Make Partition History Rally

by Make real history Tue Aug 23, 2005 23:39

I will be at Shannon that day, busy trying to make war into history.

by Ógra B - The Roy Boys Wed Aug 24, 2005 16:31

To 'Won't be there' just want to say I too support the anti war/imperialism on Iraq campaign!
I also want to see an end to imperialism in Ireland and as an irish revolutionary, I won't bury my head in the sand, Irish freedom and an end to British imperialism must become a reality at Home and in IRAQ.
So lets stand together on this one and proclaim "An end to Imperialism in Ireland, An end Imperialism in Iraq!"
I'll be at the 'Make Partition History Rally' in Dublin on the 24th of September just like any Iraqi person would be at an Iraqi freedom march in their country.
Remember we're all revolutionaries but revolution begins at home!
Get your head out of the sand 'Won't be there!'

by Barry Wed Aug 24, 2005 16:47

Sinn Fein have endorsed the GFA which upholds partition , the unionist veto and British rule . Stormont MLA Francie Molloy is on record as saying " we have accepted patition" (interview in Irish Times , Easter 1999 ) . Sinn Fein have repeatedly announced that there is NO ALTERNATIVE TO THE GFA !!!!

But the GFA clearly states there will be no end to British rule , certainly not in any of our lifetimes . Therefore this begs the question is there now a split in Sinn Fein . By campaigning to end partition have they rejected the GFA ?

Perhaps to clear this up Indymedia readers should be allowed to read Sinn Feins green paper . Im sure its an interesting piece of work . Some clarity from Sinn Fein Im sure would be greatly appreciated by many . Without it a cynic might suggest this rally is merely a stunt to kep the shinners busy waving flags while doing sweet FA about ending British rule . Im sure the green paper will knock such cynical notions completely on their head .

by donegal 11% Wed Aug 24, 2005 17:12

if it means Sharon types in the Dail I'd rather put up with the likes of FF up this north, and the brits and isn't that the secret? between a rock and hard place.

by Maurice Wed Aug 24, 2005 17:33

Rallys won't end partition. In fact they reinforce resistance to it.

Rallys tend to be macho political events where big gangs of people pretend to have the support of a lot of others.

Putting people on the streets with banners and slogans isn't going to advance the cause of unity, did anyone on seeing the massive crowds of orangemen at Drumcree suddenly see the logic of the union and ditch their Irish identity? I don't think so.

How do you think unionists, and those who are happy enough with partition, will respond to a 'Rally'? If its purpose is to raise morale and energise republicans fair enough, but its not going to bring unity one day nearer.

The only unity worth having is the unity of people and you won't convince the unionist community that we are the sort of people they would want to be united with by holding these so called rallies, complete with vaguely threatening bereted and sunglassed marchers.

Put your efforts instead into working at a local level on cross community projects that address our common needs and desires as human beings. Develop programmes that cause people to meet those from the other side so both can see that none of us have two heads or cloven feet. Peace comes dripping slow, rallies won't speed it up.

To quote James Connolly:
Ireland as distinct from her people is nothing to me; and the man who is bubbling over with love and enthusiasm for Ireland, and yet can pass unmoved through our streets and witness the wrongs and the suffering, the shame and the degradation brought upon the people of Ireland, aye brought by Irishmen upon Irish men and women, without burning to end it, is in my opinon, a fraud and a liar in his heart.

Partition will only be history when people come together voluntarily, not when one side outwits, outbreeds, or outsmarts the other.

by shakes Wed Aug 24, 2005 20:34

7 of us looking forward to coming over from Dundee to lend support to the make partition history rally. Feel its time for Republicans to show solidarity.Everyone has their own point of view of how to get there but we're all after the same thing. Ireland united and free

by Al Wed Aug 24, 2005 21:38

Shakes,
Maybe you should councentrate on independence for the area you are from, hows that sound?

As for "Thus being the only movement on the island of ireland advancing the cause of the IrIsh Republic", the Irish Republic is here and has been for a long time. SF and the Ra are the only people that fail to see that.

