RUC-PSNI: Unchanged, Unchanging, Unchangeable‏

The recent revelations that more than three quarters of “civilian staff” employed by the PSNI were in the force when it was called the RUC is clear proof of the unchanged and unaccountable nature of the militia.

It was also revealed that almost half of them are involved in “sensitive” roles such as the intelligence branch.

The PSNI has attempted to defend this position by claiming they need the “expertise and skills” of these human rights abusing RUC members. The expertise and skills that we recall being used by these people is collusion, murder, frame-ups, brutality and harassment.

éirígí's Stephen Murney said “These revelations will come as no surprise to republicans who have been on the receiving end of brutality and abuse at the hands of these thugs. We have stated all along that this force remained nothing but the same force it always was, bar a few cosmetic changes, and this now proves that we were right. They are simply the same old wine in new bottles.

“They were unacceptable when they were called the RIC, they were unacceptable when they were called the RUC and they are unacceptable today under their current guise of the PSNI.

“A few years back some within our communities were trying to sell their “policing project” as a fresh new beginning with promises of accountability and manners being placed on them. They have failed miserably and this is evident everyday of the week with stop & searches, house raids and regular harassment taking place across the six counties and now it's revealed the same people who terrorised our communities for decades are working for the PSNI wearing a different uniform.

Stephen concluded “éirígí activists have been to the fore in opposing and resisting the British police and as a result we have found ourselves in their sights time and time again. We will continue with our Different Name, Same Aim campaign with more vigour and determination as before”

Stormont Isn't Working for Newry's Working Class

éirígí in Newry have expressed concern at unemployment figures released which show that a staggering 3,696 people living in Newry & Mourne are currently receiving unemployment benefit.

In Newry city itself the Ballybot area has the highest level with 11% claiming unemployment.

 Areas in Newry are listed as follows starting with highest:

• Ballybot ward – 11%
• Daisy Hill ward - 9.2%
• St Mary’s ward 8.9%
• Drumgullion ward – 7%
• St Patricks ward – 5.8%
• Drumalane ward - 6.5%
• Windsor Hill ward– 3.9%

éirígí’s Newry spokesperson Stephen Murney said that the figures clearly show that Stormont isn’t Working and has called for the Stormont politicians to refuse to do the dirty work of the British government.

Stephen explained “coupled with the 155% increase in youth unemployment and with another 26,000 public sector jobs predicted to go in the next few years it’s clear that the onslaught against the working class shows no sign of stopping.

“All the Stormont parties are keen to hide the stark reality of these actual unemployment figures, poverty levels and the wages gap – not only for economic reasons but because of the political signals these figures send out – a message that the Six-County state is an impractical and ineffectual economic entity based upon a misguided philosophy that partition can be made to work.

“Stormont never worked for working class communities in the past. It’s not working for them now”

Murney continued “The fight-back against this injustice has to come from both the employed and the unemployed. It has to come from those people who will be the first targets of the Tory-led British government’s attack on our living standards.

“There are some politicians in Stormont who claim to be opposed to the Tory cuts. If they are genuinely opposed to them then they should refuse to enforce them and stand up for the disadvantaged and vulnerable.  In the struggle to defend jobs and working conditions, to protect the public services that are so important to our communities, and also in the struggle to create a new political and socio-economic order in Ireland where capitalism will be unable to prey on workers or the most vulnerable elements of society, Stormont has no progressive role to play.

Stephen concluded by stating “éirígí in Newry will continue with our Stormont Isn’t Working campaign and will not be found wanting when it comes to standing up for the working class.

éirígí Newry Voice Concern at Child Poverty figures‏

Over 80,000 children in the Six Counties are living in poverty, according to a new report published yesterday [January 10].

The report, produced by the Campaign to End Child Poverty, found that over 1 in 5 children in the statelet live below the poverty line – the point at which families struggle to pay for basic necessities such as food, heating and clothing.

That figure rises to over 2 in 5 in West Belfast (where 46 per cent of children live in poverty) and North Belfast (41 per cent), with Derry close behind at 36 per cent and Newry & Mourne coming in at 25 per cent.

The report also reveals that there are now more children in households without work and in households where only some of the adults have jobs.

Commenting on the report, éirígi condemned the dire situation in which more and more families are finding themselves.

A spokesperson for the party said “It’s disgraceful that families are being forced to choose between feeding themselves or heating their homes, and it’s a situation that’s more common than many people are willing to admit.

“This already intolerable situation will only worsen as our communities feel the bite of the Tory cuts agenda. People in work are having their pay frozen or reduced and, and people in receipt of benefits are finding these slashed. Add to this that more people are finding that their income cannot keep up with inflation and it’s clear that many families are struggling to afford even the basics.

“The cabinet of millionaires in Westminster will not have to face these circumstances, neither will the Stormont politicians who are just getting by on their £43,000-a-year ‘poverty’ pay.”

