IRISH REPUBLICAN NEWS: Archives

Martin McGuinness on his campaign to become President, his IRA past, his efforts to end the conflict in the North of Ireland and his call for a vote on Irish unity.

Bloody Sunday commemoration 2012

The ‘Hooded Men’ were a group of internees who were systematically tortured by the British military in 1971. We carry a statement from several of the surviving ‘Hooded Men’ on the subject of the 40th anniversary Bloody Sunday march, to take place in Derry on Sunday 29th January, as well as a program of events for the weekend.

Kevin Barry

Kevin Barry, one of Ireland’s youngest martyrs, was born in Dublin on January 20, 1902, 110 years ago today.

Echoes of 1981

Tensions are deepening at Maghaberry as riot squads take the place of regular warders. A look at the current situation and the history of the current prisoners’ protest.

RSF President looks back

The Presidential Address delivered at the 107th Ard Fheis of Republican Sinn Féin last month in which Des Dalton reviews events of the past year and looks to the future.

A victim of an evil regime

In a rare interview, Marian Price has revealed the toll her time in isolation in Maghaberry prison has taken on her physical and mental health.

Remember Irish political prisoners this Christmas

December is the traditional month for remembering those still in jail in Ireland for their republican beliefs.

McGurk’s Bar, forty years on

Patrick McGurk lost his mother and sister in the bomb that ripped through his father’s bar in Belfast’s North Queen Street. On the 40th anniversary of the bombing he spoke about his memories of December 4 1971 and how victims’ families are still continuing to fight for the truth.

The Anglo-Irish Treaty

An introduction by Joseph Gannon to the history behind the Anglo-Irish Treaty, signed 90 years ago this week and which sowed the seeds of a conflict which continues to this day.

A day in the life of a Maghaberry prisoner

An open letter by DD McLaughlin, an Irish republican prisoner on protest against strip-searching and other abuses at Maghberry.

The Ballymurphy campaign - a landmark judgement

The decision of the north’s Attorney General to reopen 10 of the 11 Ballymurphy cases is a landmark judgement which gives hope back to those families that their long journey toward truth and justice may now succeed.

The INLA hunger strikers

A profile of the three members of the Irish National Liberation Army who died alongside seven IRA Volunteers, on hunger strike for political status, thirty years ago this year.

Europe's economic ideology has failed

The bailouts are for only the banks and they are deepening the crisis of democracy at the heart of the European Union, writes Seamus Milne. For the Guardian.

Francis Hughes and Raymond McCreesh

A look at the lives and deaths of two of those who died on hunger strike in the struggle for Irish freedom, thirty years ago.

Seizing the moment in the Basque Country

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams spoke at the International Conference to promote the resolution of the conflict in the Basque Country, in San Sebastian on Monday.

Writing the next chapter

The text of the speech delivered by Presidential election candidate Martin McGuinness at the Mansion House event in Dublin on Thursday night.

The pensioner who stood up to the ESB

On Thursday Teresa Treacy was released from jail, still vowing to protect what is left of her carefully nurtured wooded estate from the pylon men and their diggers.

‘They will not break us’

An anti-internment/Free Marian Price march takes place this Saturday, 1st October at 2pm, Dublin, from the Garden of Remembrance to the GPO. Martin Rafferty, of the 32CSM, discusses the Marian Price campaign, internment, and the prospects for a united Ireland.

Palestine seeks recognition

An abridged version of the address by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the United Nations, in which he requested full membership and recognition for the State of Palestine.

Ugly scenes at Liam Lynch commemoration

A controversial newspaper columnist was shouted and spat at by angry Fianna Fail supporters after a commemoration organised by the party last week went disastrously wrong.

Holy Cross - Children on the front line

Ten years ago this week, schoolgirls and their families making their way to and from the Holy Cross school in north Belfast came under attack on a daily basis.

Defend Sean Garland

An account of the strange predicament facing the 76-year-old IRA Veteran and former Workers’ Party leader, Sean Garland.

Micky Devine - a typical Derry lad

INLA Volunteer Micky Devine was the last to die in the H-Block hunger strike of 1981, thirty years ago this week.

The rising of the moon

If they aren't able to destroy the desire for freedom, they won't break you.

The Ballymurphy Massacre

This Tuesday marked exactly 40 years since the beginning of one of the most horrifying periods in the history of West Belfast.

Thomas McElwee

IRA Volunteer Thomas McElwee died on hunger strike at Long Kesh prison, thirty years ago today. A brief biography of Thomas, who was known for being sincere, easy-going and full of fun.

Interview with Roisin Lynch

An interview by ‘Street Voice’ with Roisin Lynch, the partner of ailing prisoner Brendan Lillis and head of the campaign to release him before he dies in jail.

A dedicated republican and an outstanding soldier

A profile of republican hero Kieran Doherty who died on hunger strike at Long Kesh jail on August 2nd, 1981, thirty years ago this week.

Address to Kieran Doherty commemoration

The full text of an address by Sinn Fein TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin in Monaghan to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the death of hunger striker Kieran Doherty.

Norwegian killer praised Bloody Sunday

Right-wing mass murderer Anders Behring Breivik made a bizarre reference to Derry’s Bloody Sunday in his 1500 page manifesto, it has emerged.

Somalia - a failure of politics

Famine is a terrible word. It conjures up frightening images and for many in Ireland a folk memory of the Great Hunger of the 1840’s.

Why did the Nelson Inquiry not mention collusion?

It was set up specifically to definitively address the allegations of collusion but after a six-year probe costing £46.5 million, the Rosemary Nelson Inquiry made no reference to the “c” word in its final report.

Joe McDonnell and Martin Hurson

A look at the lives of two Volunteers who died on hunger strike 30 years ago this month.

Emigrant-turned-rebel was ‘enemy alien’

Diarmuid Lynch was said to have been the last man to leave the burning GPO during Easter week in 1916. A naturalised US citizen, he was eventually deported in 1918, but the British had long wanted rid of him before the Rising.

Victim of anti-Catholic bigotry pardoned

An Irish immigrant who was the last person to be hanged in Rhode Island in the US was this week pardoned more than 150 years after his death.

Charles Stuart Parnell

The man known as the ‘Uncrowned King of Ireland’ was born on June 27th, 1846, 165 years ago today.

Address to ‘Unite Ireland’ conference in Dublin

The full text of an address by Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams to a conference in Dublin at the weekend on the theme of Uniting Ireland.

Bloody Sunday, the ongoing cover-up

A year later, it should be possible to acknowledge that the Saville Report was far from flawless.

An independent international truth commission

The legacy of the past is one of the big issues which remains to be resolved in the outworking of the peace process.

Liam Kelly

Liam Kelly, a pivotal figure in republican politics who uniquely held seats simultaneously in Belfast and Dublin parliaments, died this week.

Background to the hunger strikes

An account by the Bobby Sands Trust of how the famous 1981 hunger strike, 30 years ago this year, came into being.