But apart from pointing out flaws in other peoples posts. the above poster is correct. In order to live in a united nation you must first gain the support of the majority for unification. Until that happens neither Britain or Ireland is going to work for a united Ireland.

What do you think would happen if there was a forced united Ireland? Unionists would just accept it? The UVF/UDA would just throw away the guns? Also have to factor in the country you plan to unify with. How prey tell is either the IRA or Sf going to force the Republic of Ireland to accept Northern Ireland? Again, it must be accepted by both the British and Irish governments.

Adams and McGuinness led the IRA into the peace process because they opened their eyes to reality and realised that A, the IRA did not have the support of the majority of nationists in the north, nevermind majority support in the Republic and B, Forcing unity by violence would not solve the problem but simple transfer the revolutionary cause from republicans to unionists.

By all means work towards a united Ireland which is the way it should be but dont force a large group of people into it. Isnt that what started the troubles in the first place?

by shakes Wed Aug 24, 2005 23:15

just a couple of points Al

1. Yeah I was born in Scotland. Not interested in fighting for independence for a nation where I have been treated as a second class citizen

2. You talk about not forcing a solution on people. I def wouldn't want that to happen. However was that not what happened with partitioning?

Still be going

by Republican Thu Aug 25, 2005 14:36

I find it amusing that some "dissidents" here are giving out about this but were so enthralled by the William Orr march in Ballymena. A bit of consistency isn't too much to ask from our resident coke a cola's is it?

by Barry Thu Aug 25, 2005 14:50

Ive no problem at all with sinn fein holding a rally against partition . Ive merely pointed out that the GFA , which Sinn Fein claims there is no alternative to , copperfastens , cements , legitmises partition , British rule and the Unionist veto .
Indeed Francie Molloy pointed all this out long before me that Sinn Fein accepts all of this . He certainly isnt a "dissident"

Now is there any chance Indymedia readers can get a look at the aforementioned Green paper on Unity ? Im sure its a well thought out and serious document.

by iosaf Thu Aug 25, 2005 15:10

the SF higher ranks are touring the european summer schools at the moment, and giving press conferences and answering polite questions in euskera, catalan, spanish, french, german etc..,

& the impression that is coming across differs from one venue and one pitch to the other, in euskadi the tone is "our peace process can be model for yours",
in catalan the tone is "we are interested in how you avoided armed struggle" and "we can not put a final date on the peace process" and "we can not turn around now".

Yes, the green paper will be interesting, politics always are, but at end, the thoughts and commitments of ordinary "non-politicals" in all the very diverse irish communities will be more important.

If i am allowed an "outsider's analysis" the current "southern government" (and i use the language with care) is preparing for electoral implosion, and as part of that there is a very calculated strategy of what seats may be lost and where, and more interestingly... to whom. At such times the impression the "politically aware" give to the "non-politicals" is of greater than usual importance. And that doesn't only go for the SF or general irish republican movement in either state, but also for all interested in a succesful "implosion" of the FF regime.

Enjoy your rally, it is an essential cultural exercise (as the cat would say to the mouse) there'll be a few italians there from imc italy, as well as other places of "recent or ongoing conflict" and sure your strategies are always very interesting. I love the long game.

by Lay Jeno Thu Aug 25, 2005 16:18

You may enjoy "the long game", Iosaf. But many people see it as "the long surrender". This rally is pointless, the Good Friday Agreement is a done deal and partition has been accepted by the SinnFeiners. To me that makes this rally just look like fraudulent posing.

by Al Thu Aug 25, 2005 18:12

"1. Yeah I was born in Scotland. Not interested in fighting for independence for a nation where I have been treated as a second class citizen" - So you are prepared to fight for a country that you are not even a second class citizen in? And surely the fact the you are treated like a second class citizen is reason to fight for your rights?

So please, explain why you are coming over from Dundee to show solidarity or as you put it "Feel its time for Republicans to show solidarity.Everyone has their own point of view of how to get there but we're all after the same thing. Ireland united and free"/

Please also explain why you are a Republican at all and believe you have a right to speak/act about the partician of Ireland considering you are A, Not Irish and B, couldnt be arsed doing anything within your own country. I see a pub provo looking to watch/start something.

