Gerry Adams's Blog, page 9

Fr. Alec Reid: Making Magic at the Ard Fheis

 

Fr. Alec Reid

Next Wednesday – 22 November –will mark the tenth anniversary of the death of Father Alec Reid. It is amatter of wonderment that a decade has passed since he left us. Studentsof the Irish peace process will know that Alec was a central figure in oursearch for peace. He and Fr. Des Wilson were key to the beginning of thatprocess. I won’t deal in this column with all the twists and turns ofthose times or the stubborn refusal for decades of the establishments,British and Irish, to embrace dialogue. Fr Alec and Des helped to changethat. And much more. This column reflects on some of Fr Alec’s qualities.

First of all Alec was an innovatorand in many ways a free spirit. He was a priest so he believed in God but hisGod was not a distant supreme force.  His God was in everyoneand Alec believed that everyone deserved to be treated properly. In hisview the work of God – and therefore the work of the priest - was to beamong people upholding their rights. Fr Alec’s work with the Traveller Communityin Belfast was a great example of this. 

He was a friend to the people likethe Traveller families who were victimised. He also believed that‘ordinary’ people had a great wealth of goodness, wisdom and experience.Especially women. He developed this thinking and formed a view that theChurch’s attitude to women was wrong.

He believed the Holy Spirit works inus all. “Do your best and don’t blame yourself. It will work out if you give it100 percent. It’s over then to the Holy Spirit.” Having said that he was like aterrier, never giving up. He found ways to engage with people in powerfulpositions from Taoisigh, Ambassadors, senior Government and political leaders.His work with John Hume was central to all that followed. 

He was also personally brave. Hispresence on the streets in very dangerous times especially during the Battle ofthe Funerals in the mid and late 80s is proof of that. Photos of toughinteractions between family, neighbours and comrades of Republican dead and theRUC and the British Army, when the Church Hierarchy sided with theoppressors, often feature Fr. Alec in the midst of the throng trying to calmthings down.

His main peace-making principles arebased on the dignity of the human being and the right of everyone to be treatedproperly and with respect – do onto others as you would do on to yourself.And the primacy of dialogue.  He was a good listener. And alwayswilling to reach out for advice from whoever he thought might be of help. He also understood his role, especially the role of a go between. Many othershave made a mess of this by exaggerating their own role or the positions ofthose they engage with. Their intentions were usually good intentions but thereare lots of do gooders who made matters worse and wasted peoples’ time. Fr Aleckept everything tight and straight in his role as go between even though hiswork was not confined to this.

He had a good sense of humour. Heliked people. He enjoyed company, particularly the relationships he built withworking people including working class loyalists and republicans. He lovedGaelic games, especially hurling. He liked being out and about. He and I usedto walk together when his health allowed him.  His roots were in Tipperary– he played minor hurling there but he supported Dublin as well in thefootball. The Rice brothers of Éire Óg were often called upon to get him CrokePark tickets. He used to come to our house on Christmas Eve to enjoy thecraic and banter with our other festive visitors. He and Colette were good friends. 

He was very respectful about hisfellow priests although he skirted around them if they were slow or reluctantor disapproving of his work. “Fr ….. is too holy.” He remarked to me one day byway of explanation for the perceived shortcomings of a brotherpriest 

He could also be very impatient atthe ‘great and the good’ and angry at their double standards. He was veryinfluenced by Fr. Des Wilson. Alec probably would not have survived as adiocesan priest.  The Redemptorists gave him space and ‘protection’ to dohis work. He tried to institutionalise this within the Order, particularly inClonard. So he was aware of the need to structure his work and for the churchleadership to face up to its responsibilities to fulfil its mission by dealingwith issues of justice, equality and rights. He became very aware of theshortcomings of the Church and of its controlling nature and its leadership’ssubservient relationship with and as part of the establishment.

He was proud to be a priest. Thescandals of child abuse wounded him greatly. He told me he missed not beingable to be in the company of children or to give a child a hug because of howthat might be misconstrued. But he always wore his clerical collarpublicly in defiance during those difficult times for good priests.

In our troubled world today his peacemaking principles remain totally relevant.  For sure we would not havedeveloped our peace process when we did without Father Alec. Go ndeanfaidh Diatrocaire air.

 

The Palestinian Ambassador - Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid

Makingmagic at the Ard Fheis

There have been Sinn Féin ArdFheiseanna that have had their special, magical moment that remains in thememory years – even decades - later. Last weekend’s Ard Fheis in Athloneproduced two such moments. The first came just before 1pm on Saturday. MattCarthy TD - the party’s spokesperson on Foreign Affairs -introduced the Palestinian Ambassador DrJilan Wahba Abdalmajid.

At the end of his remarks in which heexcoriated Israel for its countlessbreaches of international law, brutal acts of oppression, annexation, apartheidand ethnic cleansing Matt loudly chanted; “In our thousands and in ourmillions, we are all Palestinians”. As he repeated this a second time it wastaken up by the hall. By the third time everyone was applauding and shouting;“In our thousands and in our millions, we are all Palestinians.”  For anamazing moment the Ard Fheis was the heart and soul of Ireland reaching intoGaza and the West Bank as we all welcomed the Ambassador. 

Later Mary Lougave one of the best ever Presidential speeches. With four major electionslikely this year she proclaimed, “We wantto build a new Ireland. A nation home for all. A unified nation ofconfidence and compassion, talent and ingenuity, claiming our future, ourrightful place among the nations of the world. The Orange and Greenreconciled. No place for racism, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, sexism,homophobia, transphobia, or sectarianism. Where there is no them - onlyus. All of us who call Ireland home.”

Mary Lou also spoke about the Israelistate’s genocide of Palestinians.

“The Palestinian people have a rightto their homeland,” she said… the Irish government should take the lead andrefer Israel to the International Criminal Court. And send the IsraeliAmbassador home… Israel must stop its slaughter in Gaza. Hamas must release allhostages. Ceasefires must be called”.

In a speech that was riveting,confident and empowering Mary Lou spoke of the need for change and oftransforming Ireland to resolve the housing crisis, resourcing health, tacklingthe climate crisis, and much more. She called on the Irish government toestablish a Citizens’ Assembly on Unity.

And at a time when some British andUnionist politicians are trying to rewrite the terms of the unity referendum inthe Good Friday Agreement Mary Lou said: “The day is coming when everyone onthis island will have their say in referendums. Each vote counting equally, novetoes, no shifting of the goal posts. Irish Unity is the very best opportunityfor the future. In the words of Rita O’Hare, “We must keep going. A UnitedIreland lies ahead”.

Another magical moment. 

 

 

The Unity Debate is growing: Ethnic Cleansing: Crann na Saoirse

 

The UnityDebate is growing

Seven keyIrish-American organisations have announced an ‘Irish Unity Summit – For a Newand United Ireland’ to be held in New York on 1st March nextyear. This major initiative – coming as it will just before St. Patrick’s Dayand the visit to the USA of political leaders from Ireland – is being organisedby the Ancient Order of Hibernians; the Brehon Law Societies of NYC and Nassau;the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Long Island; Friends of Sinn Féin; IrishAmerican Unity Conference; the James Connolly Irish American Labor Coalition,and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. More details on the format andspeakers will be announced by the organisers later. 

On June 15 nextyear Ireland’s Future will be holding a major conference – Pathway to Change -in the SSE Arena in Belfast. Professor Brendan O’Leary, Claire Mitchel, JarlathBurns, Mary Lou McDonald and Claire Hanna are among speakers already confirmed.

Last weekQueen’s Human Rights academic and Ireland’s Future member Professor ColinHarvey was the guest speaker at an event organised by the National Committee onAmerican Foreign Policy at Fordham University in New York. Speaking on thetheme, ‘A Pathway to a new Ireland’ Colin Harvey said: “In Ireland the evidenceof an increased focus on preparations for change is everywhere. Theconstitutional conversation is moving into a much more detailed planning phaseand it is therefore essential that local and global voices for a new and unitedIreland are heard and listened to.” Professor Harvey told his audience thatthere is a particular onus on the Irish government to facilitate thepreparations for unity. 

