimate sacrifice given by these volunteers.
Beir Bua.
Monday, August 23, 2010
32CSM Sligo - Anti Social Incidents Must Stop
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement in Sligo has been alarmed by the increasing number of anti social incidents occurring in Sligo town in the past few weeks. These include a man being beaten to death in his own home, a woman being mugged on the way to work, and another elderly man being robbed by masked men. These types of incidents are unfortunately an ever more regular occurrence and we believe this activity must cease.
We regard the current level of such incidents to be intolerable and the inability of the Gardai to deal with them to be inexcusable. We are calling on any concerned residents to contact the 32CSM in the Sligo region if they feel that they are being ignored or let down by the Gardai. The 32CSM has had considerable success in tackling anti social behaviour in many areas and we find that a unified community is usually more than enough to deter such activities.
We also call on any individuals engaging in these crimes against our community to consider carefully the consequences of their actions both for themselves and for their neighbours who they treat with such disdain. We can be contacted through our local email address or talking to a known member, complete confidentiality is guaranteed.
We regard the current level of such incidents to be intolerable and the inability of the Gardai to deal with them to be inexcusable. We are calling on any concerned residents to contact the 32CSM in the Sligo region if they feel that they are being ignored or let down by the Gardai. The 32CSM has had considerable success in tackling anti social behaviour in many areas and we find that a unified community is usually more than enough to deter such activities.
We also call on any individuals engaging in these crimes against our community to consider carefully the consequences of their actions both for themselves and for their neighbours who they treat with such disdain. We can be contacted through our local email address or talking to a known member, complete confidentiality is guaranteed.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Sligo 32CSM Condemn Politically Motivated Charge
22/08/2010
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement in Sligo would like to unequivocally condemn the continuing harassment of Gary Donnelly by the PSNI/RUC. Having failed to secure his imprisonment in the 26 counties along with the other members of the Derry 4 on trumped up charges they resorted to effective internment. They assaulted Gary earlier this year and then jailed him for 7 months when he refused to pay the British government for being attacked by their proxies.
When Gary's internment helped catalyse support for the plight of the men in Maghaberry their plan backfired spectacularly! Upon his release Gary returned to his work with the many issues the 32CSM are addressing in republican communities in Derry. Hoping to stop the continuing spread of republican principles and seeking to deprive the movement of a dedicated activist the PSNI/RUC have this week tried to charge him with phoning in bomb warnings over a year ago. This is despite the fact that the journalist involved has already stated it was not Gary who contacted him.
The harassment of media figures involved in republican related stories seems to now be a standard tactic despite the embarrassing failure of their attempts to prosecute Suzanne Breen for her integrity. We have no doubt that this show trial will prove to be both an indictment of British policy in the six counties and another victory for press freedom in a supposed democracy.
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement in Sligo would like to unequivocally condemn the continuing harassment of Gary Donnelly by the PSNI/RUC. Having failed to secure his imprisonment in the 26 counties along with the other members of the Derry 4 on trumped up charges they resorted to effective internment. They assaulted Gary earlier this year and then jailed him for 7 months when he refused to pay the British government for being attacked by their proxies.
When Gary's internment helped catalyse support for the plight of the men in Maghaberry their plan backfired spectacularly! Upon his release Gary returned to his work with the many issues the 32CSM are addressing in republican communities in Derry. Hoping to stop the continuing spread of republican principles and seeking to deprive the movement of a dedicated activist the PSNI/RUC have this week tried to charge him with phoning in bomb warnings over a year ago. This is despite the fact that the journalist involved has already stated it was not Gary who contacted him.
The harassment of media figures involved in republican related stories seems to now be a standard tactic despite the embarrassing failure of their attempts to prosecute Suzanne Breen for her integrity. We have no doubt that this show trial will prove to be both an indictment of British policy in the six counties and another victory for press freedom in a supposed democracy.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Sligo 32 County Sovereignty Movement: Reroute The Marches
13/7/2010
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement in Sligo would like to take this opportunity, in the wake of the rioting that engulfed North Belfast and elsewhere, to condemn the Parades Commission and the British government for their facilitating of contentious orange parades.
