RSF call Real IRA traitors
Republican Sinn Féin (RSF) launched a stinging attack on the Real IRA during their Easter Rising commemoration in the City Cemetery on Sunday, branding the group “traitors.”
The comment was made during the main oration at the RSF commemoration, which was delivered by Emmett White from Offally.
Mr White said; “We have many groups who call themselves republicans. We have the so-called Real IRA who are fighting for a 32 county republic or so they say. What did they do between 1986 and 1997? They were willing to accept the provo agenda. They are traitors. They should put down their arms and go home. There can be no dilution of principle.”
A number of members of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement then left the commemoration in protest at his remarks.
Mainstream republicans also came under attack at the commemoration, which was chaired by Mickey McGonigle, with statements from the Continuity IRA (CIRA) and CIRA prisoners claiming Sinn Féin are “guilty of treason”.
A masked man dressed in paramilitary uniform read a statement on behalf of the CIRA leadership while the CIRA prisoners statement said; “These so-called republicans are guilty of treason. If they continue to protect Ireland’s foe they will be met with resistance.”
Before the oration, Derry man Richard Walsh laid a wreath at the republican monument on behalf of the Continuity IRA while Dungiven man Damien McGonigle laid a wreath on the grave of Derry republican Séan Keenan. Richard Walsh also read the Proclamation and the commemoration ended with Whitey O’Neill playing the National Anthem.