The spokesperson concluded “The most vulnerable are suffering the most from the regressive economic policies of the Tories. This sorry state of affairs will continue only as long as people allow it. Workers are facing further attacks on pay and conditions, and people on benefits and tax credits will see all of these schemes cut as the British government and its Stormont administration continue with their austerity economics. Now is the time to say ‘No more’ so we don’t condemn yet another generation of children to a poverty-ridden existence.”

Newry Times Interview with éirígí Newry about British policing

Given the revelations that 75% of “civilian staff” employed by the PSNI were in the force when it was called the RUC, the following interview was conducted by the Newry Times with éirígí’s Newry representative Stephen Murney 

Newry Times - How do you feel now about the Policing Board knowing that many ex-RUC officers are providing intelligence etc.. and working in what the BBC described as 'the most sensitive areas of policing'?

Stephen Murney - The revelations about the existence of continuity RUC within the so-called civilian staff of the PSNI is evidence of the completely unaccountable nature of policing structures in the Six Counties. éirígí has said all along that the Six County Policing Board and the District Policing Partnerships are nothing but paper tigers with absolutely no power to alter the ethos and impact of British policing in the North. The fact that even members of the Policing Board have admitted that they have no powers to hold these RUC veterans to account further vindicates our analysis. 

Newry Times - How do you react to these latest revelations that former members of this RUC still wield power and influence behind the scenes?

Stephen Murney - There has been no sea change in the thinking of those who control policing in the Six Counties. These people remain wedded to repressive strategies and tactics and continue to see the PSNI as the frontline of the British occupation - and that is exactly what the force is. 

The PSNI remains a routinely armed force, just like the RUC; it continues to stockpile and use deadly plastic bullets, just like the RUC; it uses repressive legislation to harass and intimidate nationalists and republicans, just like the RUC; it blocks inquiries in an attempt to hide the truth about state killings and collusion, just like the RUC. Given all this, it is hard not to conclude that the PSNI is simply the RUC under a different acronym. 

Newry Times - Do you think these revelations will harm the cooperation between the local community and the PSNI and do you think it will cause concern amongst the public?

Stephen Murney - The news that such a large numbers of RUC veterans are still serving in completely unaccountable roles will undoubtedly cause concern among members of the public, many of whom have first hand experience of repressive policing. The PSNI's tactics on the ground and the regular revelations about their unchanging strategies and personnel are leading ever greater numbers of people to reject them as an unaccountable force. 

Newry Times - Do you agree there is a need for these former RUC officers to be on the PSNI payroll right now?

Stephen Murney - The RUC was an organisation that habitually abused human rights, engaged in the torture of detainees, colluded with death squads and adopted a policy of shoot-to-kill. Those who staffed this force should be facing the prospect of prosecution for these crimes, not being given continued employment. 

Newry Times - Before this week were you aware of the former RUC officers working for the PSNI in a civilian capacity?

Stephen Murney - As recently as a number of months ago it was publicly revealed that over 50 per cent of serving PSNI officers are RUC veterans. Given this, it is no surprise that members of the RUC continue to work in such large numbers in 'civilian' roles. The culture of repression remains embedded within the PSNI - there are no better people to serve this culture than veterans of the RUC. 

Newry Times - Would it be fair to suggest that these officers are being employed through a loophole in the Patten Report which suggests the only way former RUC officers can be re-integrated into the Police is through a civilian capacity?

Stephen Murney - As was stated above, over 50 per cent of serving PSNI officers today are former RUC officers, so there is no loop hole in the Patten Report, rather there is a gaping hole which has allowed the culture of repressive policing to continue unimpeded.  Fundamentally, this is about British government policy in Ireland and there policy remains that of protecting their presence by any means necessary, including through the use of the continuity RUC.

Newry Times - Will you be lobbying, by stating the terms of Patten Report, that these ex-RUC officers should repay their redundancy lump sum now and also lobby for the closing of this loophole?

Stephen Murney - What éirígí will be doing is continuing its campaign against political and repressive policing, in Newry and elsewhere. The PSNI is an unacceptable and unaccountable force, just like the RUC. They should be opposed as such.  

Pig at the Trough

There are over 110,000 people unemployed in the six counties. Over 80,000 children are living in poverty. As harrowing as these figures may be, spare a thought for that oft maligned group also on the verge of sinking into penury – our politicians.

One man has been brave enough to champion their cause: blundering SDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell 

MP, MLA. According to Alasdair:

“We need to be very careful that our assemblies don’t turn into millionaire clubs again. Politics is not a job for life, people should be encouraged to come in and go out. It is important that ordinary people should be able to leave their job or trade to spend a period as representatives, and also be able to go back to their previous life without landing in poverty.”