Each year nationalist residents are subjected to police swarming into their communities to allow Orange Order marchers to swagger through. The history of the Order, its blatantly sectarian purpose and its triumphant behavioral patterns, make these marches unwanted and unacceptable. In light of this it is unsurprising to see locals clashing with the police sent to protect the marchers. The intensity of the response to the marches is merely an indicator of the strength of feeling about the issue.
Even the Parades Commission were forced to admit that the Order refused to engage with the local community rendering the talk about inclusiveness emanating from unionist politicians as hollow and meaningless.
Provisional Sinn Fein were forced to trot out the usual lies about “dissidents” bussing in rioters. Perhaps it has been so long since they’ve set foot in working class areas they are unable to recognize their own constituents. The Greater Ardoyne Residents Committee is also a body made up entirely of locals and so it is unfathomable to think that it is outsiders objecting to the parade.
We stand in solidarity with the beleaguered residents and urge all republicans to support them in their efforts.
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement in Sligo would like to take this opportunity, in the wake of the rioting that engulfed North Belfast and elsewhere, to condemn the Parades Commission and the British government for their facilitating of contentious orange parades.
Each year nationalist residents are subjected to police swarming into their communities to allow Orange Order marchers to swagger through. The history of the Order, its blatantly sectarian purpose and its triumphant behavioral patterns, make these marches unwanted and unacceptable. In light of this it is unsurprising to see locals clashing with the police sent to protect the marchers. The intensity of the response to the marches is merely an indicator of the strength of feeling about the issue.
Even the Parades Commission were forced to admit that the Order refused to engage with the local community rendering the talk about inclusiveness emanating from unionist politicians as hollow and meaningless.
Provisional Sinn Fein were forced to trot out the usual lies about “dissidents” bussing in rioters. Perhaps it has been so long since they’ve set foot in working class areas they are unable to recognize their own constituents. The Greater Ardoyne Residents Committee is also a body made up entirely of locals and so it is unfathomable to think that it is outsiders objecting to the parade.
We stand in solidarity with the beleaguered residents and urge all republicans to support them in their efforts.
Room For The Night? Help the Homeless, Help The Country.
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement in Sligo would like to state our concern in light of the current housing situation in the region.
Sligo and indeed the north west in general suffers from a deficit of social housing. Waiting lists are long and the accommodation that is eventually provided is frequently sub standard or unsuitable to the needs of the family or individual that requires it. This is unacceptable in our opinion. Waiting lists should not extend into months let alone years, yet we are expected to accept this state of affairs as the natural state of affairs. We contend that no Person should have to wait for years for assistance when the banks did not have to wait even for days with their begging bowl at the door of Brian Lenihan and his cohorts in the Department of Finance.
The frequent refrain from local authorities is that there simply isn’t the money to fix the problem. Given the innumerable junkets taken by these same people for years at our expense we say that not only do we believe that there is sufficient money but that perhaps the councillors and TDs themselves could take a pay cut to facilitate the relief of their constituents! I wonder how many county councillors are currently on the waiting list for social housing? Homelessness is a blight on the collective conscience of this country’s government. For years they have wasted and wanted for nothing. Now they tell us the money is gone. But not apparently all of it. No, it would seem there are still countless billions to be thrown into the gaping financial hole that is NAMA. Not only does this project defy all known economic logic but it also takes priority over the needs of ordinary Irish people. Despite being bailed out to the tune of 22 Billion euros the Banks still want more. Is it too much then to raise our collective voices and demand that we too want more, that we want more money for our communities, towns and villages?
The 32CSM does not think so. We regard the problem of homelessness to be a problem that is eminently solvable through a combination of social housing and proactive initiatives at a local level. Whilst there is an undersupply of social housing we simultaneously have “ghost estates” covering the North West. Is it too much to ask of the thinking ability of our representatives to put two and two together and to use these empty houses for the logical use? In reality there doesn’t need to be any person in this country waiting for a house when we have 300,000 empty ones, the majority of which are now owned by the people through NAMA anyways.
Many of these estates now lie half completed, likewise the construction industry is in free fall. Why not put some of the thousands of unemployed tradesmen to work establishing facilities and amenities and completing these estates. Social programmes in times of economic crisis are not a radical idea, the reforms introduced by the Roosevelt administration in the great depression helped to alleviate much of the suffering of the people. Why are we content to sit back and watch as perfectly good houses are knocked down whilst people sleep on our streets.