Oration at Lynagh/McKearney commemoration

The text of an oration delivered by eirigi chairperson Breandan Mac Cionnaith at a commemoration for Jim Lynagh and Padraig McKearney on 15 May 2011 at Drumfurrer, County Monaghan.

Perspectives on the royal visit

Two contrasting republican approaches and views on the Windsor visit to the 26-County state.

Assembly and local election results

The results of Thursday's Assembly election in the Six Counties, as well as a list of the Sinn Fein and republican candidates elected to local district councils.

Statement by republican prisoners

The following statement was issued at the weekend by the prisoners engaged in protest at Maghaberry jail.

Quotes by Bobby Sands

Today is the 30th anniversary of the heroic death of Irish patriot Bobby Sands on hunger-strike at Long Kesh prison. In his solemn memory, we publish a brief collection of quotes, some famous, some less well known.

Easter statements and speeches

A round-up of the messages delivered at various Easter commemorations across Ireland.

Sinn Fein Assembly election manifesto

Messages from Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness precede a list of the mnain points from Sinn Fein's manifesto for the 2011 Assembly election in the North.

The Garda ‘Rape Tape’

For almost a decade, simple acts of resistance by the community in Erris have met with bullying, threats, intimidation, vilification and casual violence at the hands of both Gardai and Shell’s private army IRMS.

Reflections on the H Block prison struggle

Sinn Fein’s electoral strategy began 30 years ago during the 1981 hunger strikes, beginning with Bobby Sands’s historic win in Fermanagh/South Tyrone, 30 years ago this week.

Leadership across Ireland

Last Wednesday, four years later, the Assembly at Parliament Buildings concluded its first ever complete four year term.

Loughinisland eyewitness speaks out

A witness to the Loughinisland massacre was not only never called on to identify the killers, but she alleges that her details were later passed on to a relative of the suspected getaway driver.

Another war for oil

Declarations from western powers that the military strike against Libya is motivated solely by a desire to protect the civilian population cannot be taken seriously

Action alert for Gerry McGeough

On February 18, 2011, after almost 4 years of a politically motivated arrest and trial, Gerry McGeough’s case ended with a “guilty” verdict handed down by a British diplock court

The Drumboe Martyrs

In March 1923, six weeks before the end of the civil war, the execution of republican prisoners by the Free State regime reached its height.

Position paper by Maghaberry prisoners

A document issued on the 25th February by a group of republican prisoners opposed to the criminalisation policy at Maghaberry jail in the North of Ireland.

Recalling the hunger strikes

On March 1 1981 Raymond McCartney was a republican prisoner in Long Kesh when the second hunger strike began.

List of TDs by constituency

Counting in the 26-County general election concluded this (Wednesday) morning following a second recount in Galway West. The following is a full and final list of members of the new Dublin parliament, in alphabetical order by constituency

Dail election 2011 - a constituency guide

A look at the key constituencies for republicans in the general election.

How Britain taught Arab police forces all they know

There is growing anger over the enmeshed relationship between authoritarian Gulf governments and the British military and police after weeks of democracy protests across the Arab world that met with violent state repression.

Torture in Maghaberry

A letter written this week by a republican prisoner, Damian (D.D.) McLaughlin, forcibly strip searched during a court appearance.

It’s the enormous debt, stupid

Rather than understand that the canard of paying back all the banks’ debts is futile and changing their minds, the establishment is trying to find more proof that the policy of keeping the banks alive is the right one.

There is a better way

The introduction and executive summary of Sinn Fein’s election manifesto for the 26-County general election later this month.

Imagine this tonight

A political candidate stands as an Independent on issues of principle during elections in Zimbabwe. Every political dirty trick and smear in the book is used against him during the campaign.

We shall overcome

Sunday was about completing the journey begun in the Creggan in January 1972.

Egyptian people strike for freedom

So much has changed for the Arab nations in the few days since the flight of Ben Ali in Tunisia.

Two inspirations

Often in life we come across people who leave a lasting impression on oneself and who inspire and influence a person by their passion and beliefs.

Inauguration of the First Dail

Many republicans watching this week’s shambolic events at the Dublin parliament would have been bitterly aware that they came on the 92nd anniversary of the inauguration of the First Dail. A look back at that historic day.

Butler to step down from Assembly

Sinn Fein’s Paul Butler is to quit the Six-County assembly after what he said had been a difficult decision.

Tommy Gorman - Recalling the Maidstone

Tommy Gorman was one of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ who escaped from the prison Ship Maidstone in 1972, 39 years ago this week. An interview by Anthony Neeson for the Andersonstown News.

Basque process ‘should heed the Irish lesson’

Gerry Adams responds to the announcement by the Basque armed group Eta, confirming that organisations’ commitment to “a permanent and general ceasefire which will be verifiable by the international community”.

eirigi New Year Statement

A statement issued by eirigi to mark the New Year.

2010 - Year in review

A look back at the main stories from the year past.

Much ruin and many regrets

The year 2010 will be remembered principally for two profound and far reaching developments in Irish politics.

The 1918 general strike

With calls for a general strike and civil disobedience gaining ground in the face of the economic crisis, an example in Irish history when the tactic of the general strike was successfully employed by the Irish working class.

Minimum wage, maximum shame

With last Friday’s passage of legislation to cut the minimum wage by 1 euro to 7.65 euro [£6.50], another shameful threshold was crossed by the Fianna Fáil-Green Party coalition; driving yet another section of society into poverty.

Political prisoners Christmas 2010

A list of republican prisoners and the addresses of their prisons.

Address to Dail on 2011 Budget

The full text of the address by Sinn Fein Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty following Tuesday’s 26-County Budget for 2011

The International Monetary Fund

So what is the International Monetary Fund?

‘Stand up and be counted’

On Sunday, Sinn Fein’s Deputy First Minister addressed the Kilmichael Commemoration to mark the 90th anniversary of a famous battle during the War of Independence in County Cork on 28 November 1920.

Time to act

A statement by the 32 County Sovereignty Committee on the crisis in the 26-County state.

Austerity programme must be met with civil disobedience

Many commentators in Ireland and beyond have asked why the Irish people have not taken to the streets.

RSF Ard Fheis Presidential Address

Last weekend delegates and visitors assembled in Dublin for the Ard-Fheis of [Republican] Sinn Fein.

The economics of the madhouse

It seems now that the cheapest bailout in the world has not only cost the Twenty-Six County state over 50 billion euro and rising, but has driven tens of thousands of workers onto dole queues, exposed its citizens to the vagaries of international financial markets and has now resulted in the state surrendering its sovereignty to the IMF.

The execution of Kevin Barry

Kevin Barry was hanged by the British in Mountjoy Jail at the age of eighteen, ninety years ago this month.

Doherty making his mark

Not since the election of the late Bobby Sands to Westminster has a republican candidate been in such a fateful position to influence events

Seeking a consensus on the past

Dealing with the past and the issue of truth recovery arising from the conflict has become increasingly fraught.

God save their Queen

The image of the typical dissident republican protesting against the queen’s visit to Ireland next year is clearcut.

