éirígí have organised a demonstration on Wednesday (May 18th) to coincide with the wreath laying ceremony which will take place at the war memorial gardens at Islandbridge as part of the Windsor visit.
The protest, which will assemble at 12 noon at Kilmainham jail has been organised following revelations that five UDA Brigadiers and a couple of dozen of their henchmen have been invited and will attend the ceremony.
Announcing the protest. éirígí Dublin city councillor Louise Minihan said: “The decision to invite unionist death squad leaders to this event rubs salt in the wounds of the families of their victims.”
She added: “Given the nature of the event at Islandbridge, eirigi had decided originally not to organise any protest at it. The decision to invite the UDA sectarian murder gangs to this ceremony changes all that. As a result éirígí have organised a demonstration which will assemble at Kilmainham jail at 12 noon on Wednesday before proceeding to the war memorial gardens.”
éirígi Dublin City Councillor Louise Minihan has revealed details of éirígi's alternative wreath laying ceremony tomorrow (Tuesday May 17) at the location of the final headquarters of the 1916 rising to coincide with the Windsor ceremony at the Garden of Remembrance.
éirígí Dublin City Cllr Louise Minihan
She was speaking following yesterday's (Sun May 15th) protest at the top of O'Connell Street in Dublin against the upcoming visit.
Despite a massive security operation and weeks of black propaganda and harassment between 150-200 people took part in yesterdays demonstration. It was organised with the intention of establishing an Irish Freedom Camp at the Garden of Remembrance in advance of the Windsor visit. However, hundreds of Gardaí were mobilised to prevent this happening and to deny citizens access to their streets and this memorial which is dedicated to the memory of those who were killed by the British military fighting for Irish freedom.
The events were chaired by Ursula Ní Shionnan. Amongst those who spoke at the demonstration were éirígí Chairperson Brian Leeson and Fermanagh Independent Republican Councillor Bernice Swift, who is a spokesperson for Fírinne, the campaign group for families of victims of British state murder. Music was provided by Belfast singer/songwriter Pól Mac Adaim.
Fermanagh Independent Socialist Republican Cllr Bernice Swift
éirígí activists from Counties Sligo, Donegal and Fermanagh were among those taking part in yesterdays protest.
At 1pm tomorrow éirígí will hold a wreath-laying ceremony at No 16 Moore Street in Dublin – the location of the final headquarters of the 1916 rising. Following the wreath-laying ceremony the protest will then move as close to the Garden of Remembrance as possible.
Cllr Minihan said: “No element of this weeks visit by the British head of state has caused as much outrage as her planned visit to the Garden of Remembrance. The monument is dedicated to all of those who have died in the struggle for Irish freedom. In other words, the garden is dedicated to those who have been killed by Britain – the same Britain that continues to occupy the Six Counties and the same Britain of which Windsor is the head of state.”
“What other state in the world would invite the Commander-in-Chief of an occupying army to visit a freedom memorial while that occupation is still ongoing? And to add insult to injury the Windsor wreath-laying ceremony at the Garden of Remembrance is set to take place on May 17th – the thirty-seventh anniversary of the Dublin/Monaghan bombings.”
“The stage is now set for the Commander-in-Chief of those who planted the Dublin and Monaghan car bombs to pass within metres of where one of those bombs killed eleven innocent people. To this day the British state denies all involvement in the Dublin/Monaghan bombings whilst simultaneously blocking all efforts to get to the truth of what happened on May 17th 1974.”
Cllr Minihan concluded by inviting people to participate in éirígí's wreath laying ceremony and protest against the Windsor visit to the Garden of Remembrance.
“Tomorrow at 1pm we will be holding an alternative wreath-laying ceremony at No 16 Moore Street in Dublin which is the location of the final headquarters of the 1916 rising. Following the ceremony the protest will then move as close to the Garden of Remembrance as possible. All are welcome and we urge people to bring whistles, fog-horns, bin lids and drums and anything else that will make a racket! 10,000 Gardaí and soldiers might prevent Windsor from seeing any protests but they can’t prevent her from hearing them.”
Following yesterdays protest éirígí Sligeach activist Gerry Casey made a special appeal to people in the north-west to make their opposition to this shameful visit known in whatever way possible. He also urged people, if at all possible, to take part in some or all of the upcoming protests which are taking place in Dublin tomorrow and Wednesday.
