La raccolta dei messaggi rilasciati dai principali movimenti e partiti politici repubblicani, con gli obiettivi e le speranze per il 2011. In lingua inglese.
Le dichiarazioni:
- 32 County Sovereignty Movement
- Irish Republican Socialist Party
- Republican Network for Unity
- Repubblican Sinn Fein
- Sinn Fein
32CSM – 2011 New Year Statement
We commend our activists for their diligence and hard work in attempting to secure the integrity of our national sovereignty. We applaud the efforts of others who struggle likewise under their own chosen banner. We send New Year greetings to republican POW’s and their families and rededicate ourselves to their service.
2010 was a year which laid bare the harsh realities of our struggle. In protest against the degradation of strip searching and its vindictive use republican POW’s embarked on a series of actions in protest against the Stormont’s regime’s deliberate policy of attacking republican prisoners. Matched on the outside by regular vigils and marches the political opposition which was generated forced the authorities into negotiations.
With the use of agreed independent arbiters an agreement was reached to the satisfaction of all. However the authorities have resumed their original policy of using strip searching to degrade the prisoners. This was a political decision which has implications for all republicans. An attack on one prisoner is an attack on all prisoners and demands a unified response from all republican organisations. Our resolve must at least match that of the prisoners if we are to successfully confront Stormont’s prison policy.
The recent disclosure of State papers clearly shows that the issue of republican prisoners was a cornerstone in British strategy to undermine our struggle. They clearly show how Dublin also collaborated to achieve the same end. This collaboration now has an added dimension in that former comrades are now part of the British establishment in Ireland. That establishment takes it for granted that its members collaborate in the wider British interest. We openly call on the PSF leadership to come clean and to stop talking out of both sides of their mouths. It is your regime which is inflicting this degradation on republican prisoners. Is this your so called peaceful alternative to Irish unity? It is your actions that define you, not your words, overt or otherwise.
2010 also witnessed seismic events in economic terms. Fianna Fáil’s self serving economics led the State to bankruptcy. It bailed out bankers and developers and levied the bill on ordinary citizens. They privatised profits and socialised losses. They surrendered their so called sovereignty to the International Monetary Fund all the while denying it in drunken interviews to the people. But the real issue for republicans and socialists is that our protests failed to impact on events. The crisis in capitalism, which should have opened up so many opportunities for our cause, was duly addressed by capitalism itself. This is the reality we must face and we must face it pragmatically.
2011 must be a year of introspection and innovation. We must look at ourselves and address our failings. What went before has reached its zenith. We need to explore and devise new ways of getting our message across. We need to be more innovative in our protests. We can no longer be satisfied that our protests simply happen: they must also have meaningful effect.
We address young republicans everywhere; this is your time, it is your era, your society, your technological age, you need to lead the way on this front. Irish society has evolved a new language in which it communicates with itself and we need to learn it. Republicanism needs your ideas to advance. Our communities have the expectation of new initiatives to assist them. We need to demonstrate to our people that our aims are relevant to their everyday lives and represent an enrichment of society.
The continued violation of our national sovereignty has led to the inevitable consequence of armed struggle. Those who are engaging in military operations against British occupation have every right to do so, as they always had throughout our history. The function of the Sovereignty Movement is not to question this right nor question the merits of invoking it but to address the cause which makes it inevitable. This we will continue to do in whatever way we deem to be progressive. Treating the Irish Republican Army as a militia is a deeply flawed approach. Predicating a peace strategy on the exclusion of Irish national rights is doomed to failure.
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement reaffirms our commitment to seeking an end to British Parliamentary activity in our country. The divisions amongst our people can only begin to be resolved when Westminster and its many agendas are finally removed.
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Irish Republican Socialist Party – 2011 New Year Statement
The Irish Republican Socialist Party wishes to take this opportunity to send comradely greetings to all our members and supporters as we move into 2011. We particularly would like to extend solidarity to republican socialist prisoners who currently languish in jail for their political beliefs. Throughout our history republican socialist prisoners and ex-prisoners have played an integral role in the advancement of the politics of working class liberation, something that we are all reminded of in the fact that 2011 will see the 30th anniversary of the deaths of the 10 hunger-strikers in 1981. The IRSP also wishes to extend solidarity to all political prisoners internationally who have sacrificed their liberty in the fight against oppression.
