"Q: What do you say to those people who are unhappy but are pulled the other way by feelings of loyalty?

A: Examine their consciences. Take a good look at what is going on. If they agree - ok. If not then speak out." - Fourthwrite interview with Brendan Hughes


Dominic McGlinchey Interview: Saying What Needs Said

TPQ features an interview that the republican Dominic McGlinchey gave to Connla Young of the Irish News

Well known in anti-agreement circles Dominic McGlinchey has been a staunch opponent of Sinn Fein's political strategy. But with "little appetite" for armed conflict, the republican activist asks whether the time is right for an end to armed struggle as he urges "conversations" to take place on the future for militant republicanism.

A prominent opponent of Sinn Fein’s political strategy has said there is “little appetite” for armed conflict in nationalist communities in the north.

In a rare interview Dominic McGlinchey urged those opposed Sinn Fein’s strategy to hold a 'conversation about the future of  the republican movement' and 'question the integrity of those standing beside them'.

His comments come after a period of intense debate within anti-agreement circles  about the merits of various republican paramilitary campaigns.

In recent weeks a number of other high profile anti-agreement republicans, including former Provisional IRA hunger strikers Gerard Hodgins and Tommy McKearney, have said it is time for armed republican groups to “reconsider” their campaigns.

Mr McGlinchey believes republicans have little to fear from making tough decisions.

'Republicans have shown they are well capable of taking decisive action against the British,' he said.

'That’s not something that they need to prove and nobody is saying you shouldn’t do this or do that.'

Born into a staunch republican family from Bellaghy in south Derry, Mr McGlinchey’s decision to enter a public debate at this time will be viewed as significant.

There are currently several active republican groups including the IRA, Oglaigh na hEireann and the Continuity IRA.

The IRA, which was formed as after a merger between the Real IRA, Republican Action Against Drugs and independent republicans in 2012, and Oglaigh na hEireann have been particularly active in recent months.

Although he keeps a low public profile, Mr McGlinchey is a well-known figure in anti-agreement circles.

Speaking last night the father-of-three said that in some cases “armed action” was being used to 'stifle republicanism at the present time. It’s not that you are asking republicans to give something up, it’s not a matter of giving something up,' he said.

"It’s a matter of being pragmatic and astute about where the battle is at and where it needs to be brought. Republicanism need to be aware of where it sits and the battles that are opening up in front of it and if certain tactics are holding you back from entering a new field of battle."

The 36-year-old left Sinn Fein in 2006 partly because of its support for policing in the north.

He later joined republican socialist party Eirigi before resigning from that group in 2009.

He remains opposed to Sinn Fein and believes support for the party 'is support for British rule in Ireland and the administering of British rule in Ireland'.

In 2012 Mr McGlinchey was questioned by police about a Real IRA gun attack which claimed the lives of two British soldiers in Massereene in County Antrim in 2009.

He strongly denies any involvement in the attack and believes his name was connected to the ambush by 'the British media, MI5 and (PSNI) special branch'.

The Co Derry man believes there is little support for a paramilitary campaign in nationalist communities.

“I don’t believe the appetite exists among the people,” he said.

"That’s not to say there is not considerable support among certain segments of republicanism for particular types of resistance, but what is very clear is that the appetite is not there for a full blown campaign. Never has the groundwork been done for a campaign like that to be launched."

Mr McGlinchey says that republican groups must answer to the people they claim to represent.

'As republicans we say our loyalty is to the Republic and the people make up the Republic and our loyalty has to be to those people,' he said.

"For us to enforce rather than to persuade and debate and bring the people with you on a particular road map, what sort of Republic would we have at the end of it all?

There are those involved in a process who have already delivered us to one surrender and they have no right to deliver us to another surrender."

Mr McGlinchey is of the view that republican 'activists on the ground need to have an understanding of what they want'.

He said the activities of republican paramilitary groups do not constitute a sustained “campaign”.

He urged anti-agreement republicans to consider alternative methods to further their aims and reject any romantic notions about the Provisional IRA’s campaign.

'Resistance is good,' he said.

"But it doesn’t mean you have to be running around with an Armalite in your hand.

You can’t refer back to the "good old days", the fact of the matter is there was nothing good in it.

I am 36-years-of-age and I never saw the IRA walking the streets. There was a resistance movement but the IRA were on the back foot."