Interview with Oglaigh na hEireann

An interview with three representatives of Oglaigh na hEireann leadership -- one member of the organisation’s Army Council and two general headquarters staff -- conducted this week by Brian Rowan of the Belfast Telegraph.

There is a better way

A summary of Sinn Féin’s 26-County pre-budget submission and economic plan for recovery 2011, which was released in Dublin today.

Maire Drumm

A tribute to Maire Drumm, the vice president of Sinn Fein and a commander in Cumann na mBan, who was killed by loyalists while recovering in Belfast’s Mater Hospital. 34 years ago today.

Turf Lodge – a proud community

Through many difficult years the people of Turf Lodge demonstrated time and time again a commitment to their families and to each other.

Raiders of the lost archives

Declassified official documents shed an interesting light on British government attitudes towards loyalist infiltration of the security forces and loyalist violence in the 1970s.

Sinn Fein proposals for the economy

An edited version of Sinn Fein’s proposals for the Six-County economy which were published today.

Inside Castlereagh

Former RUC men who worked at Castlereagh torture centre in Belfast described for the Guardian newspaper what was expected of them.

‘Dissident revolt’ - the 2010 dirty protest

Gary Donnelly, a former prisoner in the North's high-security facility at Maghaberry, speaks about a shocking, largely unnoticed protest by republican dissidents that erupted inside the prison ealier this year.

Action alert for Gerry McGeough and Vincent McAnespie

What can we do to help support Gerry and Vincent at this time”?

See how the one percent live

Just 1% of the population are estimated to own 34% of the wealth of the Twenty-Six Counties. The &lsquo1% Network’ is to hold a political walking tour through the heartland of the golden circle in Dublin.

The Murder of Volunteer Diarmuid O’Neill - 14 Years On

On September 23 1996, IRA volunteer Diarmuid O’Neill was shot dead during an arrest operation by armed members of the Metropolitan Police in Hammersmith, London, England.

Tom Williams

IRA Volunteer Tom Williams was hanged at age 19 by the British in September 1942, 68 years ago this month, for his part in a gun battle with the RUC which left one RUC man dead.

Sinn Fein plans 26-County strategy

The opening address to Sinn Fein’s ‘think-in’ ahead of the resumption of the Dublin parliament next month, by the Sinn Fein Dail leader Caoimhghin O Caolain.

The Inside Story: the INLA execution of “King Rat”

An account of the Irish National Liberation Army operation to execute Loyalist Volunteer Force leader Wright on the morning of 27th of December 1997.

The speeches of the Manchester Martyrs

The rescue of Colonel Kelly and Captain Deasy while they were being conveyed to Salford gaol, near Manchester (September 18th, 1867), is one of the most stirring episodes of the Fenian movement.

Eta opens opportunity for armed struggle to end

It will not come as a surprise to the leadership of Eta or the political leaders of the banned Herri Batasuna - the party closest to Eta - that the Spanish government’s response to the ceasefire announcement was insulting and offensive.

Blair is a lifer in the prison of his dark past

Tony Blair's bloody legacy has made it impossible for him to go unguarded anywhere in the world.

Irish Republicans will not be purchased or intimidated

An address to the party’s Hunger Strike commemoration in Bundoran on Saturday August 28th by the President of Republican Sinn Fein, Des Dalton.

Ombudsman’s claims must be challenged

Bishop Edward Daly speaks out about a 'less challenging style of journalism at work now'.

Saville report a job well done for victims’ families

Many of the Bloody Sunday relatives have spoken publicly about their feelings since the publication of the Saville report for the first time at Belfast’s Feile an Phobal.

Interview with ‘Oglaigh na h-Eireann’

Extracts from the interview between the Irish News and a representative of ‘Oglaigh na h-Eireann’.

Michael Collins

An account of the life of Irish military leader Michael Collins, who died 88 years ago this week.

Hunger strike commemoration

Some 10,000 people gathered in Bellaghy, County Derry for Sinn Fein’s annual hunger strike commemoration.

GARC ‘setting the record straight’

GARC (the Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective) has issued what it says is an attempt to set the record straight on the July 12th protests against an Orange Order march in north Belfast.

The politics of internment, 1971

An extract from the book, Internment, by John McGuffin, on the thinking that went into the policy of internment without trial, implemented in the north of Ireland 39 years ago this week.

The Miami Showband massacre

The slaughter of three band members saw the unintentional exposure of the involvement of British military personnel in directing and assisting unionist death squads in their murder campaign.

Ghosts of a forgotten massacre

In August 1971, British soldiers went on a three-day killing rampage in Ballymurphy, murdering 11 innocent people. Now their families want justice for Belfast's Bloody Sunday.

Republican prisoners deserve support

The prepared text of the address by Paul Duffy, a former republican prisoner and brother of Colin Duffy, to the ‘Families, friends and ex-PoWs march’ for republican prisoners in Lurgan on Sunday.

In my son’s name

The message sent by Peggy O’Hara, mother of hunger-strike Patsy O’Hara, on the first Anniversary of the Hunger Strike deaths to Irish Solidarity activists in Scotland and England.

Reforming the Republic

The full text of the Hume Lecture delivered by Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness at the McGill Summer School over the weekend.

The Battle of the Boyne

No year in Irish history is better known than 1690. No Irish battle is more famous than William III’s victory over James II at the River Boyne, a few miles west of Drogheda

Anthony McDowell

At the time of his death, Anthony McDowell (13), lived with his family in Duneden Park, Ardoyne. He was shot dead on 19th April 1973, by the British Army’s Parachute Regiment.

The Falls Road curfew

The Falls Road curfew of the summer of 1970 is regarded as a major turning point in the early history of the conflict.

Connolly and the Irish Language

Imposing English as the first language of Ireland was a pre-meditated project of the English invaders to attempt to condition the people they wished to oppress.

Remembering day in June helps build a better future

The people of Belfast’s Ballymacarrett-Short Strand area have made a valuable contribution to the struggle for a united Ireland.

The battle of St Matthew’s

The geographical and symbolic position of St Matthew’s Church, facing on to the staunchly loyalist Newtownards Road, played a major factor in the events which were to unfold in June 1970.

New republic not possible without a united island

Both North and South have failed miserably as separate entities. The best way forward is to avoid the wastes and inequalities of partition, writes Gerry Adams.

Does the inquiry hide darker aspects of Bloody Sunday?

It would be a mistake to see Saville's report as supplying the definitive answers to what happened on January 30, 1972 in Derry.

How Saville reported the killings

How the Saville and Widgery reports differed in their findings for each of the Bloody Sunday victims.

Bloody Sunday - A personal reflection

The British public has the right to know what has been done in their name and the fact that ordinary working class families, as well as all those wounded on the day, were left to carry the burden of injustice for almost 40 years.

Bloody Sunday - A long walk to justice

They have fought so hard for so long, but in just a few days’ time, the families of those killed and injured on Bloody Sunday will gather in Derry’s Guildhall to see whether they’ve finally been given justice.

Did Israel deliberately kill civilians?