The child poverty and unemployment figures are shocking, though sadly not surprising. We live in a time of global economic collapse brought, with working people around the world staring into the financial abyss. In the midst of this catastrophe this career politician, who’s been around for longer than anyone cares to remember, can think of nothing else than squeezing that extra pound out of the taxpayer to line his own pocket.

McDonnell warns against ‘millionaire clubs’. A brief look at his own financial interests would indicate that he’d be quite comfortable there. As well as his wage as an MP and an MLA (£65,766), with expenses averaging well over £150,000, McDonnell also has

• A farm in county Antrim, from which rental income is received.
• A house in Belfast, from which rental income is received.
• The Ormeau Health Centre and adjacent property, from which rental income is received.
• Arrow Travel, Belfast.
• A holiday home in Glenarriffe, county Antrim.
• He is a director of Medevol, a medical trials company.
• He is waged as a part time GP.

McDonnell’s constituents would not be surprised at his callous disregard in the face of their hardship. He is, after all, the same man who blamed the people of the Lower Ormeau Road for bringing upon themselves the massacre in Sean Graham’s bookmakers, which left five dead and a community traumatised, for refusing to lie down and accept the British state in Ireland, doing his best to absolve the unionist death squad and their handlers of any responsibility for the attack.

One of the weapons used in the attack was later handed back to the death squad responsible by the RUC. Has McDonnell raised this with his paymasters in London? Has he ever called for an inquiry into the matter? No. He remains content to blame the victims.

McDonnell embodies some of the worst aspects of Irish political culture: the vulgar money grubbing of the gombeen man coupled with the lickspittle mentality and moral cowardice of the shoneen. A truly disgusting individual.

http://www.eirigi.org/latest/latest150112.html

The British State, their Police and Security Forces (Rab Jackson, éirígí)

The police force within any society acts as a crucial component part of the state apparatus. The state itself is a network of institutions including the armed forces, the judiciary, the civil service, the church and where applicable the monarchy. It is an apparatus which has as its role the maintenance of the social, economic and political interests of the dominant classes. This explains why Fredrick Engle’s once described the state fundamentally as ‘armed bodies of men acting in defense of private property’. And if the state is the instrument of the ruling class, clearly the police force represents its cutting edge.

Much of the focus on the question of special branch is misplaced. From a republican perspective, it matters not whether special branch is amalgamated with crime branch, whether or not there is a reduction in its numbers, whether or not special branch officers are limited to shorter term postings or whether or not district policing commanders are made aware of special branch/MI5 activity in their areas. From a republican perspective, the problem lies with the existence of special branch/MI5 itself, or to be more specific, with the existence of any type of secret British police department and agenda in Ireland whatever it may be called. Palace Barracks is the site for the overseeing and directing of the ‘national interests’ and this is not negotiable.

Again on this question it is necessary to return to the nature of the state and the role of the police perform within it. As explained, the state upholds the interests of the ruling classes, with the police force acting as the cutting edge. Defense of these interests is the fundamental role of the state and its police force. Consequently, the role of a special branch/MI5 type department within or, as suggested now, alongside the police is crucial. In fact it is true to say that special branch/MI5 stands as the most important department within/alongside any police force. It is the department which gathers intelligence about the enemies of the state and acts upon it using a wide range of techniques including physical surveillance, electronic surveillance and, most importantly the recruitment and running of informants. Its role is to weaken revolutionary or subversive organizations through application of this intelligence, resulting in the killing or imprisonment of members of these organizations.

Special branch/MI5 is a secret police department with a very specific role to which the concepts of accountability and control are anathema. Certainly the policing Board itself will never be in the position to control, or be privy to all the activities of special branch/MI5 simply has no constructive role in Ireland from a Republican ideological view point. In fact they represent one of the most destructive and limiting obstacles to Republicanism and should be implacably opposed undermined and removed.

The only change of late has been a cosmetic one. This was a commitment by the then outgoing British Prime Minister Tony Blair, in the form of a letter, that the roles of MI5 and PSNI will be distinct. He qualifies this by saying “All necessary interaction between the security services and the PSNI, for example in response to the threat of international terrorism (national security), will, as directed by the chief constable, be by way of liaison”. This essentially means that MI5 is severed except when it needs to interact with the PSNI nor when it needs to use the PSNI to carry out its policies.

A ‘civic’ police force even if it wished to, has no accountability mechanisms or legal power which allows it to refuse the work handed to it by MI5. ‘civic police officers, of course will have to carry out the arrest orders on those the British deem to be desirable and they will be tasked with pushing orange marchers through areas where they’re not welcomed. Republicans who oppose British rule in Ireland and whom the British consider to be running contrary to national interests will feel the full weight of the ‘civic’ police officers. In these circumstances it will be clear that empty promises by British Ministers about the transfer of powers will not be worth the paper they’re not written on.