As for point 2. thats my very point. Partician caused the IRA (of sorts, they existed prior to that) and if you force a united Ireland against teh wishes of Unionists then all of a sudden the UDA and UVF have the moral cause. Afterall, the only difference between the IRA and others was that the IRA had some form of legitimate goal.

Thankfully however, the leaders have opted for what the majority wanted and what made far more sense.

by shakes Thu Aug 25, 2005 19:33

Al

I presume you're going to tell the thousands of irish people attending the rally at Shannon the same day that they should not be interested in Iraq. How about if it was someone who had a parent who was Iraqi and lived in the Republic. Would they be allowed to protest against the Iraq war. Same situation but for Iraq and Ireland read Ireland and Scotland.
As for the pub provo comment I certainly won't be looking to 'start/watch' anything apart from hopefully a peaceful rally.
'Partition caused the IRA(of sorts)'? Should go and read up a bit I think. Not away to give you a history lesson tho.
Before you play your religion card next the group of 7 are of different faiths.

by Al Thu Aug 25, 2005 19:54

Shakes,
You can tell me nothing of my own nations history that I dont already know. I am well versed in the IRA, FF, FG, etc.

Now as for Iraq. Are you seriously suggesting that its the same in Iraq as modern day Ireland? Is that what your saying? If it is then I suggest you take a short lesson in reality.

Also,
Peoples activities in Shannon relates to their own governments participation. Again, I ask why you are so concerned with Irish protests when it seems pretty clear you couldnt even be bothered getting of your ass to do anything about your own country.

As for religion, what religion card? please clarify your point please. Better be sure of your facts before you do.

by oink Thu Aug 25, 2005 22:02

The most recent occasion where an irish citizen with Iraqi parents had their right to protest the war on Iraq curtailed was the Zainab Kadhum case.
Zainab had been threatened with disciplinary action if she stood for a photo next to the president Mc Aleese, on a visit to her school, the iraqi born now naturalised irish citizen did just that.

& she got suspended from school and went to front page national news.

http://www.indymedia.ie/newswire.php?story_id=67656

by Al Thu Aug 25, 2005 22:52

She was suspended for breaking protocol. NO personal photos with the president. She took a personal phot and got suspended for 5 days, big deal!

by oink Thu Aug 25, 2005 23:25

Her photo was a political act. She was the only student to be suspended. Activists frequently breach protocol, this is an activists site for activists, we have many examples of such actions, part of our mission to help bring attention and solidarity to such actions.
Did you know that?

by shakes Fri Aug 26, 2005 01:10

Al

Was maybe born in Scotland but it doesn't define my ethnicity. Just ask any Chinese,Pakistani or Jewish person born in Scotland what race they are. Scottish? I think not. I like where I live but not the ingrained anti irish racism.So i am be getting off my ass.To come to Dublin on 24th.
Also are you seriously trying to tell me that the thousands of people protesting at Shannon are only protesting against the Irish governments involvment. May be a part of the issue but the main one would an anti war protest.

by Al Fri Aug 26, 2005 14:42

So sorry Shakes, I should know better than to challenge the thinking of a Plastic Paddy. Still doesnt change the fact that your coming here to challenge partician when the country you choose to live in isnt even independent.

Stand by my initial comment. By coming here to rally but yet admitting you couldnt be bothered doing anything at home just makes you a pub provo, wannabee, plastic paddy, etc.

by oink Fri Aug 26, 2005 14:53

your contempt for our project and the other readers is sickening, and you log on every day - for what?
Are you keeping up to track on your favourite political issues? Are you in solidarity? Are you offering support? Or is it just insult, abuse, insult, abuse.

by Al Fri Aug 26, 2005 15:02

I never log on to simple insult people Oink, that appears to be your purpose. I

I offer support when I agree with the cause/actions. Sometimes I point out errors where they occur and sometimes I voice my opinion because it differs to others. thats the purpose of free speech. You seem to be a firm believer in censorship.

Shakes,
I would like to apologise. After reading my last comments again I was harsh. Of course you have the right to get involved wherever you feel however I have a dislike for plastic paddies and pub provos.