As a child Mr McGlinchey saw both his parents being shot dead in separate gun attacks in Co Louth.

His father Dominic, a former INLA Chief of Staff, was gunned down in Drogheda in February 1994 by gunmen who have never been apprehended.

His mother Mary, also a former senior member of the INLA, was shot dead in her Dundalk home in January 1987 as she bathed the then nine-year-old along with his brother Declan.

Again, her killers have never been caught.

Mr McGlinchey says alternative ways of expressing republican politics should not be dismissed by hardliners.

'There are hundreds of ways to expose the status quo for what it is,' he said.

'Through civil disobedience or not recognising institutions. Republicanism cannot be viewed as a one-trick pony, there needs to be a proper analysis of where it is at.'

The former Sinn Fein man believes that conversations about the future of militant republicanism can be held privately.

'I don’t think republicans need to say they are calling a halt,' he said.

'It’s clear that as republicans you have a duty to reflect, gather your thoughts and analyse our strategy. There needs to be a conversation about the future of the republican movement.'

He revealed that hardline republicans have already entered into a “period of reflection” but that efforts to move away from violence are opposed by elements within the British security establishment.

'MI5 and the security services have moved certain people from our streets that are of a more moderate persuasion to stifle that,' he said.

'The security forces, MI5 and British intelligence have a vested interest in keeping things going.'

He also believes that at times in the past British “agent provocateurs” within the Republican Movement have steered its direction.

'Whether we like it or dislike it at the minute the Brits are controlling both sides of the argument, or certainly have major influences in terms of both sides of the argument,' he said.

Mr McGlinchey believes the in recent years 'republicans are trying to swim in a dirty pond and there’s not even enough oxygen for anything to breathe in it never mind grow'.

He says this has been demonstrated more so in Dublin where hardline factions have descended into a “gang structure” whose members “masquerade as republicans”.

'There’s been too much sacrificed just to be lost on a gangland in Dublin or a corrupt person in Belfast,' he said.

"We are now many, many years since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement and the name of republicanism, especially in the 26 counties, has been trailed through the mud by people who should never never ever been allowed on the bus. There needs to be a crdible middle ground."

The South Derry man says militant republicans have encountered tougher challenges in the past.

'We have been shot by our own, hanged by our own, hanged by the Brits, we have been raped and beaten by the church and starved by colonialism – there’s nothing in this world we cannot face,' he said.

'By taking a step back you actually do move forward. You need a bit of luck, but you can’t have luck if you don’t have a plan.'

Mr McGlinchey is convinced the time is right for him to speak out now.

'We were told to go and sit in the corner and that’s not acceptable any more,' he said.

"I say this with the greatest respect to every other activist of my age, but it feels like I have lived five lifetimes within the Republican Movement. And all of my life I have been told you need to watch what you say and where you say it, everybody is out to get you.

You have a duty I think to say what needs to be said - what’s on your mind. Republicanism is a very noble and just thing to be involved in. Republicans also have a duty to do the right thing, to stand up and be counted and when that time comes to be honest about where it’s at."

Dominic McGlinchey Interview: Saying What Needs Said

"Q: What do you say to those people who are unhappy but are pulled the other way by feelings of loyalty?

A: Examine their consciences. Take a good look at what is going on. If they agree - ok. If not then speak out." - Fourthwrite interview with Brendan Hughes


Dominic McGlinchey Interview: Saying What Needs Said

TPQ features an interview that the republican Dominic McGlinchey gave to Connla Young of the Irish News

Well known in anti-agreement circles Dominic McGlinchey has been a staunch opponent of Sinn Fein's political strategy. But with "little appetite" for armed conflict, the republican activist asks whether the time is right for an end to armed struggle as he urges "conversations" to take place on the future for militant republicanism.

A prominent opponent of Sinn Fein’s political strategy has said there is “little appetite” for armed conflict in nationalist communities in the north.

In a rare interview Dominic McGlinchey urged those opposed Sinn Fein’s strategy to hold a 'conversation about the future of  the republican movement' and 'question the integrity of those standing beside them'.

His comments come after a period of intense debate within anti-agreement circles  about the merits of various republican paramilitary campaigns.

In recent weeks a number of other high profile anti-agreement republicans, including former Provisional IRA hunger strikers Gerard Hodgins and Tommy McKearney, have said it is time for armed republican groups to “reconsider” their campaigns.