There is clear evidence present that the State of Israeli may have deliberately and with forethought intended to provoke a conflict in order to assassinate civilians sailing aboard the Freedom Flotilla, and therefore violently discourage any further attempts to deliver humanitarian aid to the Palestinians of besieged Gaza.

Action alert over Israeli attack

An action alert to hold Israel to account over the murder of international human rights activists and the hijacking of their aid flotilla.

The course towards convergence

The address by Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness to a North South Consultative Conference in Farmleigh in Dublin on Wednesday.

Nora Connolly O’Brien

In an excerpt from her memoirs, Nora Connolly O’Brien talks about her father’s final days and the courage and inspiration that James Connolly gave to her and continues to give today.

An appalling abuse of rights

There are 32 republican prisoners in Roe House in Maghaberry Prison living in appalling conditions and one prisoner, Liam Hannaway, has been on hunger strike in another part of the prison for the past month.

Parades proposals threaten all public assembly

A long-term solution to the problem caused by sectarian parades can only be found in the implementation of a policy which includes a broad acceptance of the right of host communities not to have parades forced through against their will.

Slick operator: The BP I’ve known too well

Responding to an oil spill may be easy and simple, but not at all cheap. And BP is cheap. Deadly cheap.

Result could underpin the future of Stormont

In Britain, the outcome of the Westminster general election has brought uncertainty and instability, with the possibility of a second election within a year.

Election results round-up

The election results from all of the North's 18 Westminster constituencies.

Westminster 2010 constituency profiles

A guide to this week’s political showdown in the North and what to watch for when the newsflashes come rolling in.

A message from Gerry Adams

The foreward by Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams to the party’s manifesto for next week’s Westminster election.

Unionists face new scenario in hung parliament

Regardless of who won in the debate between the British party leaders last Thursday, the outcome points to one clear conclusion: there will be a hung parliament in Britain.

Vote for a better future

Sinn Fein are asking the electorate to endorse our role in leading the way in significant political developments since the last Westminster election.

1,700 take on the British Empire

The story of Padraig Pearse and the rebellion of Easter 1916, 94 years ago this week.

Sinn Fein launches election campaign

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams this morning launched the party’s election campaign for the Westminster election on May 6th.

Living record of proud republican resistance

The Felons’ Club on Belfast’s Falls Road in an exhibition of republican memorabilia organised by the National Graves Association.

Easter statements

A number of statements were issued by the main republican organisations at the weekend.

Prosecutions of Shell to Sea campaigners collapse

25 out of 27 people prosecuted for resisting Shell’s experimental gas pipeline have cases withdrawn or dismissed.

Action alert - Gerry McGeough

An action alert was issued by supporters of leading republican Gerry McGeough following a bizarre intervention in his trial by far-right Swedish operatives.

The Black and Tans

On the 90th anniversary of the arrival in Ireland of one of England’s most notorious of militias, we present a brief history of the infamous Black and Tans.

Omagh - The search for the truth

A reporter responds to the call by the ‘Northern Ireland Affairs Committee’ at the London parliament for a further investigation into the Omagh bomb.

The Irish Republican Brotherhood

On March 17, 1858, 152 years ago this week, James Stephens founded the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB) in Dublin at the same time as John O’Mahoney was founding the American branch of the revolutionary group.

Women freedom fighters

To mark international women’s day, we carry the following article on the women hunger strikers of Armagh prison, by DM Daugherty.

Sam Marshall - A set up

Twenty years ago, Sam Marshall was walking home with two other men when they were confronted by masked gunmen who opened up with automatic fire.

Irish peace process has lessons for Basques

The impact of the peace process in Ireland is clearly evident in the language used in peace efforts in the Basque Country.

Roger Casement

Roger Casement had returned to Ireland in 1916 to share his comrades’ fate. In 1965, 49 years later and 45 years ago this week, he was finally able to rejoin them one last time.

Save Newgrange

The unique prehistoric site of Newgrange in County Meath, Ireland is threatened by a planned bypass of Slane village; to preserve the site, the village should be closed to lorries, or the bypass should take a western route.

Irish unity conference in London

A conference on the prospects for Irish unity organised by Sinn Fein in London on Saturday heard that unification “within a meaningful time-scale” is both “realistic and feasible”.

Ryan’s madness and folly in Corrib row

The Corrib saga has become so bitter and divisive, it can be hard to see the obvious.

Interview with Gerry Adams

A recent interview with Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams about sectarian parades, the policing and justice deal, and the controversy surrounding allegations against his brother Liam.

Mandela’s dark years

This week marks the 20th anniversary of the release from captivity of Nelson Mandela. We carry an extract from his memoirs on his time at Robben Island prison.

Action alert - Maghaberry visitors strip-searched

An action alert by families of republican prisoners being held at Maghaberry jail in county Antrim.

Bloody Sunday - the struggle continues

As many victims of miscarriages of justice will testify, admissions of guilt by Britain take a long time to come to pass.

Inquiry must look at role of politics

Before deciding what form an inquiry should take, we must define what exactly we need to know.

Response to Sunday Tribune

Gerry Adams replies to allegations published by Suzanne Breen and the Sunday Tribune newspaper.

The UDA and the pay-off

The basis of the UDA decommissioning settlement was set out back in 2007.

Liam Mellows’s escape

How Liam Mellows escaped from exile in England to return to Ireland in time for the 1916 Rising.

New Year statements

The annual New Year statements issued by the main nationalist and republican organisations

1979 papers

A review of the declassified documents released in Dublin, London and Belfast under the 30 years rule.

Marie Moore

Another old stalwart of the conflict to leave us this year was the veteran Sinn Fein activist Marie Moore who died in hospital after a long illness

Maud Gonne - Yeats’s Caitlin ni Houlihan

Born during an age when women were expected to be nothing more than handsome window-dressing for their husbands, when women were expected to leave the rough and tumble world of politics to men, Maud Gonne rose above that prejudice to leave her mark on Ireland’s history.

Action alert for republican prisoners

Prisoner support groups have urged those interested to send a card or letter this holiday season to those republican prisoners currently behind bars.

Expanding the McBride agenda

An appeal to Americans to continue the MacBride agenda of change in the north of Ireland by investing twice: once for jobs, once for justice.

War declared on workers and the poor

The Fianna Fail/Green Party budget represents a savage attack on the working class of the Twenty-Six Counties.

Nuclear threat from British reactors

The proposed designs for seven new British nuclear power stations, which will be built along the Irish Sea coast, have potentially lethal flaws.

Escape from Athlone barracks

An account of Volunteer Tom Maguire’s escape from Athlone Barracks in 1923.

Address to Hogan/Martin commemoration

The full text of the keynote address by Sinn Fein strategist Declan Kearney to the commemoration this weekend in village of Dunloy to mark the 20th anniversary of the deaths of Volunteers Declan Martin and Henry Hogan.

Help bring the Manchester Martyrs home

Help the campaign for the Manchester Martyrs to be returned home to Ireland.

Johnny Walker - A terrible injustice

Thirty five years ago, six Irishmen were jailed for crimes they did not commit, and spent 16 years in jail before their convictions were quashed.