I still dont understand your reasoning for your actions but at least you accept peaceful means.

by shakes Fri Aug 26, 2005 23:57

Al

Yeah you were a bit harsh with the comments about pub provos and plastic paddys but apology accepted. Don't think it's warranted in this case esp when I only get to the pub about once a month! Never tried to preach my politics to anyone. In fact the only people aware of my political views are those nearest and dearest and they don't always agree with everything but they respect my views. Same as I respect yours

by disco disco Sat Aug 27, 2005 00:38

will we all the happy indymedia community get to know each other & have a look at each other again?
because you didn't say it was garden of remembrance. Or are you breaking with tradition and starting the rally somewhere else? don't do that.
(break with tradition).

by Take Back The City Tue Sep 06, 2005 00:35

All you Republicans types are more than welcome to come join in with the TakeBackTheCity march when ur finished in parnell square..

I guess u cud just ask the cops where we are?

by Ed - Ógra shinnféin Tue Sep 06, 2005 13:06 eiresaoirse32 at yahoo dot com 565679854978549

The Name of the Rally Cry says it all So If Ur From the 100 Yr Old Party Or a (Dissedent prob partionist political party of ff,fg,wp/Lp, Please come along as sinnféin is the only non partionist major party in Éire Thanks tothe men of 1916 ,We will lead you to the Rally cry of a free Non Partionist ÉIRE THAT MICHAEL COLLINS, and James CONNOLLY FOUGHT For, . I for one will Highlight treason and wrongs wherever they Raise there Head untill my country is Free from partionist parties of a British Slave Kind
Ireland unfree will always be wrong.
We Salute the 1916 Men of Violence and the 2016 Men Of Freedom Justice and Peace in the 32 county Irish Parliament

by ede - Ógra Shinnféin Muineachán Tue Sep 06, 2005 13:25 eiresaoirse32 at yahoo dot com Monaghan 6765

To all anti war acktifists please help Ireland get rid of Armed terror groups Training for war in Iraq and Ireland in Camps around the sick occupied counties of ÉIRE. And Can Mickey Mad Dog Mc Dowell come 2 the Teachers office please!

by bernard Tue Sep 06, 2005 14:18

Didnt MICHAEL COLLINS fight for the treaty that partitioned Ireland??? Didnt dev hang lots of provos??? Its a pity Bertie dosnt do the same.

by fred scappittici Tue Sep 06, 2005 14:57

But he@ll need Gerry Adams in coalition with him first . For moral support and encouragement . Hell be better at crackdowns on dissenters than Mad Dog McDowell

by ede - Ógra Shinnféin Tue Sep 06, 2005 15:43 5643 5435

Michael collins accepted particion of churchill only on a military basis so we could use the 26 to free the 6 dont u slaves learn anything of Irish History in ur west brit schools

by ede - Ógra Shinn féin Tue Sep 06, 2005 16:05 eiresaoirse32 at yahoo dot com 5435355

As For Dev My Grandfather Fought for him he Did good in making people work there lands ,
but he badly betrayed the Irish people and left the nationalists of the 6 counties without Help unfortunatley my Grandfather dident realise this for years he carried the tri colour at Easter Through Monaghan For Finna Fail in the Fifties And Helped Saoir Ulaidh in the seventies and my Father Carried the Flag For Sinnfein in the eighties and nineties and supported all Irish Nationalist Soldiers and I for Ogra Shinnféin in the start of this Century will support any attack on occupation My Family Will Always remain true to The Irish Republic and not the Republic 'OF' occupation.

by another view Tue Sep 06, 2005 17:02

Yea lets mak it history lets join the commonwealth for a federal solution to nationalist pollution

by Noel Tue Sep 06, 2005 18:21

'Michael collins accepted particion of churchill only on a military basis so we could use the 26 to free the 6 dont u slaves learn anything of Irish History in ur west brit schools'

Us West Brit slaves are taught grammar and punctuation. I suspect you were off painting postboxes the day they taught those subjects at the hedge school.

