Commitment to the creation of the Republic alone is the basis to move forward. From here we must re-imagine how it can be achieved by turning previous weaknesses into strengths as a diverse movement of many parts.
Everyone, Republican or otherwise has their own particular part to play - Bobby Sands
Everyone has their part to play
The great Republican Ruairí Ó Brádaigh recognised that the struggle moved through phases in history of primacy in Nationalist or Republican agitation, moving from the centre to the left at different times as described in the book The Life And Politics Of An Irish Revolutionary.
We must acknowledge and accept diversity within republicanism. From rigid traditionalists to those who would contest elections and take seats in partitioned parliament (excluding Westminster) to hard left communists. All who genuinely work for the realisation of the Republic as proclaimed must be brought into a network regardless of how they believe it can or should be achieved. This doesn't include Sinn Féin - their project is not the Republic.
Everyone, Republican or otherwise has their own particular part to play - Bobby Sands
Everyone has their part to play
The great Republican Ruairí Ó Brádaigh recognised that the struggle moved through phases in history of primacy in Nationalist or Republican agitation, moving from the centre to the left at different times as described in the book The Life And Politics Of An Irish Revolutionary.
We must acknowledge and accept diversity within republicanism. From rigid traditionalists to those who would contest elections and take seats in partitioned parliament (excluding Westminster) to hard left communists. All who genuinely work for the realisation of the Republic as proclaimed must be brought into a network regardless of how they believe it can or should be achieved. This doesn't include Sinn Féin - their project is not the Republic.
Set aside old preconceptions
The notion of merging organisations is a failed one. They all hold distinct characteristics, personalities and history but cooperation of the willing is to be encouraged in addition to their own autonomous programmes. It is comparable to a Pan Republican strategy with an unchangeable objective.
A new departure can be constructed as a broad congress and work for the collective advancement of the Republic, open to all who commit to achieving the Republic and nothing less. The virtues of Republicanism automatically eliminates any question of the narrow nationalist right from the equation.
Open up and popularise Irish Republicanism
Irish Republicanism needs new life and new blood. It needs new ideas. It has never been participated in actively by the people at large Instead it has been run by small secret and revolutionary groups throughout history.
The Congress can be open to those who belong to no other organisation. The conditions of today mean that Republicanism no longer needs to operate out of sight. To become a popular aspiration Republicanism needs to be accessible to ordinary people.
It's undeniable that society is predominantly conformist and to have a special branch man take your name, address and picture will not help growth in general society. All perceived weaknesses must become strengths.
A Republican vehicle for all to participate in without historical baggage.
The age of the secret society organising a military strategy capable of discipline, dedication and loyalty matched by capability has passed. Modern technology doesn't eliminate groups from attempting this route but totally eliminates any prospect of success. A guerilla army cannot succeed in a developed country unless it suits an agenda. Even when the 69-98 PIRA campaign was active it failed to achieve its objectives. Militant Republicanism has pushed the struggle on as far as it can and a reimagination of how the struggle is continued is now overdue. Militarism is now a definite weakness.
The Republican Congress
A Republican Congress can provide a purposeful democratic forum and should appoint a development committee represented by delegates from groups and Independents and should include mechanisms such as rotation of roles to limit control blocks. Ordinary members should be the highest authority.
Initiatives for campaigns and growth would be its primary role (and not a talking shop) to make it accessible and popular. It should drive contemporary political analysis of Ireland in terms of the Irish Nation and Sovereignty, a continuous source of reference and leadership in an age where populism is a threat.
To create a broad congress, the basis for agreement must be as high level as possible.
To work to bring about The Republic.
A commitment to peaceful initiatives.
To leave outside all matters of common dispute for example, religion or abortion etc.
Refrain from attempting to steer the Congress to the left or right in social or economic issues.
Unity is a priority to a way forward and matters of division should be excluded. Any radical social or economic interests can be promoted within the ethos of each group or in an individual's own initiatives.
The Republican Congress
A Republican Congress can provide a purposeful democratic forum and should appoint a development committee represented by delegates from groups and Independents and should include mechanisms such as rotation of roles to limit control blocks. Ordinary members should be the highest authority.
Initiatives for campaigns and growth would be its primary role (and not a talking shop) to make it accessible and popular. It should drive contemporary political analysis of Ireland in terms of the Irish Nation and Sovereignty, a continuous source of reference and leadership in an age where populism is a threat.
To create a broad congress, the basis for agreement must be as high level as possible.
To work to bring about The Republic.
A commitment to peaceful initiatives.
To leave outside all matters of common dispute for example, religion or abortion etc.
Refrain from attempting to steer the Congress to the left or right in social or economic issues.
Unity is a priority to a way forward and matters of division should be excluded. Any radical social or economic interests can be promoted within the ethos of each group or in an individual's own initiatives.
Republican events
Most Republicans participate in commemorative and educational events. These could potentially be collaborated on under the Congress to build unity.
Prisoner welfare pickets and protests for example are all activities which would reside with existing groups outside of the congress to allow for broader participation.
The Congress, the basis for broad unity, must be welcoming to those outside of the developed republican community who wish to become involved and not a structure of secrecy, dependant on its non military view.