Mr McGlinchey believes republicans have little to fear from making tough decisions.

'Republicans have shown they are well capable of taking decisive action against the British,' he said.

'That’s not something that they need to prove and nobody is saying you shouldn’t do this or do that.'

Born into a staunch republican family from Bellaghy in south Derry, Mr McGlinchey’s decision to enter a public debate at this time will be viewed as significant.

There are currently several active republican groups including the IRA, Oglaigh na hEireann and the Continuity IRA.

The IRA, which was formed as after a merger between the Real IRA, Republican Action Against Drugs and independent republicans in 2012, and Oglaigh na hEireann have been particularly active in recent months.

Although he keeps a low public profile, Mr McGlinchey is a well-known figure in anti-agreement circles.

Speaking last night the father-of-three said that in some cases “armed action” was being used to 'stifle republicanism at the present time. It’s not that you are asking republicans to give something up, it’s not a matter of giving something up,' he said.

"It’s a matter of being pragmatic and astute about where the battle is at and where it needs to be brought. Republicanism need to be aware of where it sits and the battles that are opening up in front of it and if certain tactics are holding you back from entering a new field of battle."

The 36-year-old left Sinn Fein in 2006 partly because of its support for policing in the north.

He later joined republican socialist party Eirigi before resigning from that group in 2009.

He remains opposed to Sinn Fein and believes support for the party 'is support for British rule in Ireland and the administering of British rule in Ireland'.

In 2012 Mr McGlinchey was questioned by police about a Real IRA gun attack which claimed the lives of two British soldiers in Massereene in County Antrim in 2009.

He strongly denies any involvement in the attack and believes his name was connected to the ambush by 'the British media, MI5 and (PSNI) special branch'.

The Co Derry man believes there is little support for a paramilitary campaign in nationalist communities.

“I don’t believe the appetite exists among the people,” he said.

"That’s not to say there is not considerable support among certain segments of republicanism for particular types of resistance, but what is very clear is that the appetite is not there for a full blown campaign. Never has the groundwork been done for a campaign like that to be launched."

Mr McGlinchey says that republican groups must answer to the people they claim to represent.

'As republicans we say our loyalty is to the Republic and the people make up the Republic and our loyalty has to be to those people,' he said.

"For us to enforce rather than to persuade and debate and bring the people with you on a particular road map, what sort of Republic would we have at the end of it all?

There are those involved in a process who have already delivered us to one surrender and they have no right to deliver us to another surrender."

Mr McGlinchey is of the view that republican 'activists on the ground need to have an understanding of what they want'.

He said the activities of republican paramilitary groups do not constitute a sustained “campaign”.

He urged anti-agreement republicans to consider alternative methods to further their aims and reject any romantic notions about the Provisional IRA’s campaign.

'Resistance is good,' he said.

"But it doesn’t mean you have to be running around with an Armalite in your hand.

You can’t refer back to the "good old days", the fact of the matter is there was nothing good in it.

I am 36-years-of-age and I never saw the IRA walking the streets. There was a resistance movement but the IRA were on the back foot."

As a child Mr McGlinchey saw both his parents being shot dead in separate gun attacks in Co Louth.

His father Dominic, a former INLA Chief of Staff, was gunned down in Drogheda in February 1994 by gunmen who have never been apprehended.

His mother Mary, also a former senior member of the INLA, was shot dead in her Dundalk home in January 1987 as she bathed the then nine-year-old along with his brother Declan.

Again, her killers have never been caught.

Mr McGlinchey says alternative ways of expressing republican politics should not be dismissed by hardliners.

'There are hundreds of ways to expose the status quo for what it is,' he said.

'Through civil disobedience or not recognising institutions. Republicanism cannot be viewed as a one-trick pony, there needs to be a proper analysis of where it is at.'

The former Sinn Fein man believes that conversations about the future of militant republicanism can be held privately.

'I don’t think republicans need to say they are calling a halt,' he said.

'It’s clear that as republicans you have a duty to reflect, gather your thoughts and analyse our strategy. There needs to be a conversation about the future of the republican movement.'

He revealed that hardline republicans have already entered into a “period of reflection” but that efforts to move away from violence are opposed by elements within the British security establishment.