Sinn Fein pre-budget submission

The executive summary of Sinn Fein’s pre-budget submission for the 2010 calendar year.

The return of securocrats?

A member of Sinn Fein in south Armagh has blamed unionists and British state security agencies for a major investigation into his finances.

Republican Sinn Fein elects new President

Des Dalton became the new president of Republican Sinn Fein at its Ard-Fheis [annual conference] on Sunday.

The political road

Prominent socialist republican Gerry Ruddy looks at the recent recent decision by the INLA to renounce armed struggle.

Address to annual SF Edentubber Commemoration

Sinn Fein’s Annual Edentubber Commemoration on Sunday was addressed by Conor Murphy, the Six County Minister for Regional Development.

Chairman’s Address to 32CSM AGM

The 32 County Sovereignty Movement held its Annual General Meeting in Derry on Saturday.

It’s time to act

As the Twenty-Six County budget looms ever nearer and Britain’s Stormont administration considers cut backs, there is much uncertainty and fear in working class communities throughout Ireland.

Colin Duffy - a victim of state persecution

For two decades Colin Duffy has been the target of an unrelenting campaign of persecution and victimisation by state forces within the Six Counties.

Daniel Hegarty

Relatives for Justice has campaigned on behalf of the Hegarty family in connection with the killing of their son, Daniel. The following is their profile on the case.

The Black Irish of Jamaica: ‘One Love’

The Irish are alive and well in Jamaica, writes Rob Mullally. The third and final part of a three-part series.

McCord addresses US Congressional hearing

The testimony of Raymond McCord Sr. before the US Congressional Committee on Foreign Affairs’ Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight, on the subject of collusion.

Interview with Ruairi O Bradaigh

The President of Republican Sinn Fein, who recently announced he is stepping down from the position, is interviewed.

Red shanks, bogtrotters and pirates

The second part of a three-part series by Rob Mullally, from the Wild Geese, about the black Irish of Jamaica.

‘John didn’t kill himself’

Republican prisoner John Brady had a row with his brother-in-law while on weekend parole. He ended up hanging from his laces in a PSNI cell. His family don’t believe it was suicide. A report by Suzanne Breen for the Sunday Tribune.

Truth can’t be the final Bloody Sunday victim

One of the reasons for hostility to the Bloody Sunday Inquiry is to be found in a judgement delivered in the High Court in London last Friday in the case of Khunder al-Sweady.

The Black Irish of Jamaica

A three part series on the history of the Irish settlers in Jamaica.

Talking about a ‘Lost Revolution’

An interview with the authors of ‘The Lost Revolution’, Brian Hanley and Scott Millar. It also includes some analysis from the authors on key events covered in the book on the Official Republicans/The Workers’ Party.

The Lisbon Treaty is unchanged

On Friday you have an opportunity to shape the future of Europe. The question you have to ask yourself is whether the Lisbon Treaty is a good deal for Ireland and whether it takes the European Union in the direction you want it to go

Lisbon hides ticking time bomb of EU defence body

The Lisbon Treaty proposes to incorporate the European Defence Agency within the institutional structure of the European Union.

The surrender of our fishing waters: A continental coup

It is worth remembering when vested intersts remind you yet again of the structural funds we received from the European Union what we ourselves as a nation have given to the EU. Namely, our entire fishing waters, which was the admission price for entry.

The sorry saga of Shell

Maura Harrington is a spokesperson for the Shell to Sea campaign, from County Mayo, who has now been jailed four times for her opposition to the Shell Corrib gas project in north Mayo. Here she looks back at a decade of resistance by the local community and its supporters against an unwanted, dangerous and apparently corrupt exploitation of a sensitive environment.

Time for the transfer of powers

Policing has again reached a critical juncture but with a fresh opportunity to accelerate the process of change.

Stand together for our own good

Nationalists and republicans should have a united policy about one most important issue: Our right to make our own political, economic and cultural decisions.

The killing of Loughlin Maginn

The killing of Loughlin Maginn was to spark a chain reaction of events that would finally lift the lid on Crown force collusion.

Pro-Lisbon factions get desperate

With just five weeks to go to the referendum on Lisbon 2, the Yes side grows ever more desperate and its advocates more bizarre.

Bailing out the rich and powerful

In the course of the current crisis, the only state intervention into the market has been to secure the interests and profits of a tiny wealthy elite.

Nama a good deal only for the banks’ shareholders

UCD lecturer Karl Whelan on the implications of the Dublin government’s proposed bailout for Irish property speculators and their bankers through the National Asset Management Agency (Nama).

The Battle of the Bogside

The scene for the Battle of the Bogside was set long before August 1969.

The stone that broke the North’s dam of violence

Forty years ago this weekend, the dam broke and the generational political failure that had deepened since partition washed over all the Irish political institutions.

Secret go-between shines a light on history makers

Brendan Duddy is slowly emerging as another important name to add to that list of names most publicly associated with the Irish peace process

Making Sinn Fein’s message relevant

Sinn Fein is not in crisis and its continued role in and relevance to the future of political life in Ireland is not in doubt, according to Eoin O Broin.

Death of Frank McCourt

The death took place during the week of Frank McCourt, one of Ireland’s greatest and most popular writers and a major literary figure in his native New York. We publish an extract from his novel, ‘Angela’s Ashes’.

A united Ireland is possible

The single most important issue facing the people of Ireland and Britain is the achievement of Irish unity and the construction of a new relationship between Ireland and Britain based on equality.

Twenty-Six County’s week of shame in Mayo

In addition to the three hundred Gardai, the two Navy ships, the planes and the helicopters the Twenty-Six County government have also brought their ‘justice’ system out to bat for Shell.

Ireland agenda for Americans

A senior Irish-American suggests the areas where U.S. support might be most welcome and productive.

A victory to savour

Last week’s judgment in Belfast was a triumph for press freedom across Europe, according to Sunday Tribune Northern Editor Suzanne Breen.

‘Don’t Extradite the Basques’

The official launch of the Don’t Extradite the Basques Campaign took place last Wednesday [June 10] in Culturlann MacAdam-O Fiaich in Belfast.

Shell to Sea Action Alert

Mayo man Pat O’Donnell has had his boat, the ‘Iona Isle’ boarded last night by armed, masked men and sunk in the latest act of aggression by Shell OIl & Gas in their attempt to construct a controversial onshore gas refinery in Belmullet.

SAS slaughter at Coagh

Three IRA Volunteers were shot dead by undercover British forces fourteen years ago this week

‘The old ways are gone’

A keynote speech delivered by Sinn Féin’s Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at the Kevin Lynch commemoration at Park, County Derry last weekend.

Sinn Féin launch local election manifesto

Sinn Féin launched the party’s campaign for the local government elections in the 26 Counties this week.

Elizabeth Windsor

She came, she saw, she left again and, in between, the usual crowd of hangers on and supposedly intelligent people reduced themselves to the babblings of fools and morons.