by bernard Tue Sep 06, 2005 18:24

I agree, re-joining the commonwealth might be a solution. We wont get one from the real traitors - the provos and rabid republicans who want to shackle the rest of us to their narrow sense of identity

by HRH Wed Sep 07, 2005 13:56

Then we could be British subjects instead of Irish citizens.

by Bernard Wed Sep 07, 2005 14:04

Yeah just like we can now - so your point is??

by ede - Ógra shinnféin Thu Sep 08, 2005 11:49 eiresaoirse32 at yahoo dot com Monaghan 65765756

Sorry Noel Told u I Dident accept Partition
and thank u wance again for correcting lizzie winzors lingo, CÉAD BLIAIN AR SON NA SAOIRSE

by Barry Mon Sep 19, 2005 17:54

32 County Sovereignty Movement Chairman Francie Mackey recently put the question of the contradiction inherent in Sinn Feins approach into the public arena . Essentially he has asked the Sinn Fein leadership to explain to the republican base on what basis do they intend to "make partition history" given their acceptance of the GFA which explicitly upholds and legitimises partition .
Some interesting points are made which as yet Sinn Fein have not answered .

" MAKE PARTITION HISTORY RALLY

The Good Friday Agreement does not recognise the Sovereign territory of Ireland as partitioned . It recognises that there exists 2 legitimate sovereign states on the one island . Partition can be made history by either its removal and the acceptance of the sovereign country which was partitioned , or by the acceptance of the legitimacy of the partitioned states , which retrospectively denies that Ireland was ever a sovereign country to begin with . So which of these positions does the Make Partition History Rally represent ?

This is not an idle question . For those supportive of the GFA the constitutional status of the island has been resolved . Under the auspices of that treaty this resolution was endorsed by dual referenda which were seen as a legitimate expression of self determination by people of the 2 states on the island . Sinn Fein ( Provisional) as the organisers of the rally , sought this endorsement of a 2_state constitutional arrangement , thus legitimising the mechanism by which this endorsemnet came about . On what grounds now does Sinn Fein (provisional) ask the marchers to seek to make this " history " ?

In response to Sinn Feins (provisional ) call on the 26 county government to commission a "Green Paper" for Irish unity , that administration replied that the GFA is the sole template for such unity . In dismissing the "Green Paper" approach as a " Red Herring" , that administration has signalled that the GFA , as far as it and the British government is concerned , is in fact the final settlement of the constitutional question .

Whether one sees it like this or not ignores the fundamental fact that endorsement of the GFA is an expression of support for continued British parliamentary activity on the island . In organising the Make Partition History rally is Sinn Fein (provisonal) asking the marchers to seek an end to an activity that it itself continues to support ?

The contradiction between the slogan and the political practice of its organisers needs to be addressed if the rally is to be a true expression of support for the restoration of our national sovereignty as the definitive means by which partition is truly consigned to history . The 32 CSM calls upon all Irish political groups and representatives to engage in this democratic debate and for political positions to be made clear lest we once again witness the scenario of an Irish political group seeking endorsement for a position it no longer holds .

We caution those who may wish to attend this rally in good faith that they will not see this good faith reciprocated , but exploited and used by its organisers to mask their contradictory stance on the central issue of national sovereignty .

Francie Mackey ,
Chairperson ,
32 County Sovereignty Movement ."

Like Francie I believe it is incumbent upon the Sinn Fein leadership to explain to those it seeks to attend this rally the contradiction in their political actions and the soundbites and spin they are sending to the republican base . And make no bones about it there is a massive contradiction here between the Sinn Fein leaderships actions and the call to make partition history . In practice they uphold and seek to administer British rule "for the forseeable future" . By their own leaderships admission they have "accepted partition" .

Id also like to point out here that despite being asked -twice- the poster of this news item has still not made this Sinn Fein "green paper" available for inspection and open debate by the readers of this Irish political news site over a week later . This is because Sinn Fein have not issued any "green paper" to begin with - that is the function of an actual government and not a political party . Sinn Fein are merely a wannabe part of the British administration in Ireland (whenever Stormont gets back up and running again) , not an actual functioning government . The posters claim is every bit as untrue and inaccurate as the preposterous notion that Sinn Fein is the only movement on this island advocating an end to British rule .