The implications now and in the future for republicans endorsing the policing structures in the context outlined cannot be underestimated. The conundrum for republicans must be; can you continue to oppose British state in Ireland, whilst at the same time endorsing, working within, and encouraging others to work within the legal framework of that same apparatus? Can you effectively pursue a republican agenda whilst playing by British rules designed to protect British state interests?

If and when the British state becomes threatened in Ireland, as it inevitably will at some point, from a left or republican direction, those working within its cutting edge will be compelled or directed to defend it. This means the PSNI and MI5. They will have no choice but to act thus at that point. Subsequently and tragically, those involved in British policing structures will be implied (as the SDLP have been thus far) every time the state cracks down on its opponents in order to defend the interests of its masters in the British ruling class. Every time a republican is jailed or killed, a strike is broken up, or a public protest is violently dispersed, the representatives of the republican community who support and endorse this institution and who work alongside it will be implicated in its abuses. This is the essential dilemma for republicans on this issue.

http://www.ir-news.n...jackson-eirigi/ 

éirígí New Year Statement 2012

éirígí takes the opportunity of the New Year to recognise and pay tribute to all those who supported the struggle for a free Ireland in 2011. As the New Year dawns, éirígí also wishes to restate its commitment to the overthrow of the British occupation of the Six Counties and the capitalist socio-economic system which exists on both sides the border.

For millions of people across Ireland 2011 will be remembered as a year of cutbacks, austerity, unemployment, emigration, poverty and despair. As the global capitalist crisis deepened the ruling class in both states intensified their attacks upon the weakest in society, determining that the many should pay for the greed of the few.

Willing fools in Leinster House and Stormont happily implemented the anti-social dictates of their respective masters in Berlin, Washington and London. By their actions the administrations in both failed statelets have committed a great wrong against the people of Ireland; burdening this and future generations with untold debts and deprivation. And all in order to protect the ruling elite of financiers, property developers, bankers and politicians.

2011 saw the British state attempt to further increase its malign influence in Ireland. In the Six Counties Britain’s paramilitary police continued with their campaign of harassment and intimidation of the nationalist community in general and republican activists in particular. House raids, stop and search, batons and plastic bullets were all used to intimidate and attack those who continue to resist the occupation. These activities by the PSNI provided yet more proof of the irreformable nature of British policing in Ireland. éirígí again calls on those who claimed that such reform was possible to accept the reality of the situation and withdraw their support for Britain’s paramilitary police and Britain’s legal system.

In a year that saw the thirtieth anniversary of the 1981 Hunger Strike remembered across the world the British government continued to attempt to treat republican political prisoners as criminals, resulting in an entirely predictable and justified protest by those same prisoners. éirígí reaffirms its support for the protesting prisoners in Maghaberrry Jail in 2012 and calls upon the administrations in Stormont and Westminster to grant them full political status immediately.

In the Twenty-Six Counties éirígí was to the fore of organising opposition to the state visit of Elizabeth Windsor. That opposition forced the Dublin government to mount the largest security operation in living memory, including the lock-down of much of Dublin city for up to a week. Despite the hype of the state and corporate media, the parading of Windsor through a sterile ghost city did little but reinforce the very abnormal nature of relations between Britain and Ireland. Those who joined the street protests and wider campaign of opposition to the Windsor visit followed in the footsteps of Connolly and Markievicz, who in their time led opposition to the last visit to Dublin by a British monarch. For their bravery and discipline in the face of ample provocation they are to be commended.

Internationally the struggle against the tyranny of imperialism, the markets and neo-liberalism gained much ground over the last twelve months. Countless millions across the globe took to the streets to challenge their respective ruling elites, providing real hope for the possibility of a global fight back. In the United States, Europe, the Middle East and elsewhere mass demonstrations and industrial action gave a glimpse of the possibilities that a global mass movement for justice could produce. Recognising the need for a global socialist solution to a global capitalist problem, éirígí takes the opportunity to send New Year’s solidarity greetings to all of those who fight against intolerance, discrimination and exploitation.

With Britain in control of the Six Counties and the IMF/EU/ECB in control of the Twenty-Six Counties all of Ireland is now under an effective foreign occupation for the first time in almost a century. What could not be achieved with tanks and guns has now been realised with treaties and bailouts. The agenda of these joint occupations is clear – the creation of a deeply unjust neo-liberal political, social and economic order – an order which will see an ever increasing amount of power and wealth concentrated into the hands of an ever decreasing number of people.

As 2012 begins the need for a reinvigorated Irish revolutionary republican movement has never been greater. The ideas at the core of Irish republicanism are as relevant today as they were when they first emerged in the 1790s. The vision of a free Ireland governed by the people for the people stands in stark contrast to the partitioned, occupied and deeply unequal Ireland of today. A new all-Ireland Democratic Socialist Republic represents the only viable and sustainable alternative to the division, poverty and chaos that the current system has produced.