Later duringhis visit Professor Harvey met with the Brehon Law Society. He told them thathe believes that by the end of this decade there willbe a unity referendum. 

Last week also Ireland’s Future helda packed business lunch in the Europa Hotel in Belfast. Over 300 people heardformer BBC journalist Gavin Esler speak of the potential for change. The formereditor of the Irish News Noel Doran also addressed the gathering.

And finally, two weeks ago Trade Unionists for a New Ireland (TUNUI) held a two dayconference in Belfast. It heard a range of speakers from Ireland andinternationally talk about the importance of constitutional change and ofsocial justice to any new Ireland.

The two-day event brought togetherpeople from across the island and beyond with the aim of advancingconstitutional change. Among the speakers was SIPTU deputy general secretaryGerry McCormack and Frank Connolly, author of United Nation - The Casefor Integrating Ireland.

The Chair of TUNUI Seán McElhinneysaid: " We believe that some of the worst aspects of social inequality andsocio-economic disadvantage facing working people can only be addressedproperly by changing how Ireland is governed - north and south … Constitutionalchange gives us a unique opportunity to start building something better thanthis, and we want to promote the importance of social justice in everyconversation about our future."

 

EthnicCleansing

 By the time you read thiscolumn the numbers of people killed in Gaza will have exceeded 10,000. Almosthalf of these are children. Every minute, of every hour, of every day newand dreadful images emerge from Palestine that horrify and shock.

This is not the first time that thePalestinian people have faced ethnic cleansing.  In 1948 the Nakba orCatastrophe witnessed the ethnic cleansing of almost 80% of historic Palestineby the newly established Israeli state. In the decades since then an Israeliapartheid system has dehumanised and demonised the Palestinian people.

The Palestinian people of Gaza andthe west Bank are facing a second Nakba. The settler and Israeli Army violencein the west Bank, the deliberate attacks in Gaza on hospitals, schools, theUniversity, refugee camps, bakeries, ambulances and families and the cuttingoff of fuel and food and water, is about forcing Palestinians into abandoningGaza. A recent Israeli report and public commentary by Israeli leaders haveacknowledged that Israel seeks the expulsion of all Palestinians from Gaza. AnIsraeli Government  minister Amichai Eliyahu has said nuking Gaza ‘is oneof the possibilities’ and in a remark reminiscent of ‘To Hell or Connacht’ that the Palestinians ‘can go to Ireland or deserts’. 

Last week 200academics on the island of Ireland united in demanding that Irish universitiescut ties with Israeli institutions “untilthe occupation of Palestinian territory is ended, the Palestinian rights toequality and self-determination are vindicated, and the right of Palestinianrefugees to return is facilitated.” They are right.

Several days ago Mary Lou McDonald called on the Irish government andinternational community to take action to enforce international law. She alsocalled for the Israeli Ambassador to lose her diplomatic status. Other stateshave already broken diplomatic ties with Israel.

An immediate ceasefire and the infusion of substantial international aidis now essential but we should be under no illusions. There can be no victorsthrough war in the Middle East. If the international community fails to standup for international standards and international law then what we havewitnessed in the last month will only be repeated in the future. 

 

Crann Na Saoirse. 

This is tree planting time. Again.Any month with an ‘R’ will do but it’s usually best between October andMarch. But plant your wee baby trees well before or well afterthe frost kicks in. I always try to do my planting in the Autumn so the treewill have time to settle in before Spring. Container grown trees can be plantedat any time, though they too need protected from frost  but I mostlyuse bare root or wee slips grown from seed.

I collect the seeds, mainly chestnutsand acorns from the Falls Park along with Rowan, Hazel, Hawthorn andBirch. 

Back in the day when our lives wereconsumed with endless talks  I gathered up seed from the great housesof England, like  Chequers, the  back garden of 10 DowningStreet, Leeds Castle or back home at Hillsborough, Arbour Hill or theÁras.  

There are all kinds of littleprocesses and different soil, gravel or sand mixes which you can use forbringing on your seeds but I’m a lazy gardener. I just put the seeds intoa pot of whatever loam I have to hand and let nature do its work. 

When the seeds have sprouted thesaplings can be kept in pots for years before planting out. Apart from chestnutsI plant only native species. They are good for keeping the air clean. Good fornative insects. For native birds and other creatures.  Good for theclimate and nature. Trees are also great presents. They can mark thebirth of a new baby or immortalise the memory of a fallen friend. Trees aregood for remembering the living and the dead. They are about thefuture. 

That is why Freedom Trees areimportant. Crann Na Saoirse can be planted now in the knowledge that theywill grow tall in a free Ireland.   

So why not plant your own Crann NaSaoirse. Or if you have the space or access to public land or commonage, ahill or mountain side - with permission- why not plant A FreedomForest?   Even ten or twenty trees planted two metres apart willlook well once they get going. Is there space in your housing estate? Or yourfarm? Your garden?  Your sports ground. 

Native trees are are alsogood for biodiversity. No one could object to that. So get growing.

 

 

Ceasefire Now; Wolfe Tone's Cordial Union:Pulse and Mickey Coleman

 Ceasefire Now

News from the Middle East continues to numb andoutrage and anger most people. But we cannot give up. We have a duty to thepeople of Palestine to stay focussed on the demands to Stop the War - SupportHumanitarian Initiatives - Start Peace Talks. The people of Israel andPalestine need the support of the international community. We are part ofthat community. Let us find ways to get our leaders to upholdinternational law. End the siege of Gaza. Free Palestine. 

 

WolfeTone’s Cordial Union 

Lastweek I attended an event in Parliament Buildings at Stormont, hosted by USSpecial Economic Envoy Joe Kennedy. There was a panel discussion on the impactof the Good Friday Agreement which involved myself, former DUP leader PeterRobinson; former Alliance Assembly Speaker Eileen Bell; Lady Daphne Trimble,President of the Ulster Unionist Party; and former SDLP leader Mark Durkan.First Minister designate Michelle O’Neill, DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson and UUPleader Doug Beattie were all present. 

Whilewe each brought our own narrative of that time to the conversation it wasnonetheless a positive and forward looking engagement. 

Theday before Jeffrey Donaldson said there would be no united Ireland in hislifetime and that a United Ireland cannot accommodate his Britishness. Idisagree. The fact is that political and demographic changes in recent decades;a growing disillusionment with the unionist parties; the Brexit debacle and thegrowth of Sinn Féin have contributed to increasing interest in Irish Unity. Itis also important to recall that over 70% of people in the North and over 90%in the South voted in May 1998 for an Agreement that provides for a unityreferendum and for a simple majority to determine the outcome. That providesthe democratic basis for future constitutional change.

Asfor the British identity in a United Ireland? Those of us who favour IrishUnity have repeatedly emphasised our commitment to respect the British identityof our neighbours and to accommodate that identity and its traditions in a newand shared Ireland. We are also committed to the safeguards and guarantees, containedin the Good Friday Agreement, being carried through into that newIreland. 

Thatis not just a rhetorical commitment aimed at winning unionist support for oracquiescence to Irish Unity. It is rooted in the principles and beliefs ofthose – mainly Presbyterians - who embraced Republicanism in the 18th century.

TheUnited Irish Society was founded in Belfast in October 1791. It was the firstdemocratic movement in Ireland and took its inspiration from the American andFrench Revolutions of that time. They sought solidarity between people of allreligious denominations, and political equality and Irish independence.

TheobaldWolfe Tone – who belonged to the Church of Ireland - embodied the new alliancebetween Protestants and Catholics. His writings remain relevant to thisgeneration and this time.

Tone,who served as secretary of the Catholic Committee, said his aim was: “Tounite the whole people of Ireland, to abolish the memory of all past dissensionand to substitute the common name of Irishman in place of the denominations ofProtestant, Catholic and Dissenter – these were my means.”

Infacing up to a succession of economic and political crises then created by theEnglish government Tone concluded that; “Ireland would never be eitherfree, prosperous, or happy, until she was independent, and that independencewas unattainable, whilst the connexion with England existed.”

Tobuild a new society Tone argued for a new relationship between the people ofIreland. He wrote: “the weight of English influencein the Government of this country is so great as to require a cordial unionamong all the people of Ireland, to maintain that balance which is essential tothe preservation of our liberties and the extension of our commerce.”