We call on the government, for once in its term to use some common sense. It is not an irrational proposal to address the needs of society’s vulnerable. The issue cannot become a rallying cry when the time for action has passed. It will not be enough in years to come, to reflect on opportunities missed and communities betrayed. The legacy of a era is more often visible in the people left behind by it than those that scaled the heights of the social ladder, trampling others in their wake.
For once think of the people, rather than the paycheque. If it is too much to ask that the people in power to help us then perhaps it is time to reconsider the people we put into power!
Invest in the people, not the powerful
Sligo and indeed the north west in general suffers from a deficit of social housing. Waiting lists are long and the accommodation that is eventually provided is frequently sub standard or unsuitable to the needs of the family or individual that requires it. This is unacceptable in our opinion. Waiting lists should not extend into months let alone years, yet we are expected to accept this state of affairs as the natural state of affairs. We contend that no Person should have to wait for years for assistance when the banks did not have to wait even for days with their begging bowl at the door of Brian Lenihan and his cohorts in the Department of Finance.
The frequent refrain from local authorities is that there simply isn’t the money to fix the problem. Given the innumerable junkets taken by these same people for years at our expense we say that not only do we believe that there is sufficient money but that perhaps the councillors and TDs themselves could take a pay cut to facilitate the relief of their constituents! I wonder how many county councillors are currently on the waiting list for social housing? Homelessness is a blight on the collective conscience of this country’s government. For years they have wasted and wanted for nothing. Now they tell us the money is gone. But not apparently all of it. No, it would seem there are still countless billions to be thrown into the gaping financial hole that is NAMA. Not only does this project defy all known economic logic but it also takes priority over the needs of ordinary Irish people. Despite being bailed out to the tune of 22 Billion euros the Banks still want more. Is it too much then to raise our collective voices and demand that we too want more, that we want more money for our communities, towns and villages?
The 32CSM does not think so. We regard the problem of homelessness to be a problem that is eminently solvable through a combination of social housing and proactive initiatives at a local level. Whilst there is an undersupply of social housing we simultaneously have “ghost estates” covering the North West. Is it too much to ask of the thinking ability of our representatives to put two and two together and to use these empty houses for the logical use? In reality there doesn’t need to be any person in this country waiting for a house when we have 300,000 empty ones, the majority of which are now owned by the people through NAMA anyways.
Many of these estates now lie half completed, likewise the construction industry is in free fall. Why not put some of the thousands of unemployed tradesmen to work establishing facilities and amenities and completing these estates. Social programmes in times of economic crisis are not a radical idea, the reforms introduced by the Roosevelt administration in the great depression helped to alleviate much of the suffering of the people. Why are we content to sit back and watch as perfectly good houses are knocked down whilst people sleep on our streets.
We call on the government, for once in its term to use some common sense. It is not an irrational proposal to address the needs of society’s vulnerable. The issue cannot become a rallying cry when the time for action has passed. It will not be enough in years to come, to reflect on opportunities missed and communities betrayed. The legacy of a era is more often visible in the people left behind by it than those that scaled the heights of the social ladder, trampling others in their wake.
For once think of the people, rather than the paycheque. If it is too much to ask that the people in power to help us then perhaps it is time to reconsider the people we put into power!
Invest in the people, not the powerful
Monday, July 5, 2010
Sligo 32 CSM - Paedophile Laws Too Lenient
Sligo 32 County Sovereignty Movement express their dismay at the latest revelations in relation to serial paedophile Joseph McColgan and his activities.
This pathetic excuse of a human individual is a perfect example of the Free State’s laws failing the ordinary people of Ireland and, more importantly, the victims of these heinous crimes. Although on no comparable scale, the laws in place presently in relation to every aspect of the legal system are skewered to protect any of those in the position of power- the bank man, the developer, the priest, the abuser.
McColgan’s case history and the actions he carried out are nothing short of disgusting and the incapability of the accountable services to highlight and stop the abuse was neglect of the highest order in their supposed duty.