The building of a popular movement that will deliver such a new republic is already underway. Over the coming twelve months éirígí intends to accelerate that build, by increasing its campaigns of active opposition to the British and IMF/EU/ECB occupations.

éirígí encourages those republicans who have withdrawn from active struggle to reconsider their position as a new year begins. The Irish people have rarely faced greater challenges than those that currently confront them. Your skills, experience and heart are badly needed at this juncture in our history. And to those who have never been active in struggle éirígí extends an invite to join with us in taking a stand against occupation and injustice. Together we can build a revolutionary republican movement capable of creating a new all-Ireland state – one which will genuinely guarantee the political, social and economic rights of all, regardless of their gender, religion or race.

http://www.eirigi.org/latest/latest020112.html

Vol Eddie Grant Remembered by éirígí in Newry

On Christmas Eve, éirígí in Newry held a solemn commemorative event in the Derrybeg estate to remember local IRA volunteer Eddie Grant.

While many families are preparing for the festive season local éirígí activists came together, with the family of Eddie Grant, to remember and pay tribute to the supreme sacrifice he made in the fight for liberation.

A wreath was laid on the Derrybeg monument by Eddie’s niece Jacqueline in memory of her uncle.

éirígí Newry area spokesperson Stephen Murney spoke and paid tribute to Eddie.

Stephen said, “Today we remember IRA volunteer Eddie Grant who was killed in action on Christmas Eve 1973 along with his comrade Brendan Quinn from Cloughreagh.

“We are deeply honoured to have Eddie’s family represented at this wreath laying ceremony today.

“Nicknamed ‘Starchy’ by his mates, Eddie was best known in Derrybeg as a raker, always up to devilment. He grew up with a group of friends who also took the same decision to join the ranks of Óglaigh na hÉireann. They went on to become a very effective fighting unit.

“Eddie came from an old republican family. His cousin Paul Smith died at Edentubber and his uncle John McEnerney was a Vice-Commandant of the 4th Northern Division IRA. After attending a few Republican Clubs meetings Eddie made the decision to join the IRA. No task was too great; he was always willing to volunteer for active service.

“On the 24th December 1973, Eddie and his comrade Brendan Quinn were killed in a premature explosion at Clarke’s Bar (Armaghdown) on Monaghan Street. Unfortunately a civilian was also to die with the two Volunteers.”

Murney concluded, “As a new year approaches éirígí remains fully committed to the struggle for a British withdrawal from the occupied Six Counties and the establishment of a 32-county socialist republic.

“éirígí takes this opportunity to thank its members and supporters for the commitment and energy they have displayed throughout 2011. Their sterling work across Ireland has inspired many others to become involved in the struggle for national, economic and social freedom.”

http://www.eirigi.org/latest/latest241211.html

PSNI Harassment Must Stop

éirígí in Newry have announced that it’s time to up the ante and vigorously counter PSNI harassment in the area.

This comes after a local republican approached the party having been stopped and searched an astonishing 98 times in little over a year.

éirígí’s Stephen Murney explained, “These particular stop and searches are only those where a search record has been obtained, these don’t include the numerous times when no such record was given to the victim, so it’s fair to say the actual number is much higher, well over 100 in the space of a year.

“Most of these are conducted under Sections 21 & 24 of the draconian British Justice & Security Act, which consists of your personal details and movements being recorded and a humiliating search for ammunition and wireless apparatus.

“It has also been brought to our attention that a number of times school kids as young as 14 have also been stopped and harassed in similar fashion.”

Stephen continued, “This man approached us as a result of this incessant harassment. This is just one man and the amount of search records he has received is unbelievable. There are numerous other republicans, including éirígí members, in this area who are also being stopped and searched on a regular basis.

“We have already held a number of events including protesting at the doorstep of the PSNI at Ardmore barracks, erecting banners and posters across Newry and distributed thousands of leaflets across the district. It’s time republicans in Newry took our campaign to a new level. We can’t sit back any longer and let these thugs get away with this; it’s time to up the ante and resist these thugs.

“In the New Year we will be organising several initiatives to counter this relentless campaign of harassment. One of the first things we will do is to convene a public meeting to discuss a number of issues; PSNI harassment will be a major topic at this event and we urge everyone concerned to attend to tell of their experiences and suggest ideas. We will be publishing the final details in the coming weeks.

“By doing this we can put a viable model in place where we can resist, monitor and expose the PSNI at a new level.”

Murney concluded, “I would urge all victims of similar human rights abuses to publicly come forward and expose the unchanged nature of these British paramilitaries. They should log all incidents with their solicitor and are more than welcome to contact éirígí.”