Can someone in Sinn Fein please come forward and address the issues raised here , in particular the blatant contradiction betweens Sinn Feins wholehearted support for the GFA and the restoration of the British Stormont parliament and its perplexing call to "Make Partition History" ? After all they are calling on working class people to spend their hard earned money travelling the whole way to Dublin to attend this rally . Addressing these fundamental issues is not a lot to ask given the circumstance .

by Barra Tue Sep 20, 2005 02:29

This may be over the heads of the so called Republicans commenting here who dispute the Republicanism of a Scottish commentator due to him not being born Irish, without any reference to James Connolly, but anyway I’ll throw it in for these pups to play with.

The following words are delivered by the spokesperson of the Zapatista National Liberation Army, whom I consider to be one of the most progressive current forces in the world that form a radical new anti-imperialist liberation movement, based on creative and open nationalism and socialism.

Their current and successful efforts, specifically engage with the issues regarding National Unity, while forcefully resisting their oppressors. Therefore, I include these words by Marcos, sub-commandant of the EZLN of Chiapas.
They are most appropriate words of reference for anyone considering fighting for such a thing as they are - for such a thing as a United and Free Ireland.

“The unity we need is not the one to which we’re accustomed, unity as hegemony and homogeneity. Someone who wins and leads all the others and makes them equal.
In that unity, someone wins and someone loses, but not the one who should lose, the one above.
Building unity with a thirst for hegemony and homogeneity is condemned to failure.”
- End of quote.

So, is it only (not meaning to belittle the goal) getting rid of the direct British control that Republicans see as a United Ireland, that they will then be united in Irishness by having Republic of Ireland passports? That they will then be united in the same capitalist social system that exists in the Republic today governed by Dail Eireann?
I think a lot of so called Republicans actually see no further than this, for what they claim will be a united Ireland.

I think they don’t actually envisage the same United Ireland which Republicanism set out for; the age-old nationalist agenda merged with a crucial socialist agenda, that was the Republicanism developed from Fenianism which was developed from aspirations to the old Irish Clan system which like socialism was founded on common property and so on.

Then what’s the big fuss about? apart from getting rid of the Brits government in the North, which will be great, then it’s just a bigger Irish Republic of capitalists, living under the same bad government. Ok, it will also be more aesthetically pleasing to the eye when observing the Irish Republic as a unified mass of green land surrounded by the blue waters. Is that it? Wow, big deal for humanity! What a freedom that Republican fight was for! No! That’s not what the fight and the suffering and the deaths of great Irish people were for, not by a long shot!

The southern Republic which Northern Republicans and Nationalists want to amalgamate with has been since its establishment, governed by a carbon copy parliamentary system of Westminister, governed by a parliament that has not been representative of Republicans and has criminalised Republicans as much as the British have over the years, criminalising them in the same non-jury courts.

So, as the main Republican and Nationalist political party, Sinn Fein, settles itself snugly into the imperial-leather parliamentary seats in Stormont and Dail Eireann – what the hell are they at? Do they have a plan? Why do they not promote a clear picture of their United Ireland instead of it being an enigma to all?

Well, judge Sinn Fein by their actions, by their comfortableness sitting on the fence. Judge them by their selfishness and lack of humanitarian unity - as demonstrated when they met with Bush and Blair to discuss the peace process at the time they were invading Iraq – the most blatant propaganda stunt imaginable made successful due to Gerry Adams and his party.

Judge the Sinn Fein leadership by their inability to share, as to whether they are for a sharing united Irish society; have they shared leadership of Sinn Fein over the years – No! It’s the same cronies at the top holding the reins, who wont trust anyone else to take control. They own Republicanism, it’s Gerry and Martin’s dream machine.

It has always been Sinn Fein policy to discuss things behind closed doors which was a necessary security policy at times but which has resulted in a blind following. What is their strategy now while seated in parliament with the enemy, because of the growth of a new support base who haven’t a clue about the age-old Republican goal of a nationalist socialist Republic? They are using Republicanism to further their own interests but it is not the same cause.