After years of systematically raping, beating and psychically abusing his children from his isolated den McColgan was given a 238 year sentence, he only served 9 years of this. This figure alone is a stark indication that there is something seriously wrong either with the legal system or those who administer it.
McColgan did not participate in any rehabilitation programs, show any remorse or seem to accept the wrong of his behaviour during his imprisonment in Ireland. On these actions alone his sentence should have been indefinite until an improvement or change was shown. Once released McColgan moved to England, and given recent news stories revealing his continuing involvement in child pornography and his ability to leave England without notifying the authorities with ease, who is to know if he continued his sick obsessions and actions over there on innocent individuals?
Sligo 32CSM are also alarmed at the fact that McColgan could so easily and callously return to the very location and area where he committed all of his crimes, this itself shows absolutely no level of remorse or comprehension of what pain he has left behind and is another clear marker to indicate that he should never be released to put the public of any country in danger again.
We would call on the system of Megans Law as exhibited in the United States to be implemented here with immediate effect. Parents and communities have the undeniable right to know if there is an individual in their community that may put them or their children in danger. Any argument for the right of anonymity to protect the abuser is farcical, that right evaporated as soon as their first crime was committed.
Sligo 32CSM also call on the rehabilitation system within jails to be closely looked at and made compulsory for abusers to become active in, if they refuse this their sentence should be made indefinite. Tags currently used to locate individuals on bail should also be made compulsory on offenders once released coupled with the introduction of a more regular signing on period of twice daily to ensure these evil paedophiles cannot so easily escape the net to try and ply their trade elsewhere as has been shown in McColgan’s case.
These individuals have been and always will be a danger to society with their sick and perverted intentions. The safety of the public is paramount and all measures should be put in place to ensure that men like McColgan are never released to prey again.
Sligo 32CSM call for this system, which lets these offenders ruin so many lives after serving shamefully short sentences, to be reviewed and changed with immediate effect. We stand with residents of communities to have the right to self determination to expel dangers that may lie in their area by introducing a Megan’s Law system to ensure our children's safety and to minimise the risk from paedophiles and rapists.
This safety of the innocent and vulnerable in our society is an issue we feel particularly strongly on and will continue to highlight to ensure enhanced protection for the future for the people of this island.
This pathetic excuse of a human individual is a perfect example of the Free State’s laws failing the ordinary people of Ireland and, more importantly, the victims of these heinous crimes. Although on no comparable scale, the laws in place presently in relation to every aspect of the legal system are skewered to protect any of those in the position of power- the bank man, the developer, the priest, the abuser.
McColgan’s case history and the actions he carried out are nothing short of disgusting and the incapability of the accountable services to highlight and stop the abuse was neglect of the highest order in their supposed duty.
After years of systematically raping, beating and psychically abusing his children from his isolated den McColgan was given a 238 year sentence, he only served 9 years of this. This figure alone is a stark indication that there is something seriously wrong either with the legal system or those who administer it.
McColgan did not participate in any rehabilitation programs, show any remorse or seem to accept the wrong of his behaviour during his imprisonment in Ireland. On these actions alone his sentence should have been indefinite until an improvement or change was shown. Once released McColgan moved to England, and given recent news stories revealing his continuing involvement in child pornography and his ability to leave England without notifying the authorities with ease, who is to know if he continued his sick obsessions and actions over there on innocent individuals?
Sligo 32CSM are also alarmed at the fact that McColgan could so easily and callously return to the very location and area where he committed all of his crimes, this itself shows absolutely no level of remorse or comprehension of what pain he has left behind and is another clear marker to indicate that he should never be released to put the public of any country in danger again.
We would call on the system of Megans Law as exhibited in the United States to be implemented here with immediate effect. Parents and communities have the undeniable right to know if there is an individual in their community that may put them or their children in danger. Any argument for the right of anonymity to protect the abuser is farcical, that right evaporated as soon as their first crime was committed.
Sligo 32CSM also call on the rehabilitation system within jails to be closely looked at and made compulsory for abusers to become active in, if they refuse this their sentence should be made indefinite. Tags currently used to locate individuals on bail should also be made compulsory on offenders once released coupled with the introduction of a more regular signing on period of twice daily to ensure these evil paedophiles cannot so easily escape the net to try and ply their trade elsewhere as has been shown in McColgan’s case.