This New Year marks the two-year anniversary of the massacre in Gaza, when Israeli forces committed war crimes against a civilian population. And even though two years have passed since then, many Palestinians are still struggling to rebuild their homes and are doing without even basic necessities. This year, when humanitarian workers attempted to break the blockade that ensures Gazans are without basic supplies and medicines, which is described by Amnesty International as a flagrant violation of international law, Israel again committed a bloody massacre. The IRSP extends our most heartfelt solidarity to the Palestinian people for their steadfastness and courage and we salute the effort and sacrifices of those activists who do so much to raise awareness and aid the Palestinians, often at great personal risk. We condemn the Israeli apartheid regime and their American allies, without whom Israel would not be able to commit much of their crimes.
The IRSP extends revolutionary greetings to all those engaged in the struggle for national liberation and socialism. As capitalism and imperialism exert their baneful influence on an international level, so must we organise in a spirit of solidarity and internationalism to combat them. Currently, imperialism and social injustice are being challenged in struggles right across the globe, from Ireland to Mexico, from Greece to the Philippines, from Venezuela to India and elsewhere. The revolutionary struggle for socialism is alive and well and in this context, we can look forward to the year 2011 with great pride and hope. Pride in overcoming the obstacles we have faced so far and hope in the limitless possibilities for working people in the future when they once and for all wrestle what is rightfully theirs from the forces of exploitation.
2010 has been a landmark year in the history of the Irish Republican Socialist Movement. In February, the volunteers of the Irish National Liberation Army made the courageous decision to disarm and assert the primacy of politics. The logic behind this decision was clear. The current prevailing political conditions demand that the struggle for socialism is developed on another terrain. More important than small liberation armies, more potent than simple militarism and more powerful than guns, are our republican socialist politics and the revolutionary potential of the Irish working class. Never should Irish working class people be relegated to the sidelines of their own struggle for emancipation. The socialist soldiers of the INLA must be commended for their mature decision which was made in the interests of working class people and no-one else. They will not be found wanting as our struggle continues.
The INLA’s decision does not represent a change in the politics of the IRSM, but rather an adaption to the conditions we find ourselves in. It remains clear that there is no parliamentary road to socialism, nor is there a guerrilla road to socialism. The building of socialism requires the active participation of the masses. The challenge we now face as revolutionary socialists is to win the hearts and minds of our class and to bring them to our side in the fight for a 32 County Socialist Republic. Never in the history of our movement has successfully meeting that challenge been more important.
The past year has seen the economy in the 26 counties stumble from crisis to crisis. The ‘light-touch’ regulation that is the ethos of capitalist economics has ensured the Southern economy has come crashing down around the ears of politicians, bankers, speculators and developers. But of course, the problem always was much deeper than a couple of millionaires that it suits the media to scapegoat. Let it be said clearly, the problems we have seen in Ireland represent the irreconcilable contradictions that lie at the very heart of the capitalist system. This latest period of crisis has resulted in extremely severe austerity measures being imposed on working class people. While private financial institutions receive billions of our money and bondholders remain protected, the blind, disabled and most vulnerable are left facing savage cuts. The capitalists will do anything, no matter how shameless, to prop up their failing system. The socialist argument is clear. We need a planned economy to avoid the bust and boom lunacy inherent in capitalism. The economy must be built in a sustainable fashion, democratically and in the interests of working people, not financial vultures.