Yes they are giving some representation to Republicans now in the Dail and Stormont, so what? Will that bring about change? Do their supporters realise that these parliaments are designed to forbid the opposition win changes over the party in government, to forbid topics being raised which have been deemed by the government appointed Chairman or Ceann Comhairle to be out of order, and so on with their parliamentary house rules, to ensure the status quo control.

Has the politics taken place in those parliaments ever brought about social change? The politics of Dail Eireann through the successive governments of the southern people, have embraced the neo-colonial (socio-political-military-industrial) system of united western nations, to allow Irish people work and live as part of it. So yes Irish people have become materialistically richer, and more because of their own labour efforts than because of the politicians guidance of society into capitalism.

I’m not suggesting this growth in wealth has not taken place, I’m not suggesting that life in Ireland in the 80’s was not dreadfully hard and that people don’t thank Fianna Fail for saving those times. However, that’s specific to that time, and of course under a different government from the start, along with alternative international realities, things may not have ever got as bad as they did in the 80’s, but those arguments aside…

For Republicans to trumpet calls for a United Ireland they must explain what they mean exactly by it. Otherwise call for a Blue Ireland or a Green Ireland, it makes as much sense. Sinn Fein already named their campaign ‘End Partition’ as opposed to the traditional Republican call for a ‘United Ireland’ which encompassed so much more to so many more Republicans.

Sinn Fein try to lay claim to being the 100 yr party, as if no changes had taken place to it.
I’m not surprised if their new supporters believe this because Sinn Fein aren’t the party to educate them in what Republicanism is really about.
Republican Sinn Fein have not developed dramatically like Sinn Fein but that doesn’t deny that serious split and change in the ‘100 yr party’. Forget those who want to rewrite history to their own advantage.

Republicans! Educate yourselves! Create your own views! Take the lead! That’s your way forward as currently you face a most depressing situation but if you believe in yourselves that you are fighting for the same humanitarian causes that Irish people have always been fighting for under various banners, then what Republicanism has become will not hinder you.

Do not blindly accept that Sinn Fein are Republicans unchanged in 100 years – it’s a lie that anyone with basic knowledge and intelligence can see, so challenge them and confront them and question them – if they are your political party.

Seek out other Republicans with different views to Sinn Fein. Do your own Republican homework and exercises. Find unity with other revolutionary activists no matter what their banner - who are fighting for the same humanitarian concerns.

See how much closer that will bring you towards realising the true humanitarian goal of a United Ireland - a New Ireland! A successful and influential society of multicultural people who will proudly fight on for global unity and humanity.

Barra

by Mark C - Teacher Tue Sep 20, 2005 11:30

Is it only me or does anyone else have a problem with Sinn Fein hijacking the MakePovertyHistory logo for their MakePartitionHistory campaign? Same font, same no-spaces between the letters, same bold-normal-bold script. I slowed down driving past the poster twice in Portlaoise to see if there was a MakePovertyHistory rally in Portlaoise (but the poster was up too high for me to read it) and only discovered that it was a Sinn Fein tool when a leaflet came in through my door.

Mark.

by x Tue Sep 20, 2005 14:49

MPH hijacked an anti-capitalist movement and turned it into a boring, banal, going-nowhere threat to absolutely nobody. Does it really bother you that much if SF use the same font on their posters. I think its quite clever actually (and I'm not a fan of SF either...)

by Mark C - Teacher Tue Sep 20, 2005 15:00

I'm not sure that it bothers me that much, but it certainly does annoy me slightly. Also, I don't think that MPH hijacked an anti-capitalist movement, I think they are part off the anti-capitalist movement, a movement that is still there, as diverse as ever and that MPH is just another strand of it. No one can hijack such a de-centralised movement. (Even if they could, where would they bring it to?) My problem is not that the same font has been used on the posters either, most posters use the same fonts (or variations of them), it's the arrangement of the fonts, and the design of the poster that is made in the imitation of MPH, which, I believe, is being used only to try to score some more participants at the rally.