These individuals have been and always will be a danger to society with their sick and perverted intentions. The safety of the public is paramount and all measures should be put in place to ensure that men like McColgan are never released to prey again.
Sligo 32CSM call for this system, which lets these offenders ruin so many lives after serving shamefully short sentences, to be reviewed and changed with immediate effect. We stand with residents of communities to have the right to self determination to expel dangers that may lie in their area by introducing a Megan’s Law system to ensure our children's safety and to minimise the risk from paedophiles and rapists.
This safety of the innocent and vulnerable in our society is an issue we feel particularly strongly on and will continue to highlight to ensure enhanced protection for the future for the people of this island.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
32CSM Sligo Radio Interview
On Friday the 2nd of July 2010, Sligo 32CSM member Sean Keogh spoke on Ocean FM in relation to sectarian Orange marches being forcibly pushed through nationalist areas. A contentious parade in Newtownbutler was being held later that day against the wishes of the 98% nationalist population.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Sligo 32CSM Welcome Gary Donnelly Release
Sligo 32 County Sovereignty Movement welcome the release of republican Gary Donnelly.
Gary was arrested and charged with a trumped up offence after being assaulted and having his arm broken by RUC/ PSNI officers. This is the type of unacceptable policing that others may wish to think has become part of the past, but the arrest, trial and imprisonment of Gary is a very real reminder that absolutely nothing has changed. The institutions and people who uphold the continuing British rule which allows this to happen must be challenged and highlighted as the show pieces that they are.
Gary was arrested and charged with a trumped up offence after being assaulted and having his arm broken by RUC/ PSNI officers. This is the type of unacceptable policing that others may wish to think has become part of the past, but the arrest, trial and imprisonment of Gary is a very real reminder that absolutely nothing has changed. The institutions and people who uphold the continuing British rule which allows this to happen must be challenged and highlighted as the show pieces that they are.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Sligo 32CSM Condemns Israeli Government
Sligo 32 County Sovereignty Movement express their unequivocal condemnation of the murder of human rights activists in international waters by Israeli assasins.
For far too long the actions of the rogue state that is Israel have gone unpunished simply due to the lack of interest from other nations from a laxidasical attitude or through connections that tie them to the Zionist regime. The latest episode in many years of genocide only further proves that the Israeli war machine has no boundaries to confine its morals to and it's embassys and inhabitants,working as proxys to sway influence,should be treated with utter contempt.
Sligo 32CSM calls for the immediate expulsion of the Israeli ambassador,his staff and for the repossesion and sale of all Israeli owned property in Ireland with the proceeds of this sale being donated to the IPSC and humanatarian agencies who work within the Palastinian region
For far too long the actions of the rogue state that is Israel have gone unpunished simply due to the lack of interest from other nations from a laxidasical attitude or through connections that tie them to the Zionist regime. The latest episode in many years of genocide only further proves that the Israeli war machine has no boundaries to confine its morals to and it's embassys and inhabitants,working as proxys to sway influence,should be treated with utter contempt.
Sligo 32CSM calls for the immediate expulsion of the Israeli ambassador,his staff and for the repossesion and sale of all Israeli owned property in Ireland with the proceeds of this sale being donated to the IPSC and humanatarian agencies who work within the Palastinian region
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Garda Harassment of 32CSM Activists in the North-West Continues
In the past number of weeks 32CSM activists in Sligo and Donegal have come under increasing harassment from both the Gardai and the Special Branch. Three of our members in Donegal have been subject to house raids, intimidation and insinuation from the forces of the state. They have harassed the families of our members and have made unfounded allegations regarding republican activity in the region.
One of our young activists has been followed to and from his place of work and has received penalty points for spurious reasons in an attempt to prevent him from travelling. On Tuesday 25th May four 32csm members were stopped and searched twice in the space of an hour in Bundoran. The 32csm in the North West condemns this aggressive harassment of our members, and their families by the Gardai.
We encourage any republicans in the region who have suffered similar harassment to contact us with details. We will not be intimidated or discouraged from activism by this infantile range of tactics.