Ard Fheis Video Essay

• 
  Guest Speaker – Hugh Corcoran, Workers' Co-ops
• Guest Speaker – Phil Ferguson, Workers Party New Zealand
• John McCusker
• Guest Speaker – Tomás Ó Conghaile, Irish language activist
• Address by An Cathaoirleach Brian Leeson

 Hugh Corcoran – Workers' Co-ops

 Guest Speaker – Phil Ferguson, Workers Party New Zealand

 John McCusker

 Guest Speaker – Tomás Ó Conghaile, Irish language activist

 Address by An Cathaoirleach Brian Leeson

éirígí Ard-Fheis November 2011 – Full Report

Saturday, November 26, saw upwards of 150 people participate in Ard-Fheis éirígí, November 2011. The daylong event, which took place in the Teachers Club on Dublin’s Parnell Square, saw activists from across the country come together to rededicate themselves to the struggle for a free Ireland.

An Ard-Fheis opened with an organisational report for 2011 delivered by Runaí Ginearálta éirígí Breandán Mac Cionnatith. Reports then followed from Daithí Mac An Mháistir, Ciaran Heaphey and Pádraig Ó Meiscill, the respective heads of éirígí’s Membership, Finance and Publicity Departments. A question and answer session then completed the organisational section of An Ard-Fheis.

Next on the clár was a discussion on the issue of abortion, which saw many members give their views on this potentially divisive issue. The hour-long discussion was particularly useful as it gave party activists the opportunity to hear the views of comrades from all parts of the country. The issue will now be discussed further within the party’s local Ciorcal (branches) before the membership will decide éirígí’s position on abortion.

The head of éirígí’s Irish language department, Ursula Ní Shionnain, then presented a comprehensive draft Irish language policy paper to An Ard-Fheis, before taking questions and comment from the floor. A number of activists took the opportunity to stress the importance of the Irish language in the wider struggle for a free and independent Ireland. As is the case with all important policy and strategy issues the draft language paper will be further discussed within local Ciorcal before a vote will be taken on the adoption of same.

The second item but one before lunch saw An Ard-Fheis discuss, and vote on, motions covering a wide spectrum of issues including International Solidarity, the British occupation of the Six Counties, the current economic crisis and the cutbacks to vital public services on both sides of Britain’s border in Ireland. The full text of all motions carried by An Ard-Fheis can be accessed here.

The final business of this morning session saw the seven national party positions filled as follows, Brian Leeson (Cathaoirleach), Rab Jackson (Leas-Chathaoirleach), Breandán Mac Cionnaith (Rúnaí Ginearálta), Ciaran Heaphey and Micheál Mac Neighill (Cisteoirí x 2), Pádraig Ó Meiscill (An tOifigeach Caidrimh Phoiblí) and Daithí Mac An Mháistir (An tOifigeach Ballraíochta).

After a short lunch break An Ard-Fheis resumed with the first of three external speakers, Hugh Corcoran of Na Croisbhealaí workers’ cooperative café in Belfast. Hugh spoke of the process of establishing a co-op, of the role played by co-ops in wider political struggles internationally, and of the importance of supporting such grassroots’ worker-led initiatives.

Daithí Mac An Mháistir then took to the stage to give a short presentation on the establishment of éirígí’s new supporters organisation, Clann éirígí. Daithí explained that Clann éirígí had been established to provide a relatively easy access point to the struggle for people in Ireland and overseas. He went on to detail how membership of Clann éirígí will targeted at four main categories of people, namely, those living outside of Ireland; students in universities and colleges across Ireland; those living in Ireland in areas as where there is no established éirígí organisation and finally those who wish to formally align themselves with éirígí but who are not in a position to commit to full party membership. More about Clann éirígí will follow on this website in the coming weeks.

The second external speaker addressing the packed hall was Phil Ferguson from New Zealand. In his contribution Phil explained his own background as a political activist who came to Ireland in the 1980s to play an active role in the Irish republican struggle.

The second éirígí presentation of the afternoon saw John McCusker give the rationale behind the recent launching of a fundraising drive for an éirígí national headquarters building. He explained that the party intends to purchase a premise which will become the physical centre for a resurgent militant Irish republicanism, a base within which a wide range of administrative, campaigning, publicity and educational activities can take place. Further details of éirígí’s National Headquarters Fund will follow on this website over the coming weeks.

The third and final external speaker, Irish language activist Tomás Ó Conghaile, then spoke to An Ard-Fheis. He spoke about the work of the Irish language movement, and the importance of the language in the context of the struggle for the reconquest of Ireland.

The final speaker of the day, Cathaoirleach éirígí Brian Leeson, was then introduced to An Ard-Fheis by éirígí Dublin City Councillor Louise Minihan. In his address, Brian looked back on the local elections in the Six Counties and the state visit of Elizabeth Windsor, both of which took place in May of this year. He congratulated and thanked those who voted for éirígí and those who took to the streets of Dublin to oppose the British royal visit.

