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July 27th 09
Now is the time for Republican politics.
Sinn Féin’s campaign to progress Irish reunification has struck a few nerves. Not since the early days of the peace process has such an alliance of disparate political elements found common cause to attack the party, republicans in general and me féin in particular.
The SDLP and DUP and UUP and Fianna Fáil and some so-called dissidents and others in the media have condemned Sinn Féin for daring to raise the right of the people of Ireland to re-unification and independence.
So, Sinn Féin is wrong to engage with the Irish diaspora and to win their support for a new phase of activism.
The fact that Irish America and the diaspora have played such a positive role in the past seems lost on the detractors.
The need to engage with British public opinion is dismissed. Our intention to build a campaign in Ireland, including local conferences, is also rubbished.
And why raise this issue now we are asked?
We are rebuked by some who say that this issue should not be raised in the midst of an economic crisis – we are told it’s not the right time.
But then when would be the right time?
The reality is that partition created two conservative states on the island of Ireland. Look at the history of discrimination and inequality and repression and poverty in the northern state! Look at the recent Ryan report and the manner in which successive Irish governments abdicated any responsibility for the welfare of children and young people to abusive systems in the southern state!
The social, political and economic impact of partition has been profound and despite the progress of recent times partition continues to cast a shadow over our affairs.
So now is exactly the right time to have the debate about Irish reunification.
Now is exactly the right time to move the effort to achieve Irish unity up a gear, to move it up the political agenda, and to persuade others, especially unionists, that Irish reunification is in the interests of all of the people of this island, including them.
So this blog is pleased that the old guard of revisionism has re-emerged. They could always be relied upon to overstate their case. So too with their predictions that Sinn Féin is in decline. Or that the party is heading into a split. Wishful thinking!
Sinn Féin certainly faces challenges. But that is what struggle is about and the party is debating the issues involved in an open and thorough way. I am absolutely confident that we will conclude that debate over the summer and face into what will be a winter of discontent in the wider political systems on this island, in a united and intelligent way.
The resignations of a small number of Sinn Féin councillors has also been seized upon by our detractors in a futile attempt to promote their flawed analysis. Sure these resignations are disappointing. But that’s politics. Those involved have their own reasons for resigning, mainly sited in local issues. That is their choice – the wrong choice in my view but that’s the way it goes and it’s hardly the end of Sinn Féin.
This activist has no intention of resigning. There is much to be done. As citizens face greater economic punishment at the hands of an incompetent Dublin government and as rejectionists in the north gear up for more negativity our duty is face the future with confidence and to stand up for decent politics, fairness and equality. And a reunited Ireland. That is what leadership is about. The time for republican politics is now.
Now is the time for Republican politics.
Sinn Féin’s campaign to progress Irish reunification has struck a few nerves. Not since the early days of the peace process has such an alliance of disparate political elements found common cause to attack the party, republicans in general and me féin in particular.
The SDLP and DUP and UUP and Fianna Fáil and some so-called dissidents and others in the media have condemned Sinn Féin for daring to raise the right of the people of Ireland to re-unification and independence.
So, Sinn Féin is wrong to engage with the Irish diaspora and to win their support for a new phase of activism.
The fact that Irish America and the diaspora have played such a positive role in the past seems lost on the detractors.
The need to engage with British public opinion is dismissed. Our intention to build a campaign in Ireland, including local conferences, is also rubbished.
And why raise this issue now we are asked?
We are rebuked by some who say that this issue should not be raised in the midst of an economic crisis – we are told it’s not the right time.
But then when would be the right time?
The reality is that partition created two conservative states on the island of Ireland. Look at the history of discrimination and inequality and repression and poverty in the northern state! Look at the recent Ryan report and the manner in which successive Irish governments abdicated any responsibility for the welfare of children and young people to abusive systems in the southern state!
The social, political and economic impact of partition has been profound and despite the progress of recent times partition continues to cast a shadow over our affairs.
So now is exactly the right time to have the debate about Irish reunification.
Now is exactly the right time to move the effort to achieve Irish unity up a gear, to move it up the political agenda, and to persuade others, especially unionists, that Irish reunification is in the interests of all of the people of this island, including them.
So this blog is pleased that the old guard of revisionism has re-emerged. They could always be relied upon to overstate their case. So too with their predictions that Sinn Féin is in decline. Or that the party is heading into a split. Wishful thinking!
Sinn Féin certainly faces challenges. But that is what struggle is about and the party is debating the issues involved in an open and thorough way. I am absolutely confident that we will conclude that debate over the summer and face into what will be a winter of discontent in the wider political systems on this island, in a united and intelligent way.
The resignations of a small number of Sinn Féin councillors has also been seized upon by our detractors in a futile attempt to promote their flawed analysis. Sure these resignations are disappointing. But that’s politics. Those involved have their own reasons for resigning, mainly sited in local issues. That is their choice – the wrong choice in my view but that’s the way it goes and it’s hardly the end of Sinn Féin.