One of our young activists has been followed to and from his place of work and has received penalty points for spurious reasons in an attempt to prevent him from travelling. On Tuesday 25th May four 32csm members were stopped and searched twice in the space of an hour in Bundoran. The 32csm in the North West condemns this aggressive harassment of our members, and their families by the Gardai.
We encourage any republicans in the region who have suffered similar harassment to contact us with details. We will not be intimidated or discouraged from activism by this infantile range of tactics.
Sligo 32CSM Alarmed At Developing Trend
Sligo 32 County Sovereignty Movement has learned through members of the local community and media reports of a worrying trend developing in the county area. The latest of such incidents involved those responsible holding a man of over 80 years of age hostage in his own home for an hour in what can only be described as a reprehensible and cowardly act.
The ordeal this man endured is sickening and a complete violation of an individuals rights in his own home. This is not an isolated case, just one in a continuing series of attacks focusing on specific and vulnerable targets.
Sligo 32CSM appeal for members of the community to contact us with their concerns or furnish us with any information they may have in strict confidence. We call on those behind these actions to cease with immediate effect.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Remember Irelands Patriot Dead This Easter
Again this Easter we urge all republicans to remember the sacrifice that Irish patriots have made in the cause of freedom that have gone before us.
Wear an Easter Lilly with pride and continue the duty of those who have strived to achieve the united Ireland of equals.
Commemerations are being held this weekend and at the end of the month, contact for more information or www.32csm.info
Wear an Easter Lilly with pride and continue the duty of those who have strived to achieve the united Ireland of equals.
Commemerations are being held this weekend and at the end of the month, contact for more information or www.32csm.info
Monday, February 1, 2010
Sligo 32CSM Letter to Sligo Champion Re: Thomas Healy Comments
Sligo 32CSM wish to express our disgust at the statement from Provisional Sinn Fein representative Thomas Healy in last weeks paper in which he continues to feebly promote the phase of normalization ongoing in the North of Ireland to the people of this area.
First of all, it is ironic at best that this ever changing organisation chooses to commemorate Vol. Coen by electing a Fianna Fail councillor to speak at his commemoration. In his rush to curry favour with the Fianna Fail electorate Mr Healy forgets the despicable record of Fianna Fail and the objectives for which Vol. Coen fought and died.
Secondly by attempting to link Vol Coen’s sacrifice with the current charade in Stormont Mr Healy lends credence to all those revisionists who have steadfastly endeavored to criminalize the republican struggle of which Kevin Coen was a part.
Equality has never come in such a warped terming if the present situation is what Mr. Healy is setting his standards by. PSNI/RUC forces, backed up by the ever present force of 5000 British army troops, ensure this through their Section 44 legislation. The so called 'Peace' walls remain steadfast, separating two communities who may only live yards apart but never meet due to the sectarian line continually being pushed where it seems appropriate to divide these areas due to their religious make up. How can an example be made to people to share a land equally and peacefully when the example that is given to them is a brick wall between them and 'the other side'??? The power sharing government that Mr. Healy says Vol. Coen gave his life for cannot even get an Irish Language Act pushed through though they apparently operate on this basis of equality, and so what hope is there for any of the other more major issues still to be dealt with by this government??
MI5,with their brand new multi millions pound base of operations in Holywood, will remain to answerable no-one on a policing level and their accountability will be zero. British forces will remain to work unimpeded on Irish soil, and this is the culmination and outcome, according to Mr.Healy, of sacrifices like Vol. Coen's and many others over the last century.
Original Article - Kevin Coen memorial event at Riverstown Wed Jan 20th Sligo Champion
Bloody Sunday Commemeration - Derry 31st January 2010
On Sunday 31st of January 2010 , members of Sligo 32CSM attended the annual Bloody Sunday Commemoration to show solidarity with the victims' families who are,still to this day, fighting for justice. The stalling tactics of the British in investigating and publishing their findings into the event is only leading to put further anguish and strain onto the families who have already endured an unimaginable ordeal. The whole truth must be revealed to bring closure and those responsible for the murders must face up to the consequences of their actions and not be continually defended by a British shield. 'Murder is murder is murder' must only be valid when it is not British foot soldiers causing the damage as they continually commit war crimes,murders,assasinations and kidnappings, whether it be in the North of Ireland, Afghanistan,Iraq or anywhere else in the world where British imperial forces still enforce occupation.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
February POW Protest
February POW Protest
The next POW Protest will take place at 2.30pm on Saturday 6th February 2010 at Free Derry Corner.