Casey said: "This visit is an attempt to copper-fasten partition and normalise the continued occupation of the six-counties. But there is nothing 'normal' about the continued denial of freedom and self determination to the Irish people. There is nothing normal about 5000 British soldiers, 9000 armed paramilitary RUC/PSNI personnel and hundreds of MI5 operatives who continue to occupy part of our island."
"There is also nothing normal about the massive security operation currently taking place at tax payers expense in Dublin. Many places are in total lockdown with citizens been prevented going about their lawful business and been subjected to random and illegal stop and searches by Gardai."
"Over recent weeks we have seen a concerted campaign of intimidation by all arms of the state against political activists organising resistance to this visit. While the 26 county state portrays itself as democratic and one which upholds the right to protest and the right to free assembly, the decision by the Gardai to prevent a legitimate peaceful protest taking place yesterday at the Garden of Remembrance shows once again the true nature of this so-called 'democracy'."
Casey concluded: "If at all possible, I would urge people from throughout the north-west to make their way to Dublin and join the protests against the visit. We need to show the world that the sectarian English Monarch and Commander in Chief of the British military is not welcome in our country.
The socialist republican party éirígí have condemned the decision to invite unionist death squad leaders to a wreath laying ceremony in Dublin as part of the visit by the British Head of state Elizabeth Windsor. They also confirmed that in response they will be organising a protest when the ceremony takes place.
Chairperson of éirígí Brian Leeson was responding to revelations today that five Brigadiers and a couple of dozen henchmen from the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) have received special invites to the planned wreath laying ceremony at Islandbridge on Wednesday.
Mr Leeson said: “This is an outrageous decision. Those organising this entire visit are intent on heaping insult after insult on the people of this city and indeed the entire country.”
“These people are the leaders of the sectarian UDA/UFF death squads. They are responsible for the sustained and deliberate campaign of sectarian murders against nationalist civilians over decades throughout the six counties and indeed here in the twenty six counties also.”
“It is bad enough that they invite Windsor, the Commander in Chief of the British military who, in collusion with loyalist death squads were responsible for the Dublin/Monaghan bombings. Now they want to rub salt in the wounds of the victims families by inviting the loyalist death squads themselves as special guests to Dublin.”
Mr Leeson concluded: “In order to allow the people of Dublin and elsewhere the opportunity to show their disgust at the presence of these death squad leaders as special guests in our capital city, éirígí will now hold a protest at the Islandbridge ceremony on Wednesday.”
Below are audio clips of interviews carried on Ocean Fm radio in relation to the upcoming state visit by the Commander in chief of the British army and so-called 'British Queen' Elizabeth Windsor.
The first is éirígí Sligeach activist Gerry Casey being interviewed this morning (Fri May 13) on Ocean FM's North West Today Current Affairs Programme about éirígí's planned protests against the visit.
The second is a very brief interview (sound bite) by Gerry Casey which was carried on Ocean FM news yesterday (Thurs May 12)
éirígí activists from counties Sligo, Donegal and Fermanagh will be among those taking part in planned protests against next weeks visit to the 26-counties by the British head of State Elizabeth Windsor.
Urging socialists, republicans and democrats from throughout Ireland to join the protests, éirígí Sligeach activist Gerry Casey said that with sufficient numbers on the streets the itinerary of the so-called British queen can be disrupted including the planned visit to the Garden of Remembrance.
Casey said: “Next Tuesday (May 17th) Windsor will begin her time in Dublin with a visit to the garden which is dedicated to the memory of all those who died fighting British rule in Ireland. In order to prevent her from reaching the Garden éirígí will establish an 'Irish Freedom Camp' at the Garden of Remembrance this Sunday (May 15th) at 3pm.”
“Party activists from throughout the north west will be among those who will remain in place until the planned arrival of Windsor two days later. If the numbers taking part are sufficiently high, we can prevent her and her entourage from reaching the gardens and sullying the memory of those who died fighting her troops. With this in mind, I would urge everyone from right across Ireland who considers themselves a socialist, republican or democrat to join us at the Irish Freedom camp and other protests during this visit.”
He added: “The following day (Wed May 18th) the Fine Gael/Labour coalition will host a lavish banquet in Dublin Castle to honour Windsor. Hundreds of Ireland's wealthy political and business elite will dine on the best of food and wine as working class communities continue to struggle to keep a roof over their heads and food on their tables. Even more sickening is the fact that it is all of us, the tax-payer, that will pay for this display of over indulgence and greed, with this banquet and the entire visit believed to be costing in the region of €20 million.”