Campaigns
Support should be given by the Congress for initiatives which serve the people and the Republic and are acceptable broadly by the Congress.
A strong culture exists within Republican groups on issues like Anti-War and Neutrality, civil rights and homeless services etc. These activities are commendable and should be endorsed broadly as Republican initiatives.
There are many justice campaigns from the troubles still unresolved.
The Campaign for the Irish Republic is the overriding campaign and purpose of all. Strategies to advance it will be central. These may be street initiatives or may even be political strategies to disrupt the dynamics of the Parliamentary Establishment in the event that some Independent Republicans get elected should they be inclined to stand.
Education
Appealing to a new generation to become active participants in Irish Republicanism will require a provision for educational resources on all shades of Irish history to provide the political direction to the next generation.
Funding
Republicanism holds historical interest appeal. It holds much potential for fundraising if it alltransparently feeds back into growing the movement. The possibilities here are vast. No other political creation in Ireland could claim to have this potential which, free of paramilitary baggage, can appeal to Irish America.
The right to use physical force to achieve self-determination
This issue does not have to divide. Many Republicans will always hold the view that force is justified. No agreement will be found on this question and some differ on its application pointing to times through history where campaigns were ceased yet the right was retained.
A broad movement doesn't need to agree on this question, only to set it aside.
Physical force has driven advances but it has also brought contradictions as many were thrown into it not because of Republican beliefs but instead in reaction to state and Loyalist attacks. A potent, educated, regenerated Republican movement without the physical force element will in a post conflict age be free from an unpoliticised defenderist element which has always been willing to settle for less than the Republic identifiable with PSFs trajectory.
In the event of a question re-emerging on defensive action then that right will of course exist as it does to all people in all Nations.
Prisoner welfare pickets and protests for example are all activities which would reside with existing groups outside of the congress to allow for broader participation.
The Congress, the basis for broad unity, must be welcoming to those outside of the developed republican community who wish to become involved and not a structure of secrecy, dependant on its non military view.
Campaigns
Support should be given by the Congress for initiatives which serve the people and the Republic and are acceptable broadly by the Congress.
A strong culture exists within Republican groups on issues like Anti-War and Neutrality, civil rights and homeless services etc. These activities are commendable and should be endorsed broadly as Republican initiatives.
There are many justice campaigns from the troubles still unresolved.
The Campaign for the Irish Republic is the overriding campaign and purpose of all. Strategies to advance it will be central. These may be street initiatives or may even be political strategies to disrupt the dynamics of the Parliamentary Establishment in the event that some Independent Republicans get elected should they be inclined to stand.
Education
Appealing to a new generation to become active participants in Irish Republicanism will require a provision for educational resources on all shades of Irish history to provide the political direction to the next generation.
Funding
Republicanism holds historical interest appeal. It holds much potential for fundraising if it alltransparently feeds back into growing the movement. The possibilities here are vast. No other political creation in Ireland could claim to have this potential which, free of paramilitary baggage, can appeal to Irish America.
The right to use physical force to achieve self-determination
This issue does not have to divide. Many Republicans will always hold the view that force is justified. No agreement will be found on this question and some differ on its application pointing to times through history where campaigns were ceased yet the right was retained.
A broad movement doesn't need to agree on this question, only to set it aside.
Physical force has driven advances but it has also brought contradictions as many were thrown into it not because of Republican beliefs but instead in reaction to state and Loyalist attacks. A potent, educated, regenerated Republican movement without the physical force element will in a post conflict age be free from an unpoliticised defenderist element which has always been willing to settle for less than the Republic identifiable with PSFs trajectory.
In the event of a question re-emerging on defensive action then that right will of course exist as it does to all people in all Nations.
Unionism and promoting the Republic
Outside of Republicanism, it is said that most Irish citizens accept the authority of European and Global structures perceived to be by consent and no longer question the authority of British jurisdiction in Ireland seeing this as settled pending a border poll in the future.
This is a failure of Irish Republicanism, that the ordinary people of Ireland do not see that the 26 county construct is not the Republic and that sovereignty is being eroded by International structures.
There is a section of the PUL which is open to Unification. This does not mean they see that as The Republic. Appeasing Unionism has proven to be a waste of time. All cross community reconciliation is of the greatest importance but Republicanism cannot be advanced by moving away from the Republic.
The place for the PUL within the Irish Republic needs to be clearly made and let it stand as it is. A minority of the Nation can no longer be allowed to prohibit the progression of the Republic which benefits them.
Republican media
This is the key area that serious resources should be invested in. This should have a strategy of its own to use the media to advance the political aspirations of Republicanism.
Tá ár lá anseo
The Republic is not an end in itself. Other than Eire Nua who can set out a vision of a living Republic?
⏯Pádraig O Maonaigh is a social justice activist.
Overcoming the problem of divisive issues is not easy. If for example a republican project parks the abortion issue those who feel strongly about abortion seeing it as a human right might not see the value in the project. Aontu stands firmly opposed to abortion, and Peadar Toibin is a polished performer, but does that restrict its access to wider support?
ReplyDeleteI am not sure if republicanism as a social protest movement will become very broad going down that route.