1916 SOCIETIES HOIST TRICOLOUR OVER BASTION OF BRITISH RULE IN IRELAND
On Wednesday 3rd of June, members of the 1916 Societies, taking advantage of lax security at the Stormont Assembly in Belfast, accessed the roof of the building, using the opportunity to raise the Irish National Flag and its sister flag, the flag of the Irish Republic.
While only a symbolic gesture, nevertheless the actions concerned reflect the enduring reality that six Irish counties remain under foreign dominion, against the democratically-expressed wishes of the Irish people. Our intent was to further awareness of this matter at a time when the normalisation agenda of the British state, aided by local proxies of various political hue, continues unabated in its drive to legitimise the continuing occupation of Ireland.
The political and media response, the extremities of some aside, points to a successful outcome, that the constitutional status of the Six Counties is far from resolved suitably reinforced. The Irish Flag at Stormont asserts that British rule is based on conquest, is without legitimacy, and usurps the sovereign will of the people. Britain has no democratic title in Ireland and should withdraw, leaving the Irish people in peace to determine their own future, together and without external impediment.
Until the day full freedom is restored and the Tricolour flown over All Ireland, the 1916 Societies will continue to highlight the undemocratic British presence in our country and resist all efforts to normalise that presence. British rule, no matter its guise, remains unacceptable and will always be thus.
Actions such as last Wednesday’s, while only a small gesture, help empower that end. The work to achieve Irish freedom and a meaningful peace continues.
Beirigí bua