'MI5 and the security services have moved certain people from our streets that are of a more moderate persuasion to stifle that,' he said.

'The security forces, MI5 and British intelligence have a vested interest in keeping things going.'

He also believes that at times in the past British “agent provocateurs” within the Republican Movement have steered its direction.

'Whether we like it or dislike it at the minute the Brits are controlling both sides of the argument, or certainly have major influences in terms of both sides of the argument,' he said.

Mr McGlinchey believes the in recent years 'republicans are trying to swim in a dirty pond and there’s not even enough oxygen for anything to breathe in it never mind grow'.

He says this has been demonstrated more so in Dublin where hardline factions have descended into a “gang structure” whose members “masquerade as republicans”.

'There’s been too much sacrificed just to be lost on a gangland in Dublin or a corrupt person in Belfast,' he said.

"We are now many, many years since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement and the name of republicanism, especially in the 26 counties, has been trailed through the mud by people who should never never ever been allowed on the bus. There needs to be a crdible middle ground."

The South Derry man says militant republicans have encountered tougher challenges in the past.

'We have been shot by our own, hanged by our own, hanged by the Brits, we have been raped and beaten by the church and starved by colonialism – there’s nothing in this world we cannot face,' he said.

'By taking a step back you actually do move forward. You need a bit of luck, but you can’t have luck if you don’t have a plan.'

Mr McGlinchey is convinced the time is right for him to speak out now.

'We were told to go and sit in the corner and that’s not acceptable any more,' he said.

"I say this with the greatest respect to every other activist of my age, but it feels like I have lived five lifetimes within the Republican Movement. And all of my life I have been told you need to watch what you say and where you say it, everybody is out to get you.

You have a duty I think to say what needs to be said - what’s on your mind. Republicanism is a very noble and just thing to be involved in. Republicans also have a duty to do the right thing, to stand up and be counted and when that time comes to be honest about where it’s at."

25 comments:

  1. Another voice of reason ,not treason speaking up and out for true republicans, the fight for an independent 32 county socialist republic can and must be moved on to new tactics not a rerun of the failed treachery that we have already witnessed,we must stop subsidising the brit security industry,if they want their big salaries and expense accounts let them earn it elsewhere,voices locked up are muted and the energy needed to expose the charlatans and carpetbaggers who are bleeding this place dry is wasted in the diversion that any military campaign creates at the moment .

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dominic covers a lot of ground in this interview. He is very articulate like his late father. It is an intelligent and thought out position. Let's see if the argument is dealt with on merit. If people think he is wrong - and I am sure there are some who do - a critique of the argument rather than the man will be the more enlightening.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think that facts speak for themselves and that is the time has come to realise that support is no longer there for armed struggle.

    If there are those who disagree with what Dominic and others, myself included, are saying then they need to explain how they hope to achieve anything going it alone.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AM , I don't think there are that many that disagree with Dominic. There is simply no support for armed propaganda. Waging war because your frustrated isn't enough. Maybe if armed groups call a ceasefire we'll get p.o.ws released. Nothing I've said here hasn't been said before but it's not until recently that I've been involved in these conversations and I find no support.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thought provoking and well written petition for a cessation by all groups in language that dissidents should find hard to ignore but easily digested.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Very well said by Dominic. Armed actions never were the be all and end all of revolutionary action against state and capitalist. As other countries throughout Europe has shown us, the power of people on the streets can overthrow governments in days, as opposed to 40 years of guerilla military war by small units. The shinners destroyed the appetite for war and suppressed support for war but a smart revolutionary does not fight with arms alone.

    ReplyDelete
  7. From Michael henry

    A well thought out and well written article by Dominic paving the way for armed groups that never fought a war calling ceasefires in the year of elections-looks like some want to get their own peace process going-which is their own buisness-they can dust down old Army and Sinn Fein statements and just add their name on to them for release-you cant make this stuff up-

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are a clown !!
      Are you a relation of willie frazer you muppet !!

      Delete
  8. David,

    you are right. There aren't many but there are some. Getting prisoners released will be a hard one whatever happens but it should be pressed for.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Every time I see a comment from Michael Henry McIvor I get this urge to slip him a bit of loose change to buy a drink and batter on with whatever I'm doing....