Brian then went on to talk about the current state of republicanism and the socio-economic crisis that is gripping all parts of Ireland. He asked those present to consider the possibilities that the current situation might hold for the building of a revolutionary socialist republican movement and the role that they might play in realising that potential.

When Brian’s speech completed a rendition of Amhrán na bhFiann brought a memorable and successful Ard-Fheis to a close.

 http://www.eirigi.org/latest/latest111211.html

Motions

An Teanga

Motion No 1
This Ard Fheis

1. Views the failure of the Stormont Executive to properly legislate for Acht na Gaeilge as a deliberate attempt to undermine the rights of Irish speakers and an attempt to stifle further language growth in the Six Counties.
2. Believes that the current policies being implemented by the Dublin government will have long-term negative consequences for the promotion and potential growth of An Gaeilge and will threaten the future sustainability of existing Gaeltacht communities.

Abortion/Termination

Motion No 2
This Ard Fheis

Accepts the reasons for the delay in the Ard Fheis mandated discussion on the issue of abortion/termination and welcomes the recent publication of internal party documentation as a prelude to a widespread discussion and debate within the party on this issue.

Policy Development

Motion No 3
This Ard Fheis

Commits éirígí to a process of ongoing policy formulation and mandates An Ciorcal Náisiúnta to oversee this important factor in the party's overall development as a matter of priority.

Organisation

Motion No 4
This Ard Fheis

1. Supports the proposed amendment to section 4.4 of Bunreacht éirígí to read:
   Through the contesting of elections where the contesting of such elections is deemed to advance éirígí's objectives. Decisions relating to the contesting of elections and participation in institutions to which members are elected shall be made by the membership at Ard Fheis or Ciorcal Aitiúil.

Motion No 5
This Ard Fheis

1. Endorses the efforts made by An Ciorcal Náisiúnta to secure an éirígí national headquarters.
2. Commits all members and party units to actively supporting those efforts.

Motion No 6
This Ard Fheis

Commits An Ciorcal Náisiúnta to organising a minimum of four major internal national party events annually.

Motion No 7
This Ard Fheis recognises the importance of popularising socialist republican politics and as part of this process proposes over the coming year to:

1. Re-publish its position paper ‘From Socialism Alone Can the Salvation of Ireland Come’ and to distribute it widely at party events locally, regionally and nationally;
2. Commence publishing pamphlets at regular intervals that encompass both historic events and issues as well as contemporary political, socio-economic, and cultural campaigns and issues;
3. Encourages the party at local and regional level to holding publicly advertised meetings on a regular basis.

British Occupation

Motion No 8
This Ard Fheis

1. Commends all of those who have supported éirígí's campaign for a British withdrawal over the last twelve months. Their steadfastness in the face of intense harassment by the forces of the Six and Twenty Six Counties is to be commended.
2. Notes with deep concern the ongoing use of draconian legislation in both the Six and Twenty Six Counties and, in particular, condemns the clearly politically inspired targeting of our party members and supporters.

Motion No 9
This Ard Fheis

1. Condemns the Dublin government for their display of grovelling servitude during the state visit of Elizabeth Windsor to the Twenty Six Counties.
2. Pays tribute to the hundreds of citizens who joined with éirígí to oppose the state visit of Elizabeth Windsor to the Twenty Six Counties.

Motion No 10
This Ard Fheis

1. Notes with deep concern the ongoing use of plastic bullets by the British police in the occupied Six Counties.
2. Rejects the assertion that plastic bullets are a legitimate 'non-lethal' weapon.
3. Reiterates its call for the immediate banning of plastic bullets across Ireland.

Motion No 11
This Ard Fheis

Pays tribute to the commitment and dedication of the family of the late Pat Finucane, the Ballymurphy Massacre Campaign and all others who campaign for the truth in relation to Britain's official and unofficial death squads in Ireland.

Political Prisoners

Motion No 12
This Ard Fheis

1. Calls for the immediate release of all Irish republican political prisoners.
2. Extends solidarity greetings to all Irish republican political prisoners imprisoned in Ireland and overseas.
3. Calls for an end to the human rights abuse, including strip searching, of republican political prisoners in Maghaberry Prison.
4. Supports the republican political prisoners in Maghaberry in their demand for the implementation of the August 2010 Agreement.

Natural Resources

Motion No 13
This Ard Fheis

1. Condemns the recent granting of 13 offshore exploration licences in the Atlantic Margin, by Twenty Six County minister of Communications and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte, as a further surrender of Ireland's natural resources to private corporate interests.
2. Recognises that under the current licencing terms, the state's take from its vast oil and gas reserves will be extremely low, offers no security of supply as companies can export these resources or sell them back to consumers on the domestic market at full market price
3. Believes that the people of Ireland should control and enjoy the benefits of its natural resources and therefore calls for the nationalisation of Ireland's vast oil and gas reserves and the establishment of a state oil and gas exploration company.
4. Pledges its continuing support for the Shell to Sea campaign and recognises the commitment and steadfastness of the community in Rossport and the Rossport Solidarity Camp in opposing the continuing occupation of north-west Mayo by Shell Oil.