Hunger strike was ‘pivotal’

Sinn Féin MEP for the Six Counties, Bairbre de Brun this week delivered the annual Bobby Sands Memorial Lecture, the theme of which was ‘Countess Markievicz and the 100th anniversary of Na Fianna Eireann.

Long Kesh could be a ‘must see’ attraction

Belfast’s Crumlin Road Prison is not only an impressive, indeed, imposing, example of Victorian prison architecture it is also a museum, an artefact, in its own right.

Adams address to Easter commemoration

The full text of the address by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams to his party’s Easter Rising commemoration in west Belfast.

Murdered priests remembered

Two Catholic priests shot dead by the British Army during the conflict were remembered this week at St Peter’s Cathedral in Belfast.

SF owes debt of gratitude to Marie Moore

To me, Marie Moore, who passed away a few weeks ago, belonged to a heroic generation.

A debt of gratitude owed to women activists

More work needs to be done to ensure that women are at the centre of decision making, especially in government and parliament

Eirigi condemns ‘trial by media’

eirigi chairperson Brian Leeson issued the following statement on Monday, clarifying that no member of the group has been arrested in connection with last week’s attacks.

The only way to go is forward

The political institutions, the peace process and Sinn Fein are as much a target of the perpetrators of Saturday night's attack as those they killed or injured.

Time for a Rising

We need a Rising! That thought came into my head as I listened to RTE radio’s report of last Saturday’s mass trade union rally in Dublin.

A Valentine’s Day tragedy

Four Derry men remember with pain and dread a Valentines Day thirty years ago when their lives and the lives of their families were turned upside down.

The Burnings 1920

Pearse Lawlor has penned the first published account of the events of July to September 1920 in which more than 1,000 Catholic families lost their homes in county Down.

Internment 1971 - 2009: A case of injustice

The following address was given by Tony Catney of the Republican Network for Unity at Derry’s Gasyard Centre as part of this year’s annual Bloody Sunday commemoration.

A defining point in Irish history

The keynote address by Sinn Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams at the Mansion House in Dublin to his party’s 90th anniversary commemoration of the First Dail.

Long Kesh - Scenes from the inside

Can an incident-packed and prolonged time span be adequately explored in the form of a play?

Address to First Dail Eireann commemoration

Caoimhghin O Caolain TD told the official commemoration this week that the work of the First Dail remains unfinished. We publish the full text of his address.

Setting the ‘free Derry’ record straight

The famous ‘Free Derry’ wall was painted forty years ago this month. Eamon McCann corrects the record of the day when the inspiring international landmark was born.

The Burntollet attack

The People’s Democracy march, forty years ago this week, is seen by historians as marking a significant turning point in the recent conflict.

New Year messages

The full text of the New Year statements issued by Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams and republican organisations in Ireland.

Time to write a new chapter in Pol Brennan’s life

Let Christmas 2008 be the last Pol Brennan ever spends behind bars.

The Sinn Féin election

A look at the electoral facts surrounding Sinn Féin’s historic victory at the 1918 General Election, ninety years ago this week.

De Menezes murder - the cover-up

A cousin recalls the murder of Jean Charles de Menezes and how the British system has struggled to admit London’s own shoot-to-kill policy.

Republican Sinn Féin Ard Fheis

The Presidential Address delivered by Republican Sinn Féin President Ruairi O Bradaigh in Dublin to RSF's annual conference earlier this month.

The father of Irish democracy

Wolfe Tone died on November 19, 1798 - 310 years ago this week - from a stab wound to his neck which he inflicted upon himself.

Women in Struggle

The theme of Sinn Fein's Edentubber Commemoration this year was the role of women in the struggle for Irish freedom.

Helicopter escape from Mountjoy

At Halloween 1973 in Dublin, one of the most audacious, cleverly planned jail escapes in Irish history occurred.

The first casualty

It is twenty years to the day, since the British Government imposed the media ban as part of another review of security in the North of Ireland.

Epic tale of human endurance

Hunger is a true-to-life film, not propaganda, as claimed by its unionist critics.

Nationalising the risks, not the assets

Brian Leeson, eirigi chairperson, presents his analysis of the crisis in the Irish financial system, of those who created it, and the choices facing Irish citizens for the future.

The day the RUC appeared on TV

Events in Derry’s Duke Street forty years ago were magnified by the arrival of a new witness to Irish history: the television news camera.

Memories of Duke Street

Recollections by civil rights activist Fionnbarra O Dochartaigh regarding the event which some historians characterise as the day the ‘Troubles’ began.

Breakout

On the 25th anniversary of the mass escape from the H-Blocks of Long Kesh, some of those who took part have revealed the dramatic events surrounding the escape for a new documentary.

Omagh - The bomb to end all bombs?

Did a British agent first flout Omagh as a potential target for a bomb attack? Was the carnage of August 15 the product of his labour?

Hunger strike by Shell to Sea activist

Shell to Sea campaigner Maura Harrington has begun a Hunger Strike to coincide with the arrival of the Solitaire, Shell’s pipe-laying vessel in Broadhaven Bay.

Modernisation of the Orange Order?

The final installment of a three-part series looking at the malign influence of the Orange Order in the north of Ireland, from its inception to the present day.

March to overcome injustice

Austin Currie reflects on the huge and peaceful Coalisland to Dungannon March of August 24th, 1968, which marked a turning point for the Irish civil rights movement.

Bloody Sunday paras linked to Belfast massacre

Truth campaigners now say that Bloody Sunday might never have happened had the British Army been brought to book for the Ballymurphy slaughter.

Was the Omagh bomb allowed to happen?

The families of the victims have called for a full cross-order public inquiry into the Omagh bomb, which took place ten years ago this week.

The dignity of mothers

Without them there would not have been an IRA, a Sinn Fein, war or peace or the new Ireland we have today.

Glory Days of the Orange Order

The second part in a multi-part series examining the history and current context of the Protestant marching orders, this week looking at the Orange Order during the first Stormont administration, 1921-1972.

The Famine - A shared tragedy

One hundred and sixty years after one of the most traumatic events in the history of this island, the Dublin Government are to officially commemorate An Gorta Mor, the Great Hunger, which claimed the lives of an estimated one million Irish people and reduced the population of the country by half.

‘For God and Ulster’

The Loyal Orders stress the cultural and religious aspects of their organisations. The reality of their involvement over the past 200 years tells a different story.

Bodenstown oration

The oration by Marion Price at the grave of Wolfe Tone in the Republican Unity Initiative’s Bodenstown commemoration.

Cypriot solidarity recalled

A bond of friendship and solidarity lasting over 50 years was celebrated in Dublin last month.

Towards a united Ireland

Sinn Féin is embarking on a more active engagement with those in Britain who support Irish unity and is seeking to produce “a renewed strategy able to advance republican goals”.

Europe’s Plan B

The people have spoken. The Lisbon Treaty is dead. Now it’s time for Plan B.

‘The Battle of Caledon’

Forty years ago a family’s decision to make a stand over housing set in motion a chain of events that would give rise to the civil rights movement.