    ReplyDelete
  10. Fair play to Dominic, there is a vast difference in how he has approached this and the raft of others who choose the Newsletter.
    Firstly he has previously had the debate within Irish republicanism (the comradely way) before talking to a Newspaper which (with all its faults) is not the Organ of the Ulster Unionist Party.
    Unlike the Newsletter interviews he gives possible visions of what could be alternative strategies to current armed actions and has not allowed himself to be seen as simply renouncing and distancing himself from what the others called 'utter madness' !
    Unlike the Newsletter posse, there is nothing in this article which the enemies of Republicanism could take comfort from.

    Fair play to Dominic, he is a credit to his parents.

    ReplyDelete
  11. To the extent that Irish-America exists as an entity, it can operate only as support for decison-makers in Ireland.
    We in the States were shocked when the "Irish" gov't worked with the Brits against us on every issue, from the B-6, to MacBride Principles, to Joe Doherty, to the GFA's surrender of the thereto-contested 6-Counties.
    The US gov't began siding with Britain against republicans soon after 1989 when the Adams sell-out became clear here.
    The IRB's demand for abolition of the 1922 King George V "Oireachtas" and its successors is a start. GAA players and supporters ought to take the GAA back from its new corporate owners. Ditto Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, which, under true Irish leadership, will undo its part in making Derry the 2013 "UK City of Culture." The resumed internment and criminal abuse of prisoners indicates the extent of Britain's triumph. So does the criminal immunization of the perpetrators of Bloody Sunday, Dublin/Monaghan, Ballymurphy, Loughinisland, Omagh, etc. It is surely time for a public reassessment of the current status of law and justice in what was Occupied Ireland until its surrender to Britain. A main problem, that of U.S. support for tyrannies everywhere, is no longer perfumable. The U.S., a dismantler of Britain's empire in 1776 and under FDR,has become what Britain was at its most criminal. U.S. crimes are finally acknowledged by its citizens. IMHO a new, law-abiding U.S. is only a finger-snap away in terms of history. To achieve it we all must reclaim our sovereignty from those we mistakenly entrusted it.



    ReplyDelete
  12. While the debate is constructive and I am enjoying reading them, am I right in saying the only contributor currently still actively pursuing republican objectives is Jim Slaven and his piece is by far the best of the lot, the rest is getting a bit repetitive to be honest.

    I think its a result of a crisis in confidence within republicanism in general it reminds me of the short story of the elephant rope. People need to be inspired.

    I also just hope all of the contributions are genuine and hopefully somewhere in there we don't have an 'agent for change'.

    ReplyDelete
  13. the above comment is a response to Michaelhenry

    ReplyDelete
  14. ciaran, thats an awful thing to say about Willie Frazer. Frazer might sue TPQ for slander.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Ciarán's condescending comment could be viewed as being no different to members of PSF who go about attacking critics by accusing them of being anti-Republican. Ciarán uses 'the Newsletter posse' and throws in the 'enemies of Republicanism' - to spice it - up in order to attack those openly critical of continued armed struggle.

    His whole basis of attack is that they choose to use the Newsletter to air their views rather than Nationalist papers which are no less anti-Republican.

    While being in total agreement with the views aired in the Newsletter I disagreed with the choice of that paper rather than Nationalist papers, not because they were any less anti-Republican than the Unionist paper but because I felt that the Nationalist papers would have got the message out to the wider Republican family who wouldn't read the Newsletter.

    Despite using the Irish News Dominic's points were in no way different to that of the others.

    In fact Dominic stated that...

    " that republican groups must answer to the people they claim to represent..."

    "the activities of republican paramilitary groups do not constitute a sustained “campaign”."

    "'MI5 and the security services have moved certain people from our streets that are of a more moderate persuasion to stifle that,"

    "'The security forces, MI5 and British intelligence have a vested interest in keeping things going.'

    He also believes that at times in the past British “agent provocateurs” within the Republican Movement have steered its direction..."

    What Ciarán needs to do is come up with a proper counter-argument that doesn't smack of an unwarranted attack on Republicans with opposing opinions.

    ReplyDelete
  16. well said dixie, the entire mainstream media is crap and owned and it doesnt matter which organ(love that word) we talk to. who gives a damn who says what where, we are saying it everywhere especially here on net so wise up ciaran c. nobody should be giving their money to the billionaire tax exile owned mainstream media presstitutes,although the star covers the hurling very well.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Ciaran Cunningham,

    Praise for one but condemnation of others but the message is still the same.
    What is the difference between the choice of papers?

