Debating the path to freedom
A truly historic day at the RDS in Dublin began with an intense
sense of anxiety and apprehension. After all, this was the day
that republicans would decide if Sinn Fein should endorse a Yes
vote in the impending referenda, and whether Sinn Fein should
take up seats in an assembly in the Six Counties.
Proceedings commenced with Pat Doherty. ``We always knew that the
path to freedom was never going to be simple or straightforward,''
he said. ``What is essential is that we are prepared to adapt our
tactical positions without ever losing sight of our ultimate
objectives and without ever compromising on those issues which
are a matter of principle. In doing this we must never confuse
principles with tactics. Tactics are there to be adapted and to
be changed when the need arises but principles are there to be
achieved.''
This was followed by a section entitled `A Strong Mandate'
dealing with Sinn Fein's strength, its electoral success and its
massive potential for growth. The first speaker, Sean McManus,
stressed the importance of increasing the efficiency of activists
and structures to maximise success in the forthcoming election.
He said, ``let us ensure we start work tomorrow morning. I am
confident we can become the strongest nationalist party in the
Six Counties.''
Matt Carthy of Sinn Fein Youth spoke in favour of the
introduction of legislation to ensure that all future elections
and referenda are held at weekends. He said, ``when the Dublin
government insists that elections and referenda are held during
the week, we see it as a direct insult to people studying away
from home.''
Seven young speakers, convincingly and confidently gave
compelling arguments on issues such as the disbandment of the
RUC, the proposed changes to Articles 2 and 3, opposition to the
unionist veto, demilitarisation and the Good Friday document.
The aspect of the document that gave most cause for concern to
the young people was the inaction with regard to the RUC. Each
speaker highlighted the ongoing harassment campaign directed
towards Sinn Fein Youth activists. South Armagh SFY activist
Deirdre Feehan explained, ``this is a deliberate attempt by the
RUC to intimidate and prevent SFY from taking an active role in
this struggle.'' She continued, ``we will continue to expose the
hypocrisy and violence of the RUC and despite what Tony Blair
says, the RUC will be disbanded.''
Kaniah Ni Chiosoig, arguing against changes to Articles 2 and 3
said, ``for the first time in our history, the Irish people are
being asked to consciously choose to accept the legitimacy of
Britain's claim to our land and our territorial waters.'' Colleen
Gildernew spoke of SFY's opposition to the unionist veto ``in all
its forms''.
``As republicans, we do not believe that a national minority has
the right to direct the course of a nation,'' Gildernew said, ``SFY
calls on all republicans to challenge that veto in every aspect
of their lives. At every opportunity, to use every avenue to
ensure that our consent is required at every level in every
aspect of our lives.''
Conor O Cearnaigh called for the immediate demilitarisation of
the Six Counties and stated that it was essential for lasting
peace. O Cearnaigh pledged SFY's support for the farmers and
residents associations and condemned the increase in military
activity, particularly in South Armagh and North Belfast.
Matt Carthy and Eoin O Broin dealt with the overall concerns of
SFY with the Good Friday document. Speaking of prisoners and the
RUC, Carthy stated, ``these and numerous other discrepancies make
our members very uncomfortable with this document.'' However, he
also stressed the need for the movement to stay united.
O Broin, in essence, stated that the document and the proposed
institutions opened up the possibility for change. He continued,
``however, all republicans need to realise that we are the only
guarantee of change.'' He explained that people should be asking
if the document copper fastened partition but also ``how do we
make sure that it undermines partition''. O Broin concluded by
saying that ``walking away from the fight changes nothing. It is
time to engage our energies in confronting our opponents''.
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