Asthe momentum toward a unity referendum grows and as more and more positive voicesare being heard from the unionist/British section of our people the objectiveof building a cordial union among the people of this island takes on a greatersignificance. British governments are not to be trusted in protecting therights of citizens or managing our economy. Agreements between Unionist leadersand British governments have been consistently dumped by British PrimeMinisters who time and time again have placed British self-interest abovecommitments given to unionists.

Thefuture provides an opportunity to build a new relationship between the peoplewho share this island. A new cordial union – founded on inclusion andreconciliation – on democratic agreements and respect. We are an island peoplein transition. A fundamental part of this transition must be a sustained effortto genuinely address the fears and concerns of northern unionists. As goodneighbours we must explore with them what they mean by their sense ofBritishness and how that sense of Britishness will be reflected in a new cordialunion between the people of this island. This is the future.

 

 

PULSE

Mickey Coleman , his wife Erin and their sonsMicheál and Riordan were in An Cultúrlann last week on Belfast’s Falls Road tolaunch Mickey’s new book PULSE. Peter Canavan was there also along with mé féin.I never thought I would be on a panel with Peter Canavan - one of myfootballing heroes and all Ireland champion with Tyrone. Twice. But there wewere telling yarns and sharing songs and funny stories. And a bunch of finesingers from Glassdrummond entertained us and moved everyone with theirrendition of The Brantry Boy. 

PULSE is a special book, written with DamianHarvey, and it tells Mickey’s story. Its a story of his family in Ardboe a weevillage in a beautiful part of rural Ireland beside Lough Neagh. It’s thestory  of an Irish  family of eight children, nurtured byTeresa and her husband Sean. It is a story of Mickey kicking ball on theGreen with his brothers and childhood mates and then with the localGaelic Athletic Club - O Donavon Rossa. The  heart of Ardboe.

It’s about schooldays, meeting Peter Canavanwhen he came to teach in Holy Trinity College in Cookstown. It’s about fishingon Lough Neagh with his father. About British troops. Visits to his fatherin Belfast Prison. It’s a book about music, song writing, guitar picking. Doinglocal gigs. Visiting the USA. Getting on to the county football panel.  It’sabout that brilliant first Tyrone team to win the Sam Maguire Cup. It’s aboutMickey Harte, legendary manager. It’s about Cormac Mac Anallen, oneof  Tyrone’s finest,  who died suddenly, aged just twentyfour. The Brantry Boy. 

It’s about New York. About Mickey knuckling downand working hard supported by others including Fay Devlin. About meeting ErinLoughran as she played the fiddle at a session. About Erin and Mickeymaking music together. Then making babies. 

Mickey’s business was going well. He was blessedwith a great family and friends. Immersed in the Gaeldom of New York.

Then on 29 March  2021, aged forty one,Mickey had a massive heart attack. That’s when his life ended. Thanks to Erin,his own resilience and self-awareness as he confronted his ‘widow maker’ andOrangetown police and other emergency workers, he survived. Montefiores NyackHospital did the rest and kept him alive. 

And then it was a long hard struggle for Mickey toget back to himself again. This book tells all this and much more. It isespecially poignant as Mickey recounts how he relearned what isimportant in life. It’s all here with wonderful clear and hopeful faith inlove, family, friendship, community, Ireland and humanity.  Mickey’sappeal to the reader is for us all to play our own music inappreciation of what we have - not just materially but more importantly - inour values. Because without those we have nothing. That is the essence ofPulse. Read it for yourself. I’m honoured that Mickey invited me to help launchhis story. Thank you. 

PULSE lets us know that Mickey and Erin havenever forgotten where they are from and who they are. I wish them both andtheir family the very best of good luck for the future. 

 

We are all Palestinians Now: Peacemakers

 

We are all Palestinians Now

Last week as I wrote this column all of the scéalcoming from the Israeli government and its international allies indicated thata ground invasion of Gaza was imminent. It would, according to some be a ‘surgicalstrike against Hamas’. From British government Ministers, to politicalpundits, to international allies of the Israeli government, to Israelispokespersons the aim – they say - is to destroy Hamas.

It’s all nonsense of course. The reality is thatIsrael can no more destroy Hamas than Hamas can destroy Israel.

The ground invasion has now begun. The civilian deathtoll is rising. The claim that in a military ground invasion of Gaza Israelwill be mindful of civilians is also a nonsense. In the past two decadesIsraeli attacks on and assaults into Gaza and more recently against Palestinianpeople in the west Bank have produced overwhelming evidence of an Israeliapartheid state that views Palestinians as inferior, without rights. They are,according to the Israeli Defence Minister recently, ‘human animals.’

Over the last few weeks over 100 Palestinians,including at least 30 children, have been shot dead in the west Bank by Israelisnipers. 2000 Palestinians, including many children have been wounded. As thehorrific casualty list from Gaza mounts each day events on the west Bank arerarely reported.

Even if Israel occupies the rubble of a Gaza Citylevelled by its scorched earth policy of ethnic cleansing, forcibly evicts orkills those Gazans living in the northern half of that territory, and annexesit as part of a land grab for the greater Israeli state envisioned byNetanyahu, this will all have the opposite effect its strategists arepredicting. The history of colonialism is littered with examples of oppressedpeoples emerging stronger and more determined in pursuit of their right toself-determination.

If colonialism and our own experience teaches usanything it is that Israeli actions are more likely to embolden opposition toIsraeli occupation not defeat it. Past Israeli actions, the blockade of Gazafor almost 20 years, the flouting of international law and its apartheidpolicy, have not diminished the Palestinian desire for freedom and justice.

The failure of the international community to standup for international law and to defend Palestinian rights has led us to thiscurrent nightmare.

Moreover, there is now a real danger that theconflict will extend beyond Gaza and the west Bank and embroil the region. Itmay be several decades since Arab states and Israel clashed on the battlefieldbut concern at Israeli aggression is mounting in the neighbouring states. FromLebanon to Jordan to Syria, to Iran and Egypt tensions are rising. Thereare real risks of a calamitous escalation.

It is still not too late to turn back from theabyss. It will need leadership and courage by all sides and a willingness to takehuge personal and political risks for peace. It especially demands that theinternational community defend the Palestinian people of Gaza and of the westBank.

The massive solidarity demonstrations last weekendwith the Palestinian people in Ireland and around the world can help change thenarrative. The increasing numbers of voices demanding a complete cessation byall sides and an end to the humanitarian catastrophe that is taking place inGaza, are evidence too that there remains a deep well of compassion for allvictims.

Declan Kearney, Sinn Féin National Chairperson,addressed the huge march of tens of thousands in London. He said: “Ahumanitarian catastrophe is taking place in Gaza – the likes of which we havenever seen. The world has a choice to make. To stand with the oppressed anddispossessed or Palestine, or not. We stand on the side of humanity, decency,universal democracy and international law. We are all Palestinians now.”

The Irish government is in a unique position todemand cessations and to be a voice within the international community fordialogue, ceasefires and a just settlement. The policy of neutrality andmilitary non-alignment has proven invaluable in allowing Irish governments touse the United Nations and other international bodies to win support in defenceof human rights.

Uachtarán Michael D Higgins’recent assertion that the head of the European Commission Ursulavon der Leyen was "not speaking for Ireland” when shegave unqualified support for Israel was widely welcomed. His insistence thatthe international community “retain and insist on the veracity andcogency of international law” was also supported. His remarksunderline the importance of Irish neutrality. It must not be eroded orundermined.

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine there wasanger last year at comments by Micheál Martin that suggested that the FiannaFáil/Fine Gael/Green Party government was moving away from neutrality. Martinsaid: “We need to reflect onmilitary non-alignment in Ireland and our military neutrality.” His claim that: “We don’t need a referendum to join NATO. That’s apolicy decision of government” waschallenged and criticised.

The crisis in the Middle East and the illegal andbrutal assault on the people of Gaza reinforce the imperative of the policy ofneutrality.