    The comradely way would carry some weight but with the divisions and factionalisms where exactly is the comradely way? I could see that being used if there was one group with one party but factionalism would suggest anything but comradely. All it spells out is disunity and disagreement which is never explained so one is left to conclude that disagreement is the rule.

    I don’t see why the emphasis is on the choice of paper and the fact that people chose to not meet with anyone it doesn't ring of anti-republican conspiracy as all the individuals did was express a view that in some quarters is non-agreeable.
    Would it have made a difference if each individual held a meeting?

    For the sake of argument if militant republicanism takes hold where exactly will it take the people and how long should the people be expected to live under the rule of the gun.

    It seems a little on the childish side to ignore the message based on which paper carried it there has been nothing anti-republican stated.
    The counter that it is a unionist paper is hardly the problem it appears that those who penned individual messages somehow broke some unwritten rule that they should meet with armed groups before expressing an opinion.

    Not to burst the bubble but that suggests fascism people should be free to say what they think. The other copout is just as senseless as the only alternative to military action is non-military action or passive resistance.

    Rather than describe a paper as the enemy of republicanism it would be fair to state that republicanism is its own enemy and will remain so until anti-treaty republicans redefine its purpose and adapt to the times.

    It is certainly not anti-republican to wish to see no Irish prisoners in British jails sitting back and assessing the present strategy of military objectivity is essential and only two things will come of it either strength through unity or weakness through disunity.

    It is no big secret there is no defeating the Brits militarily so no matter how many statements are made to the contrary it is an unattainable objective.

    ReplyDelete
  18. When I read articles like these my first train of thought is to read very deeply into every word to find out what is really being said , on this occasion I decided to just read it as it is .
    Dominic seems to be a very level headed young man and maybe just maybe he feels or felt the need to carry on the republican legacy left by both his parents,
    I read the piece again and my conclusion is the same now as it was when the Provo’s were bombing and shooting their way to Stormont , have these people who profess to be from Ireland fighting for Ireland simply have no regard for human rights
    Who are they fighting for, were the mandate, I know not or have heard any of the victims of this present phase of the struggle sing the praises of this bunch of modern day freedom fighter.
    If we are to take anything from the past or even learn from it we must surely see the end product of 40 years human rights abuse against the people of Ireland.
    Look at the result… Most of the Provo leadership have ended up administering British rule and the others were touts
    So what a future we have to look forward to, is it to be human rights abuse on Irish people for years to come
    What I really cant understand is that when the liberators are banged up in jail for killing our Irish men women and children …they then expect the people to take care of their wives and children i.e. the Tax Payer. Maybe they should take care of their own wives and children instead of embarking on strategy of ruining everyone else’s family

    ReplyDelete
  19. Cairan Cunningham.

    Those that gave the interviews to the NL were asked for there thoughts and opinions about the current campaign by physical force republicans. The interveiwees have made it clear that they did not approach the NL. None of those interviewed are active members of any physical force grouping but they are referred to as dissidents in many circles simply because they do not hold to the line pushed by SF.

    You are fronting a red herring when you are trying to reduce the debate to a narrow point about, the origins of the debate. Well these people have put these opinnions out there long before the NL.

    To be honest Cairan I have always held until recently that ONH or any of the groups had the justifiable right to carry out actions against the brits. My view of this has change somewhat. I am now of the opinnion that they have the right, but to excersise that right in reality is not justifiable when armed actions are undermining republicanism. Keeping republicanism alive in the 21st century will be enough of a battle without handicapping it.

    There are many people living in the occupied 6 who feel they dont have a voice because of the SF departure from grassroots opinnion. Many of these people wont and dont support armed actions. Which leaves them where?. The electoral register has been haemorrhaging voters because of appathy. If grassroots republicanism is to have representation and a voice, it must come through political activism. That is the reality of where we are Cairan. Ignorring the mood of the people will not change the situation we now live in.

    At this point in time, armed actions are a cop out and self deafeating. SF have been allowed to misrepresent communities like Ardoyne because of thier electoral mandate. If Dee Fennel takes a seat he will find himself dogged by questions about supporting violence or ONH, it wont matter a hoot how many times he says he does not support violence, it will dog him and he will become ineffectual and again the grassroots will have lost a voice and missed an opportunity.

