St Patrick's Day in New Zealand, Australia
After a three year battle, New Zealand's Irish
solidarity group Information on Ireland had a highly
prominent float in this year's Auckland St Patrick's
day parade. They had been banned in previous years for
being a `political' group.
This year the group managed to enter a float
commemorating the 200th anniversary of the 1798
rebellion.
The United Irishmen (who seem here to be largely
women), brandished fierce bamboo poles (pikes are a bit
``thin on the ground'', they said) and attacked English
General, ``Vinegary'' Hill.
In Sydney, Australia over 200 people marched behind a
number of Australian Aid for Ireland banners which
focused on the parade's theme of ``peace'' as well as the
200th anniversary of the 1798 United Irishmen.
In what is reputed to be the third biggest in the
world, Sydney's parade saw AAI having the largest
marching crowd once again. Despite the inclement
weather, the large crowds that lined the parade route
greeted the AAI contingent with warm and spontaneous
applause throughout. Some fifty people carried posters
which ranged from Saoirse messages to the ``22 year
men'', as well as references to the Gerry Adams visa
campaign.
One of the highlights of the day came as the group
approached the dignitaries viewing proceedings at
Sydney Town Hall. In full view of the like of the Irish
Ambassador, Richard O'Brien, and visiting Irish
government minister, Noel Dempsey, the banners and
posters were vigorously waved as a timely reminder that
Irish republicans, wherever they are in the world, will
be strongly represented in the dignified manner that
befits them.
![[An Phoblacht]](http://republican-news.org/graphics/title_gifs/aprn.gif)