This activist has no intention of resigning. There is much to be done. As citizens face greater economic punishment at the hands of an incompetent Dublin government and as rejectionists in the north gear up for more negativity our duty is face the future with confidence and to stand up for decent politics, fairness and equality. And a reunited Ireland. That is what leadership is about. The time for republican politics is now.
Comments
With the exception of the Belfast Media Group the news media both north and south is concentrated in the hands of some very ultra-conservative groupings who do not want the boat rocked at any cost and any article seen to be showing Sinn Fein in a negative light will usually get the green light from the so-called editorial management.
I never had much time for Dev, but he had the same problem in the early days of Fianna Fail, when, much as Sinn Fein now, Fianna Fail were bearing the brunt of negative reporting.
Dev's answer of course at that time was to set up the Irish Press which went on to become one of the most popular newspapers in the country.
That's all in the past Gerry, but you can be sure of one thing, Sinn Fein must be doing something right, otherwise these powerful conservative forces would not be paying the Party so much attention.
Keep up the good work, you've got them worried!!!
It's a difficult and painful analysis to undertake.
Sinn Fein, as I see it, are the only political party that actually have anything to offer. The only party that bring any Hope to the situation. And I'm very glad to see Eoin O'Broin elected new Dublin Sinn Fein Chairperson.
Many Irish Republicans particularly in the North feel less than equal given the continued lack of proper resources and youth facilities in the likes of Ardoyne.
There has also been a concerted effort by some within S/F in this area to engage in the distasteful felon-setting of fellow Republicans. Which has caused the arrest and increased harrassment of a number of decent people.
Keep up the writing Gerry, you've always been an inspiration to me. GRMA.
I'm in a similar situation, in a part of the U.S. pretty much ignored by the national party--but guess what? Activists like me--just like the activists who helped Sinn Féin win local seats--can get out votes with no money, few signs, not enough literature, just on plain old door-to-door canvassing.
Sure, we gripe about what we perceive as a slight by the national party, but we're not about to resign from the party, not after our region voted 57% for Obama.
Okay, now that's out of my system; anyway, Gerry, about the Irish reunification campaign--hope you got the list of ideas I sent to the Belfast office. I left out one thing, educating the other side about the history of Irish republicanism, specifically all the Protestants who were involved in the 1700s. Maybe a website, but not by Sinn Féin, someone outside the political process--an artist, educator, business person--someone politically neutral with a love for real Irish history.
Hi Gerry,
I thought sinn fein was supposed to be working on re-unification for years...and it was not a new idea.... Maybe it is time to take a hard realistic look at the problems of sinn fein and stop blaming others and look at what you can do as the leader of sinn fein. Harry Truman had a sign on his desk when he was president which stated, "the buck stops here". As the president of sf...the buck stops with you.
Well said, Now lets get back to simple basics of politics, fight the local issues,get involved all of us.We have seen how they wasted the money we the people created.
Irish Unity is very important British rule is wrong and costs us all Connolly was right on that.
Build the message through An Phoblact a wonderful newspaper.
not only is it the time for republican politics but also time those who have demonised the struggle; to have them shown up for what they are : a small eiltist minority who offer humanity nothing. Sinn Féin have not had a voice in the media to tell the realities of why the Western World economy is in mess. Why the bankers and abusers of power get away with it. All those nationalist people on the ground in the North are fed up with the type of right wing morality that is pumped out of meida devices.
I am an actvist I help others to deliver the SF Bulletin I have to say I think it is not being widely read (except by staunch ones); the reason for this is I believe that the populous is fed up with the negative aspects of all politics not just republicanism, which is sad.
My dream would be to hear on working class areas peole talking of an egalitrian society as you say yourself, it is the only way forward. Instead I hear alot of moaning and 'that's the way it has always been' well I am sorry it has only been that way because we lived under an oppressive force for generations upon generations. I would like to see Sinn Féin claiming the moral high ground here in this age of greed, some people in Nationalist areas in Belfast don't even know that the Party shares out all its wages equally, the people see all politicians and that Stromont might be as well in England. Your article in the Guardian newspaper is the type of good soild message that is needed, your goal, republicans' goal is my opinion gravtating towards that inevitability.
You are a strong leader Gerry, agood rator and I respect you upmost Is Mise Neil
"... Irish reunification ... a new phase of activism ... I am absolutely confident ... seized upon by our detractors in a futile attempt ..."
Same old, same old.
Gerry, the fact of the matter is that your crowd have very little relevence for the majority of people here in Ireland.
That's right, Ireland.
Not the 26 counties, not one of two conservative states on the island of Ireland, or any of the other phrases you have used over the decades.
If you cannot get the name of our country right, its no wonder your party has failed to achieve any decent representation in the Dail.
As far as we in Ireland are concerned, Ireland is united. We certainly do not need a citizen from a foreign country to make us so.
That's you, Gerry. You are a citizen of the United Kingdom, remember?
If Ireland and Northern Ireland are ever to become one country, fine. So long as there are sound economic and political reasons for it. Not some long-past-its-sell-by-date ideal.