POW Protest - Derry
Derry POW Protest 9th January
Sligo 32CSM members attended the January POW Protest last weekend in Derry. The protest was to highlight the consistent unjust persecution that Irish republicans endure for standing firm to their beliefs, all this while the drug king pins are allowed run rampant and destroy communities by both the RUC and Free State arms of the law. During this period of time, we will endeavor to keep prisoner issues to the forefront of peoples minds and we will increase the spotlight on the continuing hypocrisy of the state police forces in their actions.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
32CSM National New Year Statement
32 County Sovereignty Movement
New Year Statement 2010
We commend our activists for their dedication and hard work in pursuit of the republican goal in 2009. We commend all other republican activists for being true to their beliefs and for being generous and inventive in listening to the beliefs of others. 2009 was a year which witnessed that inventiveness being translated into political action which was widely recognised throughout the republican base. It represented the most potent expression of solidarity with imprisoned comrades. It is solidarity in action with those who were bereaved in the struggle. It is also the way forward for Irish republicanism.
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement has a clear vision for the year ahead. The reclamation of our sovereignty must take real form. We must give leadership to our communities to help them achieve this. Throughout Ireland communities have been betrayed by the institutions of faith, finance and state which have long purported to speak and act on their behalf. The abundance of trust placed in the integrity of individual leaders has proved misplaced. They have been left leaderless.
They have not, however, been left powerless. It is in recognition of this reality that the 32CSM will now engage with our communities. In a disciplined approach the 32CSM will liase directly with local communities to explore ways of reclaiming their sovereignty, and under these auspices, help them pursue their political and social objectives. We will focus our efforts in ensuring that all community activity will by default be a pursuit toward national sovereignty. Such a process will be a challenge to both states. It is a first step in filling the vacuum left by those who are now wholly subsumed into the apparatus of partition.
Communities so organised can become the template for national freedom. The republican objective is twofold; to secure our sovereign independence and to organise a just society within that independence. Like our republican forebears we can now enact our aspirations, we can involve our people with our beliefs in real and tangible terms. Republicanism cannot be detached from the people and the people cannot be detached from the strategies deployed to secure their freedom. We can only lead through democratic involvement with our communities.
Because it is a first step it must be taken with due diligence. We have prepared our arguments and are refining our position as mandated at our Ard Fheis. It will be democratic. It will be a learning process which will require discipline, patience and pragmatic political judgement. Republicans cannot interact at a distance. We need to create a new interface between ourselves and our people which will allow us to seek their mandate for our struggle. This mandate will not be measured by a gerrymandered vote. Its value will be in its democratic integrity and its sovereign credentials. For us the ballot box means more than just numbers. Democracy can only be returned to the Irish people when their national sovereignty is recognised.
Because it is a challenge to the state the state will obviously respond. Mistakes will be made, but also learned from, and it is this disciplined approach which will allow for this engagement to spread successfully to other areas. In part the success of this project may be gauged from the state’s reaction to it. They will not be alone. Establishment Nationalists will also have a vested interest in seeing this project fail. They will seek to divide and conquer. But a clear understanding as to the implications of its sovereign distinction and clear democratic practices will thwart them. After all it was disdain for democracy within their own organisations which led them into the cul de sac they now find themselves.
The 32CSM will be active on other fronts. Two major international initiatives will be launched in the coming year. We have observed how issues at play on the international stage are geared toward political events in the occupied six counties. We have made our intentions known to the relevant governments that we are determined to follow a particular path challenging any move that would seek to de-legitimise the republican struggle. These initiatives are for the benefit of Irish republicanism, we will not claim sole ownership of them. But we will provide the leadership that will open up counter arguments for all republicans to employ against these nefarious measures.
Republican unity in 2009 resulted in impressive demonstrations on a range of issues. The continuing media and political demonising of republicans is proof of their effect as is their grudging admission of our growth. The media and political establishment’s objective is to ignore us but through mutual cooperation we have made this impossible. In the coming year this cooperation can be galvanised within our communities as these issues now become their issues in pursuit of our national objectives.