By remaining neutral and non-aligned to militaryalliances the Irish government has the opportunity to build on the state’spositive contributions in the United Nations and to its peace keeping role.Ireland is known for our work on peace building and the protection of humanrights and fundamental freedoms. Irish neutrality has served the island ofIreland well and is generally welcomed by the majority of states within theU.N. This is evidenced by the support it received several years ago to join theUN Security Council.

Through diplomacy, humanitarianism, peace-buildingand co-operation we have the ability to make a real difference in internationalmatters; to play an important role in an increasingly dangerous world. Byinvesting in conflict resolution rather than conflict participation the Irishgovernment can make a solid, positive contribution to de-escalating thelanguage of war, sectarianism and racism.

Neutrality is not being isolationist. It is notabout indifference. It’s not about turning our backs on the world. As theInternational Committee of the Red Cross said two days ago neutrality is a wayof helping that allows “us to reach those who need it most.”

That means condemning those who breachinternational law – whether it is Hamas or Israel – and standing up for andwith an impoverished, imprisoned Palestinian people living under the brutalrule of apartheid. Silence in this dark time is complicity in the genocide ofthe people of Gaza.

 

Peacemakers

30 yearsago last Monday an IRA bomb exploded on the Shankill Road killing nine people andIRA Volunteer Thomas Begley. It was a shocking event compounded a week laterwhen eight people were shot dead in Greysteel. These were two of manyatrocities which occurred during a quarter century of conflict in the North.Their impact on families and communities reverberates still today, as do themore than 3,000 other deaths and the thousands of injuries that resulted fromthose desperate years. The families of the dead and the injured have lived withthe consequences ever since. 

Todaywe are in a much better place. Not least because many of those who suffereddirectly from the violence became peacemakers. Citizens willing to step beyondtheir own personal tragedies and provide support and comfort to the bereavedand injured and to become advocates for peace and for justice.  We aremindful of their loss and grateful for their courage and dedication in breakingdown barriers. Alan McBride - who lost his wife Sharon and her father Desmondin the IRA bomb - is one such person. He is an example to the rest of us,including this columnist. 

 

 

Tír Chonaill Thuaidh

Bhuail mé lespéirbhean

Ar bharrportaigh

I measc nasléibhte

I dTírChonaill Thuaidh.

 

Thug sí a lamhdom

Ar bharrportaigh

I measc nasléibhte

I dTírChonaill Thuaidh.

 

Thug mé póg di

Ar bharrportaigh

I measc nasléibhte

I dTírChonaill Thuaidh.

 

Fan anseoliom,

Arsa anspéirbhean

Ar bharrportaigh

I measc nasléibhte

I dTírChonaill Thuaidh.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are all Palestinians Now: Peacemakers: Tír Chonaill Thuaidh

 We are all Palestinians Now

The ground invasion of Gaza has begun. The Israeligovernment and its international allies previously claimed that will be a ‘surgicalstrike against Hamas’. From British government Ministers, to politicalpundits, to international allies of the Israeli government, to Israelispokespersons the aim – they say - is to destroy Hamas.

It’s all nonsense of course. The reality is thatIsrael can no more destroy Hamas than Hamas can destroy Israel.

In addition, the claim that in a military groundinvasion of Gaza Israel will be mindful of civilians is also a nonsense. In thepast two decades Israeli attacks on and assaults into Gaza and more recentlyagainst Palestinian people in the west Bank have produced overwhelming evidenceof an Israeli apartheid state that views Palestinians as inferior, withoutrights. They are, according to the Israeli Defence Minister recently, ‘humananimals.’

Over the last few weeks almost 100 Palestinians,including at least 30 children, have been shot dead in the west Bank by Israelisnipers. 1300 Palestinians, including many children have been wounded. As thehorrific casualty list from Gaza mounts each day events on the west Bank arerarely reported.

Even if Israel occupies the rubble of a Gaza Citylevelled by its scorched earth policy, forcibly evicts or kills those Gazansliving in the northern half of that territory, and annexes it as part of a landgrab for the greater Israeli state envisioned by Netanyahu, this will all havethe opposite effect its strategists are predicting. The history of colonialismis littered with examples of oppressed peoples emerging stronger and moredetermined in pursuit of their right to self-determination.

If colonialism and our own experience teaches usanything it is that Israeli actions are more likely to embolden opposition toIsraeli occupation not defeat it. Past Israeli actions, the blockade of Gazafor almost 20 years, the flouting of international law and its apartheidpolicy, have not diminished the Palestinian desire for freedom and justice.

The failure of the international community to standup for international law and to defend Palestinian rights has led us to thiscurrent nightmare.

Moreover, there is now a real danger that theconflict will extend beyond Gaza and the west Bank and embroil the region. Itmay be several decades since Arab states and Israel clashed on the battlefieldbut concern at Israeli aggression is mounting in the neighbouring states. FromLebanon to Jordan to Syria, to Iran and Egypt tensions are rising. Thereare real risks of a calamitous escalation.

It is still not too late to turn back from theabyss. It will need leadership and courage by all sides and a willingness to takehuge personal and political risks for peace. It especially demands that theinternational community defend the Palestinian people of Gaza and of the westBank.

The massive solidarity demonstrations last weekendwith the Palestinian people in Ireland and around the world can help change thenarrative. The increasing numbers of voices demanding a complete cessation byall sides and an end to the humanitarian catastrophe that is taking place inGaza, are evidence too that there remains a deep well of compassion for allvictims.

Declan Kearney, Sinn Féin National Chairperson,addressed the huge march of tens of thousands in London. He said: “Ahumanitarian catastrophe is taking place in Gaza – the likes of which we havenever seen. The world has a choice to make. To stand with the oppressed anddispossessed or Palestine, or not. We stand on the side of humanity, decency,universal democracy and international law. We are all Palestinians now.”

The Irish government is in a unique position todemand cessations and to be a voice within the international community fordialogue, ceasefires and a just settlement. The policy of neutrality andmilitary non-alignment has proven invaluable in allowing Irish governments touse the United Nations and other international bodies to win support in defenceof human rights.

Uachtarán Michael D Higgins’recent assertion that the head of the European Commission Ursulavon der Leyen was "not speaking for Ireland” when shegave unqualified support for Israel was widely welcomed. His insistence thatthe international community “retain and insist on the veracity andcogency of international law” was also supported. His remarksunderline the importance of Irish neutrality. It must not be eroded orundermined.

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine there wasanger last year at comments by Micheál Martin that suggested that the FiannaFáil/Fine Gael/Green Party government was moving away from neutrality. Martinsaid: “We need to reflect onmilitary non-alignment in Ireland and our military neutrality.” His claim that: “We don’t need a referendum to join NATO. That’s apolicy decision of government” waschallenged and criticised.

The crisis in the Middle East and the illegal andbrutal assault on the people of Gaza reinforce the imperative of the policy ofneutrality.

By remaining neutral and non-aligned to militaryalliances the Irish government has the opportunity to build on the state’spositive contributions in the United Nations and to its peace keeping role.Ireland is known for our work on peace building and the protection of humanrights and fundamental freedoms. Irish neutrality has served the island ofIreland well and is generally welcomed by the majority of states within theU.N. This is evidenced by the support it received several years ago to join theUN Security Council.

Through diplomacy, humanitarianism, peace-buildingand co-operation we have the ability to make a real difference in internationalmatters; to play an important role in an increasingly dangerous world. Byinvesting in conflict resolution rather than conflict participation the Irishgovernment can make a solid, positive contribution to de-escalating thelanguage of war, sectarianism and racism.

Neutrality is not being isolationist. It is notabout indifference. It’s not about turning our backs on the world. As theInternational Committee of the Red Cross said two days ago neutrality is a wayof helping that allows “us to reach those who need it most.”

That means condemning those who breachinternational law – whether it is Hamas or Israel – and standing up for andwith an impoverished, imprisoned Palestinian people living under the brutalrule of apartheid. Silence in this dark time is complicity in the genocide ofthe people of Gaza.

 

Peacemakers

30 yearsago on Monday an IRA bomb exploded on the Shankill Road killing nine people andIRA Volunteer Thomas Begley. It was a shocking event compounded a week laterwhen eight people were shot dead in Greysteel. These were two of manyatrocities which occurred during a quarter century of conflict in the North.Their impact on families and communities reverberates still today, as do themore than 3,000 other deaths and the thousands of injuries that resulted fromthose desperate years. The families of the dead and the injured have lived withthe consequences ever since. 