Oh I know, the dead martyrs of 1916 et al would be ashamed of me. Know what - they ain't. Because they're dead. They made their decisions for their Ireland, we can make ours for our own. And there's a lot of difference between Ireland of 1916 and 2009.
But you know what Gerry, the real reason I oppose uniting my country with Northern Ireland isn't because I don't like Northern people (I think most of ye are sound), can't understand your accents (in some cases; sorry!) or because it would make Paisley an Irishman (though now that I think of it ...).
The real reason is you.
Uniting North and South has been the dream of the militant republican movement. No consent required, just unite or die.
I grew up watching you, as the head of the militant republicans, endorse (and plan) some of the worst atrocities this island has ever seen. Regrettable, but necessary, I think was your line.
To this day you refuse to admit membership of the IRA, take responsibility for your actions, or apologise.
Language itself was twisted till black meant white, or whatever you wanted it to say.
All for the Greater Good of a United Ireland.
You're not worth it.
Neither you, nor any of your comrades who helped the cause.
You and yours are no basis upon which to form a country.
I have no problem with Ireland and Northern Ireland being united, one day.
But I sincerely hope it will be long after the last of you and yours are in the grave. Where you can turn to your heart's content.
I suppose you realised that 'strategy' requires a lot more than merely repeating the word ad nauseum. Bye, bye Gearóid. To think that we all bought it from you, for so long too ...
well said!
Sinn Fein has survived "Media slagging" in the past and will continue to do so.
We all know that it usually preceeds some upcoming Sinn Fein event, and is a sign that somebody (?) needs to shift focus from something (?).
The way forward, as you have written...must continue, with you as our leader.
Thanks again for all you are and all you do.
Ta ar la anois
Kate
As you can see there is a very positive feed on this.Stick to clear guidelines,Stuff the so call press.deal with working class issues, People want to be heard, and as sure as night follows day we will garnish enough support to change the so called unchangeable. but we must deliver, report back to our core support.
Communicate. communicate, Communicate
One bit of constructive criticism though is should SF cumanns in the 26 counties be more focused on UI instead of being so deep into fundraising for elections and other things that could possibly be handled higher up. I believe we need to build up a groundswell of support for the idea of a UI and this needs to come from the ground up.
Anyway lets keep up the work and it will bear fruit eventually. If we all did like FF the GFA would end up being a permanent settlement rather than something that enables us to achieve something else.
a chara, willie - Carlow
So what if you get a majority of people in Northern Ireland who want to join Ireland. Nobody seems to have asked us.
It is simply not a priority for people in the state of Ireland.
Why do you think SF has done so badly in the south? Why do you think Ireland gave up articles 2 and 3 in the GFA? Why, despite all the efforts SF has put in, has the party failed to main any substancial inroads against the main political parties in Ireland?
Because SF is a party who's aims are way out of step with the people of Ireland.
It staggers me, the blase way that northern republicans go on and on about unification as if the only people they have to convince is the Unionists. What about the people of Ireland?
You seem to have forgotten that you need OUR consent to join OUR country.
This means that SF's ultimate policy is a dead duck.
Unless they abandon it and deal with actual issues in their own country, they will always fail to be a really relevant party in their homeland, nevermind ireland.
Fine. You can argue that SF has good representation not as TD's but as councillors.
But all that is because their ticket is local issues.
If any of them made unification their main plank, they'd never get elected.
The only way SF will make any headway in Ireland is to cut itself off from SF in the north, become an independant party, and become Fianna Fail.
Plus, as I said earlier, you and your people have done nothing to deserve your goal.
Not with the people of Ireland.
While losses have occurred, that's politics. What we need to concentrate upon is the gains we have made: new councillors in areas where there have been none for generations or one for many years such as in Laois, Offaly, and further afield.
With Gerry's leadership, and our TDs as spokespersons for detailed 26 County issues, we are on the right track. But it will take time.
I think the public- and private- discussion being had within republicanism since the European election is a very good thing, which can only be beneficial for Sinn Fein so long as it leads to the type of changes necessary at this time to make the party relevant in the South and stronger and better equipped for the period ahead here in the North.
Speaking with many republicans inside and outside the party in recent weeks, it occurs to me that it would be useful to invite submissions with opinions and proposals from the broad republican base- and beyond.
It would be a positive means of seeking to encourage base participation at this critical juncture, as well as being a rather obvious affirmation of our republican principles.
It would also open up a means of communication for those many republicans who, for better or worse, do not wish to invite negative comment on the party by being seen to openly identify faults and express criticisms.
For your information, the country due south of Northern Ireland is not called the 26 counties, we are called Ireland. Please use the correct term accordingly.
"so long as it leads to the type of changes necessary at this time to make the party relevant in the South".
So this means that presently SF is not relevant down here?
"republican principles."
The principles being a united Ireland no matter how many lives it takes?
Count me out of any union created by your leadership and followers. You are not worth it.
Talon
The issue is not when it is right to discuss Irish reunification. The fact is that the time is never right to stop. Until we achieve it, that is...