“A protest march to oppose this 'royal banquet' will assemble at the site of Robert Emmett's execution at St Catherine's Church, Thomas Street at 5pm on Wednesday May 18th before proceeding to Dublin Castle. Many of those who will gorge themselves at this banquet are the very same people that have handed over one part of our country to Britain and the rest of it to the banks, the IMF and the EU. While people continue to lose their jobs and homes, while our younger generations emigrate in search of work and hope, the ruling class continues to live it up and party at our expense.”
Casey concluded: “Five thousand of Windsor's soldiers, thousands more armed paramilitary police and hundreds of MI5 personnel continue to occupy and operate in part of our country. Her troops also continue to occupy and massacre civilians in Afghanistan. She and her family are parasites who live their lives of luxury and grotesque excess off the labour of the working people whom they consider their 'subjects'. We should not be welcoming her to our shores. Let us take to the streets in massive numbers and show the world that Windsor, and everything her family and the monarchy stand for, are not welcome in Ireland.”
éirígí Sligeach activist Gerry Casey has said that the West Belfast result from last week's local government elections in the six-counties was clear evidence of the ever increasing support for éirígí and its socialist republican analysis. He was speaking following the count in Belfast yesterday (Monday) where éirígí candidates received more than 2000 votes in West Belfast.
Pádraic Mac Coitir, who was standing in the Upper Falls constituency, polled 1,415 votes [11.3 per cent], while John McCusker, who was standing in the Lower Falls constituency, polled 647 votes [6.6 per cent].
Congratulating the two candidates and those party activists and supporters who worked tirelessly during this campaign, Casey said that this was yet another step forward in the resurgence of a movement for a Socialist Republic.
He said: "The decision of the party to contest this election, our first electoral outing, was only taken at our recent Ard Fheis at the end of January (see here). And while others used vast financial resources, black propaganda and even intimidation to counter our challenge, more than 2000 people seen through this deceit and voted for éirígí and the issues we brought to this campaign - an end to British rule, an end to poverty and the creation of a socialist republic."
"Yesterday's result shows clearly that éirígi's Socialist Republican analysis is gaining support in significant numbers. And while the party has always been consistent in its view that the aim of a socialist republic will not be attained through the ballot box, to attain such a sizeable vote on our first election is very significant indeed." (To read our Policy Document 'Elections, Elected Institutions & Ireland's Revolutionary Struggle' click here)
At the conclusion of the count, Lower Falls candidate John McCusker said: “Despite claims to the contrary, it has now been proven beyond fear of contradiction that éirígí has a large support base in west Belfast."
“Last Thursday, more than 2,000 people took the effort to go out and declare their support for éirígí, its strategy and the politics of socialist republicanism. On behalf of éirígí, I would like to thank these people and encourage them to get onto the streets in opposition to the cuts in the time ahead."
“The republican struggle is, slowly but surely, being rebuilt and today was another positive development in that process. éirígí brought to this election the politics of socialist republicanism and the dedication and determination of our members and supporters. We are proud of our campaign and the result it has achieved."
“éirígí will continue to campaign for the rights of the working people of west Belfast and for the political, social and economic liberation of all the working people of this country.”
Pádraic Mac Coitir added: “When éirígí entered this election campaign, its objective was to demonstrate a significant support base for socialist republican politics in west Belfast. Today, it is undeniable that such a support base exists in large numbers."
“I would like to thank all those republicans and socialists who came out to vote for éirígí and the politics we espouse. A vote for éirígí was a vote against the cuts, a vote against partition and a vote for a radical socialist republican alternative; large numbers of people have responded to that message in a positive manner."
“I would also like to thank the many, many republican activists who devoted so much time over the last number of weeks in fighting an effective, coherent campaign for éirígí. The contribution from every single one of them was invaluable.”
He continued: “We must organise on the streets, in our communities and in our workplaces to build a movement for real change. We hope that all those who voted éirígí in this election, and the massive amounts of people who decided not to vote, will join this campaign in the time ahead."
"Today, the support for a radical, socialist republican alternative has been demonstrated unequivocally.”