Todaywe are in a much better place. Not least because many of those who suffereddirectly from the violence became peacemakers. Citizens willing to step beyondtheir own personal tragedies and provide support and comfort to the bereavedand injured and to become advocates for peace and for justice.  We aremindful of their loss and grateful for their courage and dedication in breakingdown barriers. Alan McBride - who lost his wife Sharon and her father Desmondin the IRA bomb - is one such person. He is an example to the rest of us,including this columnist. 

 

 

Tír Chonaill Thuaidh

Bhuail mé lespéirbhean

Ar bharrportaigh

I measc nasléibhte

I dTírChonaill Thuaidh.

 

Thug sí a lamhdom

Ar bharrportaigh

I measc nasléibhte

I dTírChonaill Thuaidh.

 

Thug mé póg di

Ar bharrportaigh

I measc nasléibhte

I dTírChonaill Thuaidh.

 

Fan anseoliom,

Arsa anspéirbhean

Ar bharrportaigh

I measc nasléibhte

I dTírChonaill Thuaidh.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peace Talks Now: On Being Seventy Five: More Street Art.

At the separation wall around Bethlehem 2009 

Peace Talks Now

The scale of the assault byPalestinian fighters into Israel last weekend is unparalleled. The scenes ofdeath and destruction on both sides are heart breaking. But shock and despairat more violence in that region is not the answer.

The roots of these events areto be found in the failure of the international community to take decisivesteps to defend international law, challenge Israeli aggression and itscontinued illegal occupation of Palestinian land, and to recognise the rightsof the Palestinian people.

Over the last year there havebeen increased killings of Palestinians, particularly children, by the IsraeliDefence Forces and by Israeli settlers. At the same time the theft ofPalestinian land, the existence of the Separation Wall, the growth in Israelisettlements and the destruction of Palestinian schools, homes, sources of waterand the imprisonment of thousands of prisoners, have largely been ignored bythe international community.

History teaches us that whencolonisers engage in wholesale military, political and economic repression andignore the democratic rights of citizens, this is likely to lead to conflict.This is not new. It is story of colonialism in countless states across theworld, including here in Ireland.

I warned of this potential inApril 2009 following a visit to the region. During my time in the west Bank, inJerusalem and the Gaza Strip I met a huge number of NGOs, Israeli andPalestinian human rights organisations, women’s groups, communityorganisations, a member of Kadima, and all of the main Palestinian politicalparties.

In a subsequent report of thevisit I wrote that decades “after the emergence of the Israeli state and thepartition of Palestine, and with the increasing sophistication of the weaponsof war on all sides, it is clear that no wall – however high – can providepermanent peace or security.”

I added: “Refusing to engage indialogue; demonising opponents; treating them as non-citizens; stripping themof their rights and entitlements, of their self esteem and integrity as humanbeings; engaging in censorship and vilification, makes war easier and peaceharder. It is a policy which guarantees a perpetuation of the cycle ofconflict.”

The alternative then and todayis obvious. Dialogue. Negotiations. More dialogue.

So, after the weekend’s eventwhat should happen next? In 2009 I proposed that:

·         All armed actions or threats ofarmed actions should cease immediately.

·         An inclusive process ofnegotiations should commence in which all democratic mandates are respected,clear objectives are set, and there is a fixed timeframe.

·         The siege of the Gaza Stripshould end.

·         An immediate and intensiveprogramme of reconstruction and economic development must commence.

·         The ongoing Israelicolonisation of the West Bank and the building of settlements should stop.

·         The occupation of the West Bankand the denial of freedom of movement to Palestinians in the West Bank and inthe Gaza Strip, and between the west Bank and Gaza, should end as part of theprocess to decolonise the West Bank.

·         Mutual and expeditiousco-operation between Palestinians and Israelis to enhance public safety andsecurity should commence.

·         United Nations Resolutions andInternational Law should be enforced.

These steps are even morenecessary today. 75 years after the state of Israel was established andmillions of Palestinians were forced from their homes to become refugees theimperative of achieving a political settlement is more urgent that ever.

However difficult it will bethis is the time for dialogue. The demand of the international community mustbe for an end to all violence. All those who are decrying lastweekends terrible events in the MiddleEast should organise  ainternational intervention to establish a proper negotiations process, basedupon international law. Anythingelse is unacceptable. The Irish government could and should play a leadershiprole in such an initiative.  Dialogue,dialogue is what is required. As soon as possible. Thatmeans NOW!

Thealternative is too terrible to contemplate. 

 

On Being Seventy Five. 

I  published a version of thisreflection  when I was seventy two.Following my recent 75th birthdayI  think it deserves another slightly revised outing. I might rewriteand republish it again when I ’ meighty. Who knows? 

Icelebrated my seventy fifth birthdaylast week.

Seventy five is closer to eighty

Than itis to sixty. Or fifty. Or forty. Or thirty. Or twenty.

But Iknow that 

I willnever be sixty. Or fifty. Or forty. Or thirty. Or twenty.

Everagain.

Sin é.

That’sthe way of it. 

That’slife. 

Butwill I ever be eighty? Nobody knows. That’s the mystery of it. 

Thewonder of it. The adventure of it. And the hope.

Me?

I hopeto know my grandchildren’s grandchildren.

But nottoo soon a thaiscí

That’simpossible say the naysayers.

Nothingis impossible I reply.

Contentthat 

We willfind out in the end.

Well,some of us will.

Untilthen I will try to live every day

Like itis my last day. 

Andeventually I will be right.

Butfrom now until then 

I amsure

Thebest is yet to come.

 

More Street Art. 

Gort Na Mona are leading theway in the Upper Springfield with their brightly coloured electric boxes.

 

 

David Ervine - The Man Who Swallowed A Dictionary: Street Art: Mól An Óige.

 

David Ervine - The Man Who SwallowedA Dictionary

Anyone who knew David Ervine or knowsof him will appreciate the title of Bobby Niblock’s play - The Man WhoSwallowed A Dictionary. In its humorous description of David’s style ofspeaking and wordiness it reminds us of a political leader who was an able anddetermined advocate for working class loyalism. His sudden death in January2007 at the age of 53 left a political vacuum within loyalism and widerpolitics which has never been properly filled.The Progressive Unionist Party which David led has failed to garner the popularpolitical support that it was once thought capable of under hisleadership. 

I have not yet had an opportunity tosee Bobby’s play but friends whohave thoroughly enjoyed the one-man show.They praised the script and actor Paul Garrett who successfullybrings the nuances and David’s voice to life on the stage with just twolarge books, a bushy moustache and a pipe as his props.

During the course of the negotiationsleading to the Good Friday Agreement and in the years afterward I met Davidmany times. Among otherthings we were both pipe smokers. He was also articulate, genuine, and deeply committed to his brand ofunionism. He had a goodsense of humour. He was very socialable. In Kerry in support of the projectinvolving young people from East Belfast to build a replica ofThe Jeanne Johnson - a ship used during the Great Hunger to transport starving Irishto America - David and Martin Ferris would often adjourn to alocal pub  to scull pints and chat about sport. 

But healso  had no illusions about thechallenges facing all of us as we worked to chart a course from conflict topeace. While the Ulster Unionist leaders refused to talk to Sinn Féinthroughout the negotiations leading to the Good Friday Agreement  David and his colleagues played no such games. 

An east Belfast working-classProtestant David Ervine was drawn into the loyalism at an early age. In 1972 hejoined the UVF and two years later he was imprisoned in Long Kesh forpossession of a bomb. David spent five and a half years there. When he wasreleased he was more politically and socially conscious. He wasself-assured, confident and argued for greater positivity and dialogue withinunionism. In the discussions that were taking place in the 1990s about movingfrom conflict into some sort of peace and political process David’s voice, alongwith Billy Hutchinson and others, became increasingly important andinfluential within the protestant/unionist/loyalist (PUL) community.