Belfast’s consummate politician

Belfast City Council took an enlightened step forward in the politics of reconciliation on Monday night when it elected Sinn Féin councillor Tom Hartley as its mayor.

Oration for Brian Keenan

Thousands turned out for the funeral of IRA commander Brian Keenan in Belfast on Saturday.

Irish slaves in the Caribbean

If Queen Elizabeth I had lived in the 20th Century, she would have been viewed with the same horror as Hitler and Stalin.

An alternative guide to the Lisbon Treaty

The Lisbon Treaty is a bad deal for Ireland. It gives the EU too much power and reduces our ability to stop decisions that are not in Ireland's interests. Ireland deserves better.

US action alert - Free Pol Brennan

Irish political refugee Pol Brennan needs our help and support.

Bertie Ahern addresses US Congress

The outgoing 26-County Taoiseach Bertie Ahern made a landmark address to a joint session of the US Congress this week.

The unanswered questions

The text of an address by Ruairi O Bradaigh, President of Republican Sinn Féin at the Ireland Institute, Pearse Centre, Dublin on April 17.

The cause of Tibet

This is the most critical time for the Tibetan people.

Community must stand together

The following is the full text of remarks made by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams to a local activist meeting in Belfast this week.

Agreement has delivered change

The Belfast Agreement marks an historic and defining point of change in the history and development of this island, writes Gerry Adams.

Good Friday Agreement - Ten years on

Over 250 republican prisoners were released as a result of a key element of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. A look at what happened to two of those prisoners, ten years on from the agreement.

US Presidential Campaign

Statements by the Clinton and Obama campaigns on Ireland.

Ian Paisley

Ian Paisley helped to radicalise my generation. But his lasting legacy will be helping secure peace, writes Gerry Adams.

The casualties of Gibraltar

On this date 20 years ago shortly after teatime an ashen-faced and clearly distressed Danny Morrison rushed into Tom Hartley’s living room where I was sitting.

Confidence for transfer of powers exists now

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams argues that failure by the DUP to agree the transfer of policing and justice powers risks eroding confidence in the political institutions.

Brendan Hughes

Brendan ‘Darkie’ reflects on a lifetime of struggle and the current political situation in Ireland.

What exactly are we reforming in this treaty?

An attempt to find out what the Lisbon Reform Treaty means.

Interview with the ‘Real IRA’

The first interview in five years with the ‘Real IRA’ was published this week. The following is an edited version of that interview.

The tide turns at Tara

Our country has barely known a taste of freedom yet already we are actively complicit in the destruction of the one central, world-renowned and undiluted symbol of our unity and strength.

The pain of the past

If the British government are sincere about addressing the legacy of the past they could start by publishing Stevens report.

Edmund Burke - The Conscience of a Nation

Edmund Burke was one of the most famous political thinkers of the 18th century.

What a difference a year makes

Ireland January 2008 is a much better place than Ireland January 2007. What a difference a year can make in the life of a nation.

2007 - Year in Review

A look back at the main news events of the year that was.

A blow against educational inequality

The education system is being opened up for the first time to ensure equality of access and equality of educational opportunity irrespective of class or creed.

Engaging Modern Ireland

Gerry Adams’s keynote address at the special Sinn Féin conference in Dublin last weekend.

Budget 2008

A look at the fourth Budget delivered today by the 26-County Minister for Finance Brian Cowen.

Remembering the Manchester Martyrs

On 23 November 1867, three Irishmen, Michael O’Brien, William Philip Allen and Michael Larkin, were hanged in public in Salford, England, for the murder of a police sergeant during the rescue of two Fenian leaders.

Making Shell feel the heat

A report by eirigi activists on the latest action against the development of a dangerous onshore gas refinery in County Mayo.

Presidential Address at RSF Ard Fheis

The full prepared text of the Presidential address delivered to the 103u Ard Fheis of Republican Sinn Fein on November 11 by Ruairi O Bradaigh.

Comrades will sorely miss faithful stalwart

In times of war he was a man of war. In times of peace he was a man of peace.

Exploring different routes to peace

The text of a keynote address by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams delivered at a special event on Wednesday night organised in aid of the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace.

Defend Ireland's Natural Resources

The people of Ballinaboy and Rossport and the surrounding areas are asking people to join them in a day of protest at the site of Shell's proposed refinery on November 9th.

Thomas Ashe

‘If I die, I die in a good cause’, the haunting words of Thomas Ashe, spoken just prior to his death on hunger strike in 1917, ninety years ago this month.

Oration at funeral of Dan Keating

Oration delivered by Ruairi O Bradaigh, President Republican Sinn Fein at the funeral of Republican Veteran Dan Keating in County Kerry on Friday October 5.

The Great Peace Process Swindle?

Should the Good Friday Agreement be a model for other conflicts?

US Urgent Action Appeal

An action alert issued on behalf of the McAllister family, which is facing deportation from the US.

The Flight of the Earls

This year marks the 400th anniversary of the ‘Flight of the Earls’. We conclude our series of historical articles on a major event in Irish history.

Nairac commanded Miami massacre

He was a guitar player in one of Ireland’s biggest bands but after their tour bus was stopped at a checkpoint on a lonely country road near Newry on July 31 1975, nothing would ever be the same for Stephen Travers.

German charade

Like a cruel joke, the German demand for Roisin McAliskey’s extradition was delivered 10 years to the day after she gave birth to Loinnir, under armed guard, in a London hospital.

The SSSS Experience

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams recalls his experiences over the years at the hands of US security officials (from the Guardian newspaper).

Feile a credit to its organisers

A vicious massacre of defenceless people, written out of history, is now being written back in by the relatives of those so cruelly cut down.

No turning back for truth campaign

The full text of the address by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams at the ‘March for Truth’ rally at Belfast City Hall on Sunday.

Plans for Love Ulster Parade cancelled

The organisers of a highly controversial sectarian parade in Dublin, which had to be abandoned after heavy rioting last year, have said they have cancelled plans to hold another similar march through the capital later this year.

The wrong force in the wrong place for 38 years

The behaviour of British soldiers in the North was a recruiting sergeant for the IRA.

Consultation fails to meet needs of Irish speakers

Gerry Adams urges the DUP to copper- fasten the rights of citizens and to implement the agreement on the Irish language made at St Andrews.

The Siege of Kinsale

This year marks the 400th anniversary of the ‘Flight of the Earls’. We examine the background to that major event in Irish history with a series of historical articles.

Past will dictate plans to update Orange Order

For most of its more than 200-year history the Orange Order and the British government have been inextricably linked.

éirígí - Rise Up

éirígí [meaning ‘rise up’] is a new Irish, Socialist Republican, political organisation committed to ending the British occupation of the six counties and the establishment of a thirty-two county Democratic Socialist Republic.

Immigrants’ American Dream ends in tragedy

175 years ago this month, a group of Irish immigrants left for the New World to help build a pioneering railroad. Six weeks later all were dead. Now a search is underway to trace their history and find their bodies.

Orations at Bodenstown

Three orations were made collectively at the graveside of Theobald Wolfe Tone in Bodenstown on the 17th June, 2007, by three traditionalist republican groups.