The socialist republican party éirígí have accused Dublin City Council of political censorship in advance of the upcoming state visits by Elizabeth Windsor and Barack Obama.
The party were responding to the revelation today that Dublin City Council have imposed an unprecedented blanket ban on the erection of posters in the entirety of Dublin City from May 15th to May 25th.
éirígí Dublin City Councillor Louise Minihan said the decision is outrageous and must be reversed immediately.
Cllr Minihan said: “This is an outrageous attack on the right to freedom of political expression, the right to organise politically and the right to assembly. It is a politically motivated decision with far reaching
consequences for a wide variety of individuals and organisations who rely on postering to advertise their activities. Trade unions and community groups are amongst those who, alongside political organisations, will be hit by this blanket ban.”
“This dictat is a politically motivated decision introduced with the specific intention to hinder the organisation of protests against the Windsor and Obama visits later this month. No such political censorship was imposed by the council during state visits by other country's leaders including the most recent visit by Monaco's Head of State.”
Cllr Minihan concluded: “I am now calling on all Dublin City Councillors to publicly declare their position on this attempt to stifle legitimate political activity in Dublin city. I would also urge the Trade Union movement, community groups and all those who support the right to freedom of expression and the right to protest to resist this blatant attempt at political censorship by the City Council and demand its immediate reversal.”
The socialist republican party éirígí have revealed further details of their planned protests against the upcoming Elizabeth Windsor visit later this month.
At 3pm on Sunday May 15th éirígí will establish the Irish Freedom Camp at the Garden of Remembrance on Parnell Square. The freedom camp is being established to defend the memories of those who died in the fight for Irish freedom and the integrity of the ongoing struggle against British rule in the Six Counties.
Windsor is scheduled to visit the garden on the day of her arrival in Dublin (TuesdayMay 17). The freedom camp will remain in place from the afternoon of May 15th until Windsor arrives on Tuesday May 17th.
The second éirígí-organised protest will take place as Windsor attends a lavish banquet in her honour in Dublin Castle on the evening of May 18th. The March on Dublin Castle will assemble at the site of Robert Emmet’s execution, beside St Catherine’s Church on Thomas Street, at 5.30pm on Wednesday May 18th.
Cathaoirleach éirígí Brian Leeson urged as many people as possible to join the Irish Freedom Camp.
He said: “Those planning to bring Elizabeth Windsor to the Garden of Remembrance hope it will mark the culmination of a forty year policy of ‘normalisation’ of the British occupation of Ireland. They intend to cynically use the memories of those who have fallen fighting for freedom to betray the very dream for which they died.”
"The least we can do is defend their memories and the integrity of their cause. Their fight was for a free Ireland, all thirty-two counties of it, yet 5000 British soldiers remain stationed on Irish soil, just one hour from Dublin.”
“If Windsor succeeds in visiting the Garden of Remembrance it will mark a black day for Dublin and for Ireland. The objective of the Irish Freedom Camp is to prevent the Windsor wreath-laying ceremony from taking place. If sufficient numbers of people join the protest the state will be forced to cancel Windsor’s
visit to this most important of freedom monuments. We hope that the people of Dublin’s north inner city in particular will follow in the great republican tradition of that part of Dublin and join the Irish Freedom Camp.”
In relation to the March on Dublin Castle éirígí Dublin City Councillor Louise Minihan said that the planned banquet smacked of the arrogance that defines the political establishment in the Twenty-Six County state.
She said: ‘It is fitting that Dublin Castle is to host this night of excess. For centuries it served as the headquarters of the British occupation, a place to be feared and loathed in equal measure. And now in 2011 the British occupiers are to be lauded within its halls by the gombeen politicians and gangster bosses of the Twenty-Six Counties.”
‘And it is fitting too that our march on Dublin Castle will assemble at the site of Robert Emmet’s execution on Thomas Street. The contrast between Emmet's cause and what the Windsor banquet represents could not be more extreme.”
‘We are asking the people from all across Dublin and the rest of the country to join us for the March on Dublin Castle. For generations the ruling elite have neglected these communities and treated them like second class citizens. Now, at the height of the worst economic crisis in generations they decide to hold the most lavish of state banquets and spend countless millions entertaining Windsor and her entourage. And they are doing it within a stone’s throw of the very communities that are suffering the most because of the current cutbacks. It’s time for people to get on the streets for a protest that cannot be ignored and will not be forgotten.” ENDS