He often criticised unionistpolitical leaders for using loyalist paramilitaries, and the threat of loyalistviolence, as leverage in their confrontations with the British and Irishgovernments, and who then discarded them when they no longer mattered. “Ifanybody in Northern Ireland thinks that the Protestant working class communityhas benefited from the mechanisms that they [the DUP] advocate, then there issomething wrong with their heads.” Two decades later and this dangerousgame is still being played although it has to be said  many loyalistgroups go along with this despite being conscious of being used by unionistparties.

On another occasion talking aboutsectarianism he said: "Many people come from places where drawing-roomsectarianism is at its worst … and they have luxuriated and benefited associety, divided more and more, crashes on the rocks." It is a greatpity that today’s loyalists don’t see the folly of this. They continue to allowthemselves to be used.

In an interview with Danny Morrisonin 2002 David acknowledged that the conflict had its origins in the North’sone-party unionist state and the discrimination levelled against Catholics. Ata time when the issue of Irish Unity wasn’t attracting the interest it is todayDavid said that he would “accept a united Ireland if a majority in the Northvotes for it.” His preference of course was to make the North work foreveryone. His thoughts on what motivates unionism are probably more relevanttoday than they were 20 years ago when the current momentum toward Irish Unitywas not so strong. 

He told Danny: “You’ve got tounderstand how unionism works. There is a huge insecurity within unionism.Unionism really hasn’t had time to settle. They feel that the republicanagitation is never going to stop. The one thing that unionists lust for isstability. It’s the one thing they have never had.”

                At David's Funeral

Later he said: “I am what I am. I amboth Irish and British but I’m a democrat too… There’s nothing more fascistthan someone telling you what you are, especially if you perceive yourself tobe somewhat different… We are steeped in concepts of Britishness… but those whoare the legal arbiters are the people of Northern Ireland. It is absolutelylegitimate for republicans to argue the validity of a united Ireland but thenew dispensation is worthy and there should be no Plan B. My mother and fatherwere Irish, my grandparents, and very simplistically so. But there are argumentsabout the haunting mist of the 1937 Constitution that forced the unionistpeople to re-think their Irishness.”

If he were still with us we couldhave a good debate over some of this. But nonetheless today we increasingly seeprotestant/unionist voices embracing the notion of being Irish and of equalityand parity within the context of constitutional change. If David were here nowhe would be in the middle of this conversation, smoking his pipe andadvocating his views.

His sudden death in January 2007 was ashock. Alex Maskey and I attended his funeral in East Belfast. It was anopportunity to let his wife Jeanette know how much David was respected and ofour sincere gratitude for the immense contribution he made to the peace processand to the Good Friday Agreement. 

 

Street Art.

When I had the honour to represent the fine citizens of Louth and East MeathRichard and I spent a lot of time in Dublin. In between marathon shifts inTeach Laighean we used to walk the streets of the capital. Both of us were taken by theinitiatives to paint utility fittings like electric boxes with images of localor national figures, pithy slogans, landscapes, iconic landmarks  and abstract designs. 

Drab grey metal was transformed intobright eye catching and mind lifting street art. Now I see this is beingreplicated in Belfast. Naomh Pól and Rossa are leading the way. Very well done.Let’s see other clubs doing their thing. And images also of local people orflora and fauna or relics of the linen industry or butterflies, locallandmarks  and local art.

 

Mól An Óige.

If you are in Belfast between nowand November 9 call into the Gerard Dillon Gallery in AnCultúrlan McAdam Ó Fiaich on the Falls Road and marvel at the brilliance of theyoung students of Coláiste Feirste. Fair play to them all and to theirteachers. The future is bright. They are a valued and wonderful part of thearts and wider community. A credit to themselves, their families, to Belfastand Ireland. Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí

 

We must listen to each other: My Big Toe: Tom Dunn - the Peasant Patriot

 

Catherine Pollock, Catherine Cooke and Alison Wallace in Derry

We must listen to each other

Efforts by the Britishgovernment and the unionist parties to stymie the conversation on futureconstitutional change has actually brought a greater focus on the growingmomentum around the upcoming unity referendum.  The criticism of AnTaoiseach Leo Varadkar by the British Secretary of State and a range ofunionist voices for daring to suggest that a United Ireland will happen in hislifetime is the latest example of unionist and Tory efforts to delegitimise thegoal of Irish Unity.

In their view it is not acceptableto promote Irish Unity. This is presented by them as dangerous anddestabilising and is criticised and condemned with contempt.  Theintention is to create a row so that United Irelanders will be quiet and to misrepresentrepublican and nationalist aspirations as second class.  Nonsense, blusterand feigned outrage will not stop the conversation about the future. Listeningand learning makes more sense. 

Twenty five years ago theGood Friday Agreement acknowledged the “equally legitimate,political aspirations” of nationalists and unionists. The talks participants,including the Irish and British governments, and subsequently the majority ofcitizens in a referendum, accepted that the future had to be one based onpartnership, equality and mutual respect.  The Agreement recognised thebirthright of all the people of the North to identify themselves and to beaccepted as Irish or British. A referendum process was agreed to determine thefuture constitutional shape of the island of Ireland

The DUP and the Tory government do not accept theseprinciples. That much is clear. They want to delay and dilute the changes thatare coming. But in their hearts they know they cannot stop them. That much isclear also. The unity genie is out off the bottle. It is not going inagain. 

In recent weeks Sinn Féin’s Commission on theFuture of Ireland has held two very successful public events. One was at thePloughing Championship last week in Laois. 

This put a focus on the benefitsthat Irish unity will bring to rural Ireland. The other event was held in Derrywhere three women from the unionist section of our community participated in anevent billed as: “Exploring Northern Protestant Identities and Culture in aShared Future.”  The three participants – all community based activists -Catherine Pollock, Catherine Cooke and Alison Wallace are from that broadtradition.

The event was very informative and the three womenspoke eloquently of the concerns and of the diversity of opinions andtraditions that exist within unionism. Speaking afterward Chairperson of theevent, Catherine Pollock said that she hoped those who attended would begin tounderstand the “diversity of feeling, traditions and culture among the unionistcommunities.” The conversation ranged across how people can engage and moveforward in civic and political conversations, on the environment, a citizensAssembly on education, the marching bands and much more. Catherine Cooke hopedthat what they said would provide food for thought: “I came in feeling verynervous but leave feeling very good.” Alison Wallace said: “People listened and 

were very respectful.” She described it as a very positive experience.

We need more of these events, of theseconversations. Irish republicans and nationalists must listen carefully andattentively to what our Protestant/Unionists neighbours are saying in all oftheir diversity. And we need to plan for the future.

Thus far the Sinn Féin Commission has held eightpublic events, as well as sectoral engagements. Two more will be held by theCommission in the coming months. There will be a Peoples’ Assembly in Waterfordon 12 October and another through Irish in the Galway Gaeltacht in November.

Incidentally during a recent visit to New York An Taoiseach Leo Varadkarmet US President Joe Biden. He said Mr Biden was very well informed on Irishaffairs and that he asked if there was any way he could help. Mr Varadkar says:“I told him we had no specific ask at the moment …”

It’s little wonder the British governmentdisrespects the Irish government the way it does. An Taoiseach needs to listenand learn also. And to work with those who are prepared to help. In Ireland.And internationally. 

 

My Big Toe

Jim Donnelly is a Springhallion.His mother, May Donnelly, was one of the indomitable warrior women from the Upper Springfield who faced down hordes ofBritish soldiers and RUC officers for decades while also combatting poverty anddiscrimination and rearing a good family. These mighty women are to be found incommunities everywhere. The local ones are too many to name but I remember themall and I am grateful for their friendship and protection and comradeship. AndI am always uplifted by the tenacity and good humour of these working classheroines, mostly mothers of large families, including Mrs Donnelly. 

Little wonder then that shehas a central role in Jim Donnelly’s book - My Big Toe. Jim is a communityactivist from Springhill. Like many of his neighbours he is also a formerprisoner -he did  nine years hard time.  His life as a communityactivist  is dedicated, again like many others, to tacklinginequalities and developing a better society for all with a particular focus onyoung people especially through his role as joint CEO with the Active CommunitiesNetwork.

Jim’s journey through writing wasa difficult one. At school he was dismissed as ‘slow at everything hedoes.’  He says he became like a ghost in the classroom. ‘I was therebut no one really noticed’. 