2010 will no-doubt be remembered as the year our sovereignty was further eroded with the arrival of the International Monetary Fund to Ireland. Only a couple of years ago Bertie Ahern was lecturing others about Ireland’s economic success story, and the proponents of capitalism were pointing to Ireland as an example of how to get it right. How wrong they were. With these illusions now firmly shattered, it will not be Bertie Ahern or any bank directors with their extremely lavish pensions, who will be suffering. It will be, and is, ordinary families and communities suffering the consequences of this bust and boom system. With the IMF now involved, judging by their record elsewhere, the future does look bleak. The fightback has to begin and we have seen encouraging signs on that front. The upcoming general election will no doubt take the eyes of the working class away from the real problem temporarily, but it is our role to offer leadership and to ensure people know exactly where the blame should be placed for our economic woes, that is, with the capitalist system itself.
In the occupied 6 counties we now face a disastrous situation whereby Westminster, through it’s puppet-parliament in Stormont, will be implementing savage cuts against working class people. The so-called ‘Peace Process’ has turned out to be little more than a political process through which working class people have suffered a major defeat and sectarian politics rules the day. The 6 county governmental system is an affront to democracy or even any semblance of progression. The parties that make up the Stormont administration, despite frequent displays of tokenism and rhetoric, will be fully implementing the cuts imposed by the Tory Party in London. Stormont represents a sectarian stalemate and the only result of it will be increasing numbers of people facing destitution. This situation cannot be let continue, it must be challenged and the IRSP intend to do just that.
It is undeniable that what we face now is an open class struggle. We must fightback against the ruling class in the Dáil, Stormont, Westminster and in our workplaces. Working class people are looking for leadership and they will not find it in reformist trade unionists, gombeen politicians or social democratic opportunists. It is the role of socialists to organise, educate and radicalise people and although a tough struggle lies ahead we must face it with great determination and conviction. It is the capacity of the working class for action, especially its most advanced layers, which are the most fundamental elements of a successful struggle against capitalism. Tactics are secondary considerations; let us together develop the appropriate tactics for our specific historical conditions. The fight against capitalism and imperialist occupation, whether it be in Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine or Ireland, continues.
Onwards to victory!
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Republican Network for Unity – RNU New Year Greetings
The REPUBLICAN NETWORK FOR UNITY (RNU) Chairperson/Cathaoirleach, DANNY MCBREARTY sends New Year greetings to Irish Political prisoners and their families. Mr. McBrearty expressed; “Solidarity with all Republican Parties and groups who share our common commitment to a re-united Ireland and our common analysis that the Stormont administration is not a transition to our objective but a British imperialist trap to prevent us from achieving it.
During the past year, the British Prime Minister reminded us of Britain’s true intentions in Ireland when he alluded to a new 25 year plan to rebrand the Six Counties that will make us more profitable for the British Crown. That rebranding has already begun with lethal cuts implemented by the Stormont partners will bring us little comfort.
Despite the illusion of ‘peace’, repression continues in British occupied Ireland which is conducted with zeal and rubber stamped by the Crown Constabulary Boards. Regardless of oppression, republican resistance to British policing remains unbroken.
In the coming year, R.N.U. will be honoring the Hunger Strikers by venerating the principles for which they fought and died for. We will also highlight any attempts to misuse their memory. Nearly thirty years on, Republican prisoners are still struggling against the failed policy of criminalization.
Early in the New Year, the Republican Network for Unity will be formally contacting and discussing with like-minded groups, the forthcoming elections with a view to see if agreement can be reached to advance core Irish Republican objectives”.
The R.N.U. Cathaoirleach concluded his statement; “RNU is gratified by our growing numbers and we will strive to politically oppose Britain’s futile intervention in Irish affairs. Athbhlain Faoi Mhaise Daoibh”.
[hr top]Republican Sinn Fein – 2011 The clarion voice of Irish Republicanism will be heard
Irish Republicans face into 2011 eager to take up the challenges of the coming year.
Recognising that the struggle against imperialism is both political and economic Republican Sinn Féin must provide the revolutionary leadership the current situation demands.
Republican Sinn Féin is the only political organisation with a clearly thought out alternative to the “carnival of reaction” resulting from partition. ÉIRE NUA and SAOL NUA are based on the principles of All-Ireland political and economic democracy and are capable of making the All-Ireland Republic of 1916 a reality for all of the Irish people.
