Armed Forces Day

Connolly Youth Movement
Ireland’s Young Communists
Michael O’Riordan branch, Belfast district

Press release: “Armed Forces Day”
Date: 27/5/09

Following the end of the Troubles and the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement progressive people in Northern Ireland and across the island had hoped that the space would be opened up for the development of a popular consciousness, that we might be able to use the end of violence and the re-establishment of devolved government to advance the interests of the working class and other progressive forces.

The prospect of this happening has consistently been hampered by elements within Unionism who seek a return to the days of the Orange state as shown by behavior of the DUP councilors in response to nationalist concerns regarding the Ministry of Defense proposal for the British army flag to be flown over Belfast City Hall on June 27 as part of the recently established “Armed Forces day”.

Commenting on this CYM spokesperson Nicholas O'Hagan said “The actions of the DUP regarding the proposed erection of a British army Flag at Belfast City Hall have shown that partitioned Ireland remains a carnival of reaction.

“The legacy of the British army in Ireland has been far from honourable and this proposal from the MOD will bring further division. The legacy of British army, particularly units such as FRU symbolises pain and hurt for the families of the victims of collusion and all other state violence. Collusion remains an unclosed chapter in Irish history and a full disclosure of Britain’s crimes in Ireland is necessary if we are to make progress.

“The introduction of Armed Forces Day should be viewed in the context of the mass recruitment drives to compensate for what was falling new recruites and the courageous actions by British trade unions who have voted to oppose British army recruitment in schools.”

In conclusion Mr. O’ Hagan said “The actions of the DUP are inflammatory and designed to continue to push Unionist dominance at all levels, we need to turn protest into genuine opposition.”

To this end, the Connolly Youth Movement has called a demonstration outside Belfast City Hall beginning at 10am on Saturday, June 27 in advance of the flag raising ceremony at 10.30am. Other organisations are welcome. However, it should be stressed that this protest must be peaceful and dignified.

- Statement ends -

See also CYM statement on British army recruiting in schools (26/3/2009) - http://www.cym.ie/documents/recruiting.pdf

Connolly Youth Movement
Michael O'Riordan Belfast District Branch
PO Box 85
Belfast BT1 1SR

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