In prison he read a lot. Withgreat difficulty. Ditto with his writing. It was a struggle. After his releasefrom prison he endured anxiety, depression and mental health issues. He thenwent on to do a Higher Professional Diploma in Counselling. As part of thiscourse he had to keep a journal. This enabled him to explore his life and hisexperiences. Later he studied for a Masters Degree. Again more reading andwriting. More challenges. 

Jim almost abondoned this workbecause it was too hard for him but his tutor got him to talk to an educationalpsychologist. She told him he was dyslexic. He understood then why he had such a hard time with reading andwriting, why school work was so difficult. This gave him the impetus tocomplete his masters degree - a great accomplishment for a disadvantagedlad  from Springhill. Jim is one of the many men and women whosucceeded against the odds. In all kinds of ways. In all sectors. And ourchildren or grandchildren have done even better.  

Jim’s book - poems andprose-  came to be published through the efforts of his friendsespecially Danny Barkley. When Jim began writing on his phone he shared hismusings on WhatsAppwith Danny, Harry Connolly, Conor , Louise and other friends and family. Dannythought Jim’swork should be published. He talked to Harry about this  but didn’t tell Jim, probably as Jim acknowledgesbecause  “Iwouldn’thave been convinced”. MyBig Toe was published as a gift to Jim by his friends.  

So well done Danny andcompany. 

My BigToe is brutally honest reflection on life growing up under militaryoccupation, in a large poor working class family in a republican community inthe time of conflict. It is frank about the traumas, hardships and indignities.The ups and downs. But it is also funny and full of love. My Big Toe is a taleof redemption. When I asked Jim how people can get a copy he  laughedand said  “Sendthem to Danny Barkley”.

My Big Toeis  available in limited numbers from the author at ActiveCommunities Network, Twin Spires, Falls Road. 

Tom Dunn – the Peasant Patriot

Well done to the people ofRostrevor who last week invited former President Mary McAleese to unveil abronze statue to Tom Dunn – the Peasant Patriot - a local hedge school masterand United Irish leader who taught ‘The Rights of Man’ by Tom Paine and thewritings of Wolfe Tone to local patriots. In 1797 Tom’s barn was raided by theBritish and he was captured. He refused to name any of his comrades. He wasordered to be lashed. He died, aged 62, after 260 lashes. Think about that dearreaders. 260 lashes. 

 

Lough Neagh facing an ecological disaster: Tory backing for Pinochet: Siúlóid An Taoisigh.

 

Mid Ulster MP Francie Molloy at Lough Neagh

Lough Neagh facing an ecological disaster  

Upthe Shore

i

The lough will claim avictim every year.

It has virtue thathardens wood to stone.

There is a town sunkbeneath its water.

It is the scar left bythe Isle of Man.

ii

At Toomebridge whereit sluices towards the sea

They’ve set new gatesand tanks against the flow.

From time to time theybreak the eels’ journey

And lift five hundredstones in one go.

iii

But up the shore inAntrim and Tyrone

There is a sense offair play in the game.

The fishermen confrontthem one by one

And sail miles out andnever learn to swim.

Iv

‘We’ll be the quickergoing down,’ they say.

And when you arguethere are no storms here,

That one hourfloating’s sure to land them safely –

‘The lough will claima victim every year.’

 

Seamus Heaney’s poem, published in 1969, capturesmuch of what makes Lough Neagh unique. It has long been a place of myth and fable,where the palace of the Tuatha Dé Danann is supposed to lie beneath its waves.It is said that Lough Neagh was created by the giant Finn McCool who legendclaims scooped out a huge chunk of earth and threw it after the Scottish giantBenandonner. He missed and thus created the Isle of Man. Richard believes thatthe Lough was created 400 million years ago as a result ofmassive tectonic events.

People have lived and worked around the shoresof Lough Neagh for thousands of years. This is evident in thehuge number of artefacts and ruins. Stone axes have been foundat Toome and Shanes Castle. Neolithic pottery has also beenfound at Newferry north of Toome.

In the ninth century the Lough was a base for aViking fleet as part of their efforts to occupy Ireland. 

Following the English invasion of Ireland theshores of Lough Neagh have witnessed many battles. It played a strategicallyimportant role in the English defeat of the O’Neill and O’Donnell clans in thelate 16th century and in the subsequent plantation of Ulster.

The Lough is the largest fresh water lake inIreland. It is home to many rare plants, waterfowl and fish. It is bordered byfive counties – Antrim, Down, Armagh, Tyrone and Derry. For millennia it hasbeen at the heart of the local economy. A transport hub before roads and amajor source of fishing that has provided a living for the generations who havelived around its’ almost 400 square kilometres. It is a significant culturaland historic site and in more recent years a place for water sports andrelaxation for tens of thousands. It also provides 40% of the fresh water forcitizens living in the North.

Today all of that is under threat. Recent satelliteimages have shown the extent to which a toxic blue green algae has infested theLough. Cyanobacteria is a danger to animals and humans. According to the LoughNeagh Partnership climate change and the increased water temperature of theLough has created the conditions for this algae to thrive.

In addition millions of tons of sand have beendredged from the floor of the Lough for building projects here and in Britain.In an article by Tommy Green in The Detail last December he reported thataround 30% of the North’s “construction sand comes from Lough Neagh … Priorto 2021, when extraction was unregulated, it is estimated that at least 1.1m-1.8m tonnes were being dredged from the Lough every year…”

    Sinn Féin team meet Lough Neagh Partnership

The Lough Neagh Fishermen’s Co-operative Societywarned last year that sand extraction was destroying habitat areas on the floorof the Lough and that this was reducing the number of fish.  Theimpact of the climate crisis, the presence of a toxic algae, the incidence ofraw sewage and the dredging of the Lough floor and the destruction of thatcritical underwater environment, mean that Lough Neagh is now facing anecological disaster. 

With 40% of the North’s population relying on LoughNeagh for fresh, clean water there is mounting concern that none of thegovernment departments are prepared for or appear willing to take the stepsnecessary to protect this hugely important community and environmental asset.

Last week First Minister designate MichelleO’Neill, Francie Molloy MP, Declan Kearney MLA and Philip McGuigan MLA met withthe Lough Neagh Partnership. Later Declan Kearney led a political andcommunity delegation, including Philip McGuigan, locally based councillors,fishermen, anglers and the Lough Neagh Partnership, to meet seniorofficials of the NI Environment Agency and Inland Fisheries.

The message is clear. As Mid Ulster MP FrancieMolloy said: “The situation is untenable. The Lough needs to be brought intopublic ownership and managed by a community partnership.”  Thismust include the bed of the Lough which is currently owned by an absenteeBritish Earl who receives royalty payments for every tonne of sands extractedfrom the bed of the Lough.

There is also an urgent need for a comprehensiveand co-ordinated action plan to tackle the toxic algae. A multi-agency andinter-departmental task force is a priority. Public ownership will facilitate aclear management structure to provide immediate and long-term plans to keep theLough safe and sustainable for future generations.

When I was a young lad a gang of us from Ballymurphy led by Joe Mageeused to walk to Lough Neagh and spend the day there. Decades later in Long Keshsome of us used to feast on Lough Neagh eels sent to us by the bucket full. Thestory of Lough Neagh is an integral part of the story and history andenvironment of the island of Ireland. The ecological crisis it currently facesarises from the actions of human beings. It is our responsibility to changethat.

     Michelle O'Neill with the Gerry Darby of the Lough Neagh Partnership

Tory backing for Pinochet

Many of my generation will remember the militarycoup in Chile in September 1973 that overthrew the socialist President of ChileSalvador Allende. The images of the bombing of the Presidential Palace, of anarmed and courageous Allende defending the building and the quickly emergingreports of brutality by the Chilean military, horrified many around the world.

The coup was led by General Augusto Pinochet incollusion with the CIA. In the years that followed Chile became a byword insummary executions, torture and repression. Almost 20 years later when theregime fell a truth commission revealed that 40,000 people had been tortured,200,000 had been forced to flee the country and at least 3,000 werekilled. 