International

Motion No 14
This Ard Fheis

1. Reaffirms éirígí's position that the struggle for national, economic, political and social freedom in Ireland cannot be understood in isolation from the wider struggle for freedom and justice internationally.
2. Restates its firm belief that the realisation of a just international political order can only be achieved through the overthrow of the global system of imperialism and capitalism and its replacement by a system based upon the fundamental tenets of socialism.
3. Once again takes the opportunity to extend fraternal solidarity and revolutionary greetings to all of those individuals and organisations that struggle for national, economic, political and social freedom across the globe.
4. Extends special solidarity greetings to the peoples and revolutionary movements of Colombia, Cuba and Venezuela.

Motion No 15
This Ard Fheis

1. Reiterates éirígí's support for the Palestinian people in their struggle for freedom and self-determination
2. Takes this opportunity to once again extend fraternal greetings and solidarity to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine as it struggles for the creation of an independent, secular and socialist Palestinian state,
3. Calls for the release of all Palestinian political prisoners, and in particular, calls for the immediate release of Comrade Ahmad Sa'adat, General Secretary of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.

Motion No 16
This Ard Fheis

Stands in solidarity with the Scottish people in their continuing struggle for national liberation, and views a positive outcome to the proposed 'referendum on independence' as one means of galvanising support behind the demand for full political and economic independence in the pursuit of the final goal of a Scottish Worker's Republic.

Motion No 17
This Ard Fheis

1. Notes that a commitment given at the January 2011 Ard Fheis to organise a major public conference on an international theme was not fulfilled. Mandates the incoming Ciorcal Náisiúnta to ensure that at least one such conference occurs during 2012.
2. Mandates the incoming Ciorcal Náisiúnta to continue its work to develop further links with relevant progressive individuals and organisations across the globe.

Religious Sectarianism and Racism

Motion No 18
This Ard Fheis

1. Condemns sectarian attacks in general and the concerted sectarian attacks on the community of the Short Strand earlier this year in particular.
2. Notes with deep concern the rise in racially motivated attacks across Ireland.
3. Condemns all racially and religiously motivated attacks, from whatever quarter they emanate.

Socio-Economic

Motion No 19
This Ard Fheis

1. Condemns the Dublin government for the ongoing cutback budgets, which penalise working class communities, the poor, the sick and other vulnerable sectors of society.
2. Is appalled that public services are targeted to bear the brunt of the Dublin government's plans to reduce the public debt which resulted from the bail-out of banks and financial institutions.
3. Rejects any notion that working people and their families should be subjected to severe austerity measures in order to pay for an economic crisis created through an unrelenting pursuit of super-profits by private financial institutions and property speculators.
4. Commits éirígí to a campaign of vigorous and sustained opposition to the interference of the International Monetary Fund and the European Union in Irish affairs.

Motion No 20
This Ard Fheis

1. Recognises that the introduction, next January, of a €100 household tax in the Twenty Six Counties represents yet another Dublin government attempt to force the working class to pay the private gambling debts of bankers and speculators.
2. Acknowledges that this is simply the beginning of a series of new taxes that will be imposed on households in the Twenty Six counties as part of the EU/IMF deal
3. Calls for a boycott of this unjust tax and pledges its active support for the No Household and Water Tax campaign

Motion No 21
This Ard Fheis

1. Re-asserts the view that the primary purpose of the Stormont Assembly and Executive is to administer and implement British government policy in the Six Counties.
2. Recognises that the Stormont Executive willing agreement to implement cut-backs in public sector expenditure amounting to over £4 billion will increase even further the already unacceptably high levels of unemployment and social and economic disadvantage in the Six Counties.
3. Views as duplicitous and deceitful, the consensus within the Stormont Executive of actively advocating a reduction in corporation tax levels while penalising workers and the less well-off in society.

Motion No 22
This Ard Fheis

1. Is deeply concerned at the lack of action by the trade union leaderships in campaigning against cuts which already have hit living standards extremely harshly, cost thousands of jobs and damaged public services across Ireland.
2. Encourages the general membership of the trade union movement to actively reclaim their movement from a failed elitist leadership that shows little interest in defending the interests of the working class.
3. Supports and endorses those calls from grass-roots trades unionists for strike actions as a means of fighting back against the austerity measures being imposed on the working class across Ireland.
4. Re-commits éirígí to joining with trades unionists, community and voluntary organisations and other progressive groupings in building grass-roots opposition to the cut backs being imposed by the Dublin government and Stormont Executive that are targeting the less well off and most vulnerable in our society.