Mark

by Barry Tue Sep 20, 2005 22:29

Adams and McGuiness hijacked the republican movement and turned it into a boring banal going to Stormont threat to absolutely no-one .
The logo is quite appropriate really when you think of it .

And it doesnt look like we'll get any reply from Sinn Fein on this thread . Empty slogans which dont stand up to scrutiny , just like Geldof and Bono .

by Cian - Socialist Youth Tue Sep 20, 2005 23:47

Hey,
Why are ye oganising and event in parallel with the IAWM protes and the protests around the world against the war n Iraq? It sems quite sectarian to me. And a number of anarchists have decided to have a street party in dubln instead. Where is the sense of unity gone? This is ridiculous behviour from the 'socialist' sine fein who oppose the war. I'd like to thank them for all the help they have been to teh anti-war effort. but seriously, some members have taken a good stance on this. I do, howeve think that Sine Feins radical rhetoric is shown up by actions like this as well as their entire track record when in power in either north or south. PPPs from socialists? High-larious (not a mistake).
Thanks,
Cian

by Barry Wed Sep 21, 2005 01:08

Thats the reason why the shinners have chosen to host this rally on this date . They know Dublin will be packed , especially with tyrone people who are quite anti partition and a fair few kerry people too . Its just to boost the numbers .

I dont know why the above poster regards this as sectarian though ? Bit of ann odd statement .

Theres no denying many ordinary sinn fein members are commited to radical causes such as the anti war movement . Unfortunately theyve put their faith in corrupt leaders who are no more anti war than they are anti British occupation . They arent socialists either.

Sinn Feins anti partition stance is a nonsense when judged by their leaderships actions which uphold the very thing propping up partition and legitimising British rule . Adams pointedly did not attend the Shannon protest against the occupation of Iraq and the violation of Irish neutrality and sovereignty .. He ignored the protest outside Hillsborough castle too and swanned in for a friendly handshake with Blair and Bush , 2 imperialist bastards usurping Irish sovereignty as well as Iraqs .

Adams ,McGuiness and co are deeply , deeply corrupt opportunists . They are corrupt both morally and politically and their only interests are self intrests and personal power and advancement for themselves and their circle of cronies .

Anyone attending this rally will not hear ANY clear analysis on how partition can be made history . They are being used for a photo opportunity and nothing else . This will only be the Sinn Fein leaderships second public outing since the storm over Robert McCartneys murder , thats why theyre desperate for numbers to attend . They cant be seen to slink out from under a stone , they need good publicity .At their last outing in the north Adams and McGuinness acted as British policemen dispersing protestors against orange bigots and PSNI bullyboys .

The Make Partition History rally is an empty exercise , a PR stunt and nothing more . In a short while the Sinn Fein leadership will be back in Stormont , urging their members to sign up to the British police and wholeheartedly upholding the partition of this country and the violation of Irish sovereignty .

by euan Fri Sep 23, 2005 22:37

Sinn Féin have realised that a forced united Ireland will taste sour and that they can now achieve it through political means. The GFA is simply a stepping stone. It does not copperfasten partition any more than direct rule did. At least with a devolved assembly they have contact with southern ministers and have accountable government. BUT Sinn Féin see it as temporary. If it comes down to a referendum, then GFA or no GFA, the result must be accepted. True Republicans know this, which is why they have nothing to fear from devolved power in the north. Dissidents are running about breaking windows, while Sinn Féin are thinking outside the box, for a REAL way to make Irish unity possible and peaceful. Call them sell outs if you want.

by Sharon. - Individual. Fri Sep 23, 2005 23:28

"The GFA is simply a stepping stone....."

- Where did I hear that before ... ?

"BUT Sinn Féin see it as temporary....."

-Another 'temporary' Treaty : 1921 , 1973 , 1985 .... : all of which served only to prolong the conflict , not end it . The 1998 Stormont Treaty ('GFA') is 'conflict management' , and passes the 'problem' on to another generation .

"Call them sell outs if you want... "

- I want !
Myself and other Republicans will be at the GPO Rally on Saturday , 24th - a Rally which calls for a British withdrawal , not calling on Westminster to 'treat us better...' !

Sharon.