The British government led Edward Heath stronglysupported the junta.  Foreign Secretary Alec Douglas Home wrote that: “ForBritish interests … there is no doubt that Chile under the junta is a betterprospect … and the sky-high price of copper (important to us) should fall asChilean production is restored.”   One third of Britain’s copper importscame from Chile. Allende’s nationalisation of the copper industry in July 1971had been condemned by the USA and Britain.

The Labour government that followed Heath imposedsanctions on Chile but during Margaret Thatcher’s tenure as Prime Minister sherestored diplomatic relations; authorised visits by British Ministers to Chile;and lifted the arms embargo. Hundreds of members of the Chilean armed forceswere trained by the British and in September 1982 the Thatcher governmentrefused to support a motion at the UN condemning Pinochet’s human rightsabuses. British political and economic interest once again trumped human rightsand international law.

In October 1998 Pinochet was arrested in London.Not surprisingly Margaret Thatcher campaigned hard to secure his release. Hewas returned to Chile in March 2000. By their friends we will know them.

 

SiúlóidAn Taoisigh. 

Thiscolumn had a great day out in Derryat The Chieftain’s Walk organisedby The Martin McGuinness Peace Foundation and Martin’s family led by his wifeBernie. There was a similar event in New York. Well done to all involved. Itwas good to meet many of Martin’s old friends and to walk the ground he trod onmany, many times. Despite the rain there was a great turn out. 

 

                         New York

                        Derry

Time to say Yes to Palestinian State: Raising Awareness about Sepsis: Sláinte

 Timeto say Yes to Palestinian State

Lastweek the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin visitedIsrael, the West Bank and Jordan. It was an opportunity for the Irishgovernment to take a firm stand against Israeli aggression and its apartheidsystem of governance. Instead Mr. Martin became little more than a commentatoron the ongoing and worsening crisis in that region.

WhileMr. Martin was occasionally critical in his public remarks of the expansion ofIsraeli settlements into Palestinian land and concerned at the daily attacks byIsraeli settlers on Palestinian homes and families there was little ofsubstance to his visit. With Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu makingclear there would be no change in Israeli policy and his government’s veto overany possibility of viable negotiations toward a peace agreement, it needs morethan meaningless rhetoric from An Tánaiste. It needs action from the Irishgovernment to give peace a chance.

[image error]Three months ago membersof the ‘Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory,including East Jerusalem’, visited Dublin. The Commission was established bythe United Nations following the 11-day Israeli bombardment of the besiegedGaza Strip in May 2021. Two hundred and fifty Palestinians and 13 Israeli’swere killed in that period. While praising the cross party approach in LeinsterHouse the Commissioners said “at this stage of the situation on the ground,mere statements – no matter how progressive are not sufficient. We need moreaction.”

Therewas no action from Mr. Martin. Rather he chose to urge the Palestinian leaders“to take risks in terms of the pursuit of peace.”

In 2015 the Oireachtas supported a motion callingon the Irish government to recognise the State of Palestine. Itrefuses to do so claiming that such a move must be part of a new peaceagreement. And yet Micheál Martin last week acknowledged that on the basis ofhis conversations with Israeli leaders: “I don’t see any immediate signs of achange in direction.” And why should they when the Irish government and othersstand aside and facilitate Israeli aggression?

If the Irish government is seriousabout peace in the Middle East it should move immediately towardrecognising the State of Palestine and using its membership of the EuropeanUnion and the United Nations and its international influence topersuade others to do likewise. It’s time for action.

 

RaisingAwareness about Sepsis

Themonth of September has been designated as Sepsis Awareness Month. Sepsis is nota condition that often attracts attention but across the island of Irelandannually there are an estimated twenty two thousand cases of sepsis. Of these,approximately three and half thousand victims die. In the South sepsis killsmore people than breast cancer, prostate cancer and AIDS combined. Sepsis alsois the number one killer in deaths in hospitals in the USA. Every year 350,000people die from it.

Whilethousands of miles apart two Irish families, one in Ireland and the other inthe USA, who have been tragically touched by sepsis, have initiated campaignsto draw attention to this silent killer.

In NewYork in 2012 Rory Staunton, the 12 year old son of Ciaran and Orlaith, diedfour days after taking ill. I knew Rory. He was an articulate, enthusiastic,intelligent and very astute young person. He fell ill after playing basketballin school where he slightly cut his arm in a fall. Overnight he becamefeverish, vomited and developed a pain in his leg. He was taken to hospitalwhere essential warning signs were missed. He eventually ended up in intensivecare but four days after the accident he died of septic shock.

Ciaranand Orlaith established the ‘End Sepsis, the legacy of Rory Staunton’Foundation and have fought tirelessly since then to introduce ‘Rory’sRegulations’ – new rules and protocols - to ensure that medical staff aretrained to recognise the symptoms of sepsis. It is estimated that 20,000 livesin New York State alone have been saved by their efforts.

Lastweek the case of 15 year old Seán Hughes from Dublin was highlighted. He diedfrom sepsis in 2018. His father Joe described his son as a “healthy young man”who was a “singer, entertainer, comedian and best friend to all who had thepleasure of knowing him.” Seán was a well known and popular rapper who hadperformed under the stage name Lil Red in the Aviva Stadium and the NationalConcert Hall.

InJanuary 2018 he came home from school with what appeared to be flu-likesymptoms similar to a chest infection. He was eventually taken to hospitalwhere doctors “were baffled as they had absolutely no clue what was wrong.”Sean died after four days. The family only discovered at the inquest that thecause of death was sepsis, a disease they had never heard of before.

LikeCiaran and Orlaith in New York Seán’s parents, Joe and Karen, decided to raisepublic awareness about sepsis. They have established ‘Lil Red’s Legacy SepsisAwareness Campaign.’ This includes Sean’s parents going to schools, collegesand sports clubs to make their presentation.

Welldone to these two families who have courageously who despite their heartacheare actively involved in trying to help others.

Awarenessis hugely important but so too is training and resources for family doctors andhospitals. If you have concerns information on sepsis is available at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/sepsis   and https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/cspd/ncps/sepsis/

 

Sláinte

A friend of mine has told me that  he is thinking of giving upthe drink. He has been saying the same thing for the last ten years so you willunderstand if I dont take him too seriously. In the past his desire to beabstemious coincided with his hangovers. When the hangover retreatedso  did his desire to be teetotal. But this time he seems to be moreserious.

 

“It’s my age” he told me “I’m not fit to drink the way I usedto. A couple of pints and I’m stupored. And then I have to runto the toilet for the rest of the night, especially in the middle of the night.My bladder does be like a hard hat.”

He looked at me across the table. We were in a pub. He was drinking alcoholfree beer. 

“Alcohol free beer misses the wholepoint” I observed. “And it probably has the same porous effect on your bladder.”

“Probably so” he replied. “But the taste is the same and you don’t feel like a tube drinking water ora soft drink in company. There is also a limit on how much water you can drink.” 

He gazed forlornly at my pint. 

“We Irish drink too much anyway”, he continued. 

“No more than any other society” I suggested.

“Maybe so” he conceded “but we drink differently. We drinkto get drunk. Others drink with their food or in a measured way. A few glasses. Not us. We go out for a session. Toget plastered. I can’t hack getting stocious  any more.”

“Fair enough” I agreed with him. “So drink less. You don’t need to get  legless.”

“I rarely get legless” he responded.

“I’m well able to hold my drink. Youknow that. But having just one or two drinks on a night out?  That’s easier said than done.” He said sadly.

“First you get the bottle. Then thebottle gets you.” 

 “So how long are you off the drink” I asked. 

 “Since last night.”

 “I wish you well” I replied, resisting the temptation to ridicule him. 

 “I will let you know how I get on”,  he smileddeterminedly. 

 “Are you off buying drink as well” I queried. “Mines a pint and it’s your round.”

 “Maith go leor” he said. 

 “By the way a wee bit of advice for you” I continued.  

“Don’t broadcast it that you are off thedrink. Too many of our friends take pleasure when people go on  thewagon and then fall off it again. Just say you’re not drinking that night.You’re driving. Or you’re minding the grand kids. Or you have something to doearly in the morning.”

“Good advice” he said. “Dont you tell anyone.”

 “Ok” I replied. “My lips are sealed.”