    It is the right time to make difficult choices Cairan. Nobody wants a SF type surrender, we all want a voice that is listened to and not marginalised because of an ineffectual campaign.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Reading Dominic's article it has given me food for thought, his assessment that there is not a broad basis support for an armed campaign except from a relative small section of the republican Community is accurate and that there is other tactics that could be used to forward the republican cause e.g. civil dis-obeisance. After reading it and thinking it over several points I think need to be put forward tho. In 1916 there was no support for an armed campaign,the border Campaign and the early to mid 60's there was relativity no support for an armed campaign. When an armed campaign did erupt it created the conditions need to sustain the campaign as has happened the world over e.g. Cuba among others. So tho the conditions may not be met today it does not mean an armed campaign will not help to create them. Another point is that through out Irelands occupation, republican's have used any and all means necessary to forward their goals and objectives, from political means e.g. The Home Rule League to Civil Dis-Obeisance during the 60's and not recognising institutions as in the diplock courts but the only form of action that has consistently brought the biggest gains is armed actions e.g. 1920's War of independence, and the last phase of the conflict when SF/PIRA bombed there way to Stormont. So although I do agree that militant republicanism does need to have a serious debate about armed actions and a campaign. I think that the armed groups need to talk about unity and devolve a road map and a strategy that meets todays political land-scape instead of putting down guns.

    ReplyDelete
  21. From Ardoyne Republican

    Dominic Og's contribution to the debate is to be welcomed. Sadly conflict has left both his parents dead and have taken their toll on him and his clann.

    Dominic has every right to express his opinions on the issue of the future of Irish Republicanism and about Armed Actions and I am grateful for his
    views.

    Over the past few weeks, many people have expressed their views about how armed groups should focus their energies on political rather than military operations.

    The fact of some contributors expressing those opinions were pointed by a number of insults to describe those involved in armed actions can only be taken as another means of 'attack'. No doubt the advocates of the current political joke that is Stormont enjoyed reading those words.

    If Veteran Republicans wish to speak publicly to armed groups, I would caution against insults. As the thrust of their arguments are sandwiched between the logic & insult.

    Thankfully, Dominic has tempered his language and manages to get his valid points across. He is a credit to his parents, family and community.

    Regards 'support' for armed struggle. It is a historical fact that none if any of former armed groups sought public endorsement for their armed campaigns. With the exception of one, the 1962 IRA actually expressed the lack of support for it's campaign when calling a halt.

    As such, I don't believe that the current crop of armed groups will seek support. As far as they see things, part of Ireland is still occupied, imperialism still has our nation in a headlock, Partition exists and our national sovereignty is still denied.

    RNU, 1916 Societies and Eirigi in Belfast have all announced candidates for the Council elections this May. As such I would encourage all those contributors who wish to help chart the future of Republicanism, to ask the various Candidates for their contributions. The political struggle continues.

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  22. From Dee Fennell

    Martin Og i have just seen your comment stating that the 1916 Societies in Belfast have announced candidates.

    The 1916 Societies havent announced any candidates, anywhere. I may be a member of a Society, as is Ciaran, but we are not running for Societies, running together or have any Society resources committed to elections. Elections are not even allowed to be discussed at Society meetings, nor is any Society allowed to endorse a candidate.

    For the record, i have actually endorsed Chopper over Ciaran in Black Mountain. Telling both men this to their faces, as well as publicly. Ciaran's membership of the 1916 Societies was irrelevant in that decision. I have also now endorsed Tommy and RNU in Court.

    Perhaps you might want to modify your comment, as it is a falsehood that the 1916 Societies have announced candidates in Belfast or elsewhere, or that Society members are in some sort of secret squirrel election team.

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  23. @Dee, rather than getting into a political debate on TPQ chara about whether or not you & Ciaran standing for elections as Independents or as 1916 Society Activists.

    I will say that the thrust of my post above was commending Belfast Republicans for becoming involved in this year's Council elections. Given the dilution of our idealogy by former comrades in the past few years. It's about time that the Electorate now have viable alternatives to vote for and I wish everyone standing the best of luck including yourself.

    Let's hope fellow Republicans across the Country follow the same path and challenge the Status Quo.

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