The clarion voice of Irish Republicanism must make itself heard above the chorus of protest arising from the present political and economic crisis. In the coming months we will present a fresh initiative based on the historic “right of the people of Ireland to the ownership of Ireland”.
Taking our stand on the rock of the All-Ireland Republic Republican Sinn Féin will continue to resist all attempts to normalise British rule in Ireland. A visit to any part of Ireland by the Queen of England – claiming style and title of Queen of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (sic) – will be actively opposed by Irish Republicans.
With James Connolly we hold to the “creed that England has no right in Ireland, never had any right in Ireland, never can have any right in Ireland”.
We take this opportunity to extend New Year greetings to the Irish Republican prisoners in Maghaberry and Portlaoise prisons. We salute their steadfast loyalty and service rendered to the cause of a free Ireland. We pledge our continued commitment to ensuring their voice is heard in 2011.
The struggle for an Ireland free of the shackles of British imperialism and trans-national capitalism will continue and Republican Sinn Féin will once more take its place in the vanguard of that fight.
An Phoblact Abú
Sinn Fein – 2011 New Year Message from Gerry Adams
In a New Year message Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has said that Ireland today is at a crossroads with economic policies being pursued by two conservative governments in London and Dublin imposing significant hardship on citizens.
He said that despite difficulties, the Peace Process is delivering and that next May the North’s Executive and Assembly will completed their first full term, something that would would have been thought impossible only a few years ago.
Mr Adams said that Sinn Féin was the only alternative to the conservative political consensus in the South.
He said a united Ireland made economic and political sense and that Sinn Féin is committed to the sovereignty, independence and freedom of Ireland and the right of Irish people to build our own society.
Gerry Adams said:
“Bliain úr faoi mhaise daoibh go léir.
“I want to wish everyone a very happy and peaceful New Year.
“Ireland today, North and South, is at a crossroads. The economic policies being pursued by two conservative governments in London and Dublin have imposed significant hardship on citizens.
“Seasann muid leis na daoine atá ag fulaingt sa ghéarchéim eacnamaíochta seo. Tá an dá rialtas coimeádacha i mBaile Atha Cliath agus i Londain ag iarraidh an t-ualach ar fad a chur ar na gnáthdaoine. Níl sé sin ceart ná cothrom agus leanfaidh Sinn Féin ag moladh bealach níos fearr.
“The adverse impact on public services, the economy, and society in both parts of this island is evident. Hundreds of thousands of citizens are unemployed and emigration is again on the increase.
“Sinn Féin is an Irish republican party. We are a United Ireland party. We believe it makes economic and political sense.
“Sinn Féin is for the sovereignty, independence and freedom of the Irish people and the right of our people to build our own society. Sinn Fein is committed to delivering for citizens.
“In pursuit of this we have agreed in the North a budget which aims to protect public services while seeking to grow the economy. Despite all of the difficulties the Peace Process is delivering and next May the Executive and Assembly will complete their first full term. This would have been thought impossible only a few years ago.
“In the South Sinn Féin offers the only real alternative to the conservative consensus.
We are putting forward practical policies to regenerate the economy; root and branch political reform aimed at producing a genuinely open and accountable form of Government which ends the notion of political elites and empowers Irish citizens; the proper use of Ireland’s natural resources for the common good; the protection and creation of jobs; ending the two-tier health and education systems and continued support for the Peace Process, the Good Friday Agreement and further outreach to the unionist community.
“Tá Sinn Féin ag súil go mór leis an bhliain 2011. Mar páirtí uile-Éireann beimid ag seasamh san Olltoghchán agus i dToghchán an Tionóil. Beimid ag rá leis an pobal Thuaidh agus Theas go bhfuil rogha acu chun todhchaí nios fearr a chruthú leis an fís agus leis na polasaithe atá á chur chun cinn ag Sinn Féin.
2011 will present significant challenges. Sinn Féin is up to the task of meeting and overcoming them.
“But for now I wish everyone a happy and peaceful New Year.
“Ádh mór agus dea-ghuí do chách.”
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