The British Government’s strategy of finally destroying any vestige of republicanism within the provisional movement will not be allowed to undermine the separatist ideal. A resurgent republicanism will demonstrate to both governments and the international community that the destruction of the provisional movement was the liberation of Irish republicanism. It is up to all of us to ensure that 2010 clearly demonstrates this reality.
New Year Statement 2010
We commend our activists for their dedication and hard work in pursuit of the republican goal in 2009. We commend all other republican activists for being true to their beliefs and for being generous and inventive in listening to the beliefs of others. 2009 was a year which witnessed that inventiveness being translated into political action which was widely recognised throughout the republican base. It represented the most potent expression of solidarity with imprisoned comrades. It is solidarity in action with those who were bereaved in the struggle. It is also the way forward for Irish republicanism.
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement has a clear vision for the year ahead. The reclamation of our sovereignty must take real form. We must give leadership to our communities to help them achieve this. Throughout Ireland communities have been betrayed by the institutions of faith, finance and state which have long purported to speak and act on their behalf. The abundance of trust placed in the integrity of individual leaders has proved misplaced. They have been left leaderless.
They have not, however, been left powerless. It is in recognition of this reality that the 32CSM will now engage with our communities. In a disciplined approach the 32CSM will liase directly with local communities to explore ways of reclaiming their sovereignty, and under these auspices, help them pursue their political and social objectives. We will focus our efforts in ensuring that all community activity will by default be a pursuit toward national sovereignty. Such a process will be a challenge to both states. It is a first step in filling the vacuum left by those who are now wholly subsumed into the apparatus of partition.
Communities so organised can become the template for national freedom. The republican objective is twofold; to secure our sovereign independence and to organise a just society within that independence. Like our republican forebears we can now enact our aspirations, we can involve our people with our beliefs in real and tangible terms. Republicanism cannot be detached from the people and the people cannot be detached from the strategies deployed to secure their freedom. We can only lead through democratic involvement with our communities.
Because it is a first step it must be taken with due diligence. We have prepared our arguments and are refining our position as mandated at our Ard Fheis. It will be democratic. It will be a learning process which will require discipline, patience and pragmatic political judgement. Republicans cannot interact at a distance. We need to create a new interface between ourselves and our people which will allow us to seek their mandate for our struggle. This mandate will not be measured by a gerrymandered vote. Its value will be in its democratic integrity and its sovereign credentials. For us the ballot box means more than just numbers. Democracy can only be returned to the Irish people when their national sovereignty is recognised.
Because it is a challenge to the state the state will obviously respond. Mistakes will be made, but also learned from, and it is this disciplined approach which will allow for this engagement to spread successfully to other areas. In part the success of this project may be gauged from the state’s reaction to it. They will not be alone. Establishment Nationalists will also have a vested interest in seeing this project fail. They will seek to divide and conquer. But a clear understanding as to the implications of its sovereign distinction and clear democratic practices will thwart them. After all it was disdain for democracy within their own organisations which led them into the cul de sac they now find themselves.
The 32CSM will be active on other fronts. Two major international initiatives will be launched in the coming year. We have observed how issues at play on the international stage are geared toward political events in the occupied six counties. We have made our intentions known to the relevant governments that we are determined to follow a particular path challenging any move that would seek to de-legitimise the republican struggle. These initiatives are for the benefit of Irish republicanism, we will not claim sole ownership of them. But we will provide the leadership that will open up counter arguments for all republicans to employ against these nefarious measures.
Republican unity in 2009 resulted in impressive demonstrations on a range of issues. The continuing media and political demonising of republicans is proof of their effect as is their grudging admission of our growth. The media and political establishment’s objective is to ignore us but through mutual cooperation we have made this impossible. In the coming year this cooperation can be galvanised within our communities as these issues now become their issues in pursuit of our national objectives.
The British Government’s strategy of finally destroying any vestige of republicanism within the provisional movement will not be allowed to undermine the separatist ideal. A resurgent republicanism will demonstrate to both governments and the international community that the destruction of the provisional movement was the liberation of Irish republicanism. It is up to all of us to ensure that 2010 clearly demonstrates this reality.
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