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I think this Ard Fheis was a pretty good one with a lot of fine, open debate (Still given the clár I expected better). While I voted against both joining the PSNI and indeed coalition I think it is pretty clear where I stand on those issues, that is to say I think keeping your options open is the best policy. Now what does that mean, does it mean I feel that we should go in with Fianna Fail after the next GE? Well quite honestly no I don’t, we can only contemplate going into government when we can negotiate a programme which fits with our distinct republican socialist agenda.
The Ard Fheis made the repeal of the offences against the state act a precondition to entering into government; I am delighted that this motion was passed. I personally wrote a motion which did not get out of my cumman and it called for a lot more “pre-conditions.” I believe all members of the Army must be released before it can be contemplated. I believe a minister must be appointed to drive forward Irish re-unification and a commitment to publish a green paper on unity must be given before it can be contemplated. I feel that a programme for government must have at its heart a commitment to equality and must put public services and ending disadvantage first, and the introduction of a truly progressive taxation system to pay for this must be in the programme. One of the phrases I heard most over the weekend was “Don’t tie the hands of the leadership”, well comrades we are republicans and this is not tying anybodies hands, this is simply adherence to the basic principles of that republicanism. Some one told me that the motion I wrote was ruling out coalition by just another means, by putting in conditions that could never be met, it was not, it was simply stating core principles that should not be negotiable.
I believe in the process and have articulated this many times, but I have a deep frustration, a frustration borne out of how slow things are moving. It seems for many that it is the sole responsibility for republicans to move while others do nothing to progress things. I have said many times that I think the GFA is a real vehicle for change and achieving our goals, but not the only one. I think republicanism has come to a point where quite simply no more can be given, no further initiatives are possible, and we are now in a dodgy position of waiting for Paisley. I agree with the comments made by McGuiness on the assembly but would go a wee bit further, yes we want the agreement to work, but now its up to the two governments, Sinn Fèin should stop doing the chasing, stop trying to beat big Ian into government and almost begging the DUP to share power.
Finally, while I have not been to that many Ard Feishina I have to say that yesterday I witnessed one of the most appalling speeches ever when a “comrade” rose to speak on immigration. The speech was sexist, racist, and indeed did no justice to the actual motion which I know was not intended to be that way. It was one of the few occasions where one witnessed somebody being booed from the floor. It was in stark contrast to the fantastic speech by Cllr. Dessie Ellis on Saturday in which he articulated the position of Sinn Fèin so well on the subject. While Dessie spoke about true republican principles this was in stark contrast to the populist claptrap by the speaker yesterday. While Dessie talked about a true inclusive Ireland the guy yesterday talked about the need to answer this question on the doorstep and talked about a flood. Well two years ago when I was standing for election I was in the square with Mary Lou and we where approached by a women who asked, “Are you against that referendum which would allow us to send those blacks home?” and Mary Lou said “Yes we are”, the women said “Well you wont be getting my vote” to which Mary Lou replied “That is comforting to know”. We should never go down the populist route and follow Pat Rabbitte in the cheap pursuit of votes.
Sin è.
Originally Posted by edifice.