We need to remember why Saville was set up

Hayes, Hutchinson and Patten are undermining the argument promoted by relatives’ organisations that the British Crown forces should be held to account for the killing of civilians during the conflict.

Action Alert for Roisin McAliskey

An action request from the Irish Freedom Committee in response to the British attempts to once again extradite Roisin McAliskey

Censorship complementing cover-up

Despite progress in the peace process, British forces in Ireland are still stifling freedom of information, writes Anthony McIntyre.

The anguish of Roisin McAliskey

An article by Nell McCafferty, originally published in December 1996, recalls the campaign to free Roisin McAliskey following British attempts to extradite her to Germany.

Key constituency profiles

A look at the constituencies where republican candidates could make gains in Thursday’s 26-County election.

Election 2007: Sinn Féin Election Manifesto

The Executive Summary of Sinn Fein's General Election Manifesto, preceded by a message from Gerry Adams.

Republican Unity?

Republican traditionalists met in Derry at the weekend to attempt to build a united opposition to the new political order in the North and the “continuing British occupation”.

The Wedding Cake

A look back at the history of Stormont -- the site of many failed Six-County political initiatives in the past -- but today the focus of renewed political hope.

The East Tyrone Brigade & the Loughgall Ambush

Next Tuesday, May 8th, marks the 20th anniversary of the Loughgall ambush, in which 8 IRA Volunteers and a civilian were killed in an SAS attack.

The Battle of Moyry Pass

This year marks the 400th anniversary of the ‘Flight of the Earls’. We examine the background to that major event in Irish history with a series of historical articles.

Women’s heroic work

It was women like Emma Groves and Annsie Wilkinson in many districts across the north who provided grass-roots leadership, who helped their besieged communities learn the skills they needed to survive.

Action Alert for Maghaberry prisoners

An action request from the US-based Irish Freedom Committee on behalf of republican prisoners at Maghaberry prison.

The Women of 1916

The “forgotten women” of Irish history who participated in the 1916 Rising were remembered at the weekend.

The arrest of Gerry McGeough

Prominent republican and election candidate Gerry McGeough has been released by the PSNI police on bail following a campaign to being attention to his controversial arrest and detention earlier this month. Martin Galvin looks at the case.

North needs a new political vocabulary

A sea change occurred on Monday when you watched Gerry Adams and Ian Paisley sitting nearly beside each other at Stormont.

A ‘yes’ from ‘Dr No’ could usher in a new era

In a few days time the people of this country will know the answer to one of the most pressing political questions which has dogged the peace process for the best part of the last 10 years

Minister strangles Irish act

The dream that new legislation would enshrine the rights of the thousands of Irish-speakers has been shattered.

Election round-up

A constituency-by-constituency look at the Assembly election result.

History: Election campaign fifty years ago

Four Sinn Féin candidates were elected in the general election which took place on March 5, 1957, fifty years ago this week.

SF Ard Fheis - Presidential Address 2007

The full text of the keynote Presidential address by Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams to the party’s annual conference, which is taking place this weeekend at the RDS in Dublin.

Good election for SF will spur party

A good election result for Sinn Féin in the north will spur party activists on in their efforts to achieve the long-worked-for breakthrough in the elections in the south in a few months time.

The first Bloody Sunday

A historical account of the background and context of the Bloody Sunday massacre at Croke Park in 1920.

Statement by US Senator Barack Obama

US Presidential candidate Barack Obama has issued a statement outlining his position the Irish peace process. We carry the full text of the statement, which has been welcomed by a number of Irish-American groups.

Assembly election candidates

The full list of candidates in the Belfast Assembly election on 7 March.

The first Long Kesh escape

The escape from Long Kesh of Francis McGuigan, 35 years ago this wee, was an important morale booster for the nationalist population throughout the Six Counties.

Policing - a Republican Socialist view

Leading IRSP member Liam O Ruairc takes a critical look at the historic decision by Sinn Féin to support the PSNI and the political context which led to it.

Who will pay for mass murder?

As a response to armed insurrection in the North, the British government down through the years initiated a campaign of mass murder and a wider supporting criminality.

PSNI agent’s catalog of murder

Ten murders which, according to the Police Ombudsman’s report, are so far confirmed to have involved PSNI/UVF agent Mark Haddock.

Operation Ballast

A public statement issued today by police Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan into collusion between the RUC/PSNI Special Branch and the north Belfast UVF.

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis motion on policing

The text of the key motion to go before the forthcoming special Sinn Fein conference.

Save Tara petition

Supporters of the 'Sava Tara' campaign are being asked to sign the online ‘National Monument of Ireland’ petition.

Telling moment at Toome

In Toome last week, the same pledge, principles and patriotism which had always inspired him, moved Laurence O’Neill to defy a new attempt to silence him.

IRA men’s deaths that caught whole country’s imagination

Sean South and Fergal O’Hanlon entered the realms of history and song when an IRA raid on a County Fermanagh RUC barracks went dramatically wrong 50 years ago this week.

Review of the Year 2006

A look back at the major events in Irish politics and the peace process over the past twelve months.

Christmas Eve - Escape from Long Kesh

Gerry Adams recounts a Christmas Eve plan to escape Long Kesh.

Families deserve judicial inquiry into collusion

There are many files in many filing cabinets in government offices in Dublin, Belfast and London, containing reports into collusion arising from enquiries.

US Action Alert

An action alert was issued by the IAUC on the issue of collusion following the publication of the report of the Cassel panel on the issue.

Forensic framework unravels

There is a great deal at stake in the dock of the Belfast Diplock courtroom.

Policing debate

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams and Willie Gallagher of the Irish Republican Socialist Party this week presented their differing views on the policing issue.

Adams address to transitional Assembly

The text of the address by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP speaking at Friday’s meeting of the transitional Assembly, when he nominated Martin McGuinness for the position of Deputy First Minister.

Some republicans sowing seeds of confusion

The news at the start of this week that a tiny number of disaffected former IRA personnel, members of the INLA and other micro groups, are threatening the lives of Sinn Féin’s leadership is causing great anger among republicans, disbelief among nationalists and is a source of deep concern.

Address to RSF Ard Fheis

The full text of the President Address by Republican Sinn Féin leader Ruairi O Bradaigh to his party’s annual Ard-Fheis in Dublin at the weekend.

A question which won’t go away

A question haunts reports into collusion -- how high up the chain did knowledge of and complicity in these atrocities go?

The Burning of Long Kesh

The first in a series of articles looking back at the history of Long Kesh prison.

Negotiating war and peace

An extract from Lives Entangled, an essay by Bernadette McAliskey included in Britain & Ireland: Lives Entwined II.

Noel Maguire appeal

An action alert on behalf of the Irish Political Status Coalition.

History of Whitewash Continues

The British have a long history of setting-up what are variously named inquiries, commissions or tribunals as part of a blatant strategy of whitewash or cover-up.

Much work to be done - Adams

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has said “bringing rejectionist unionism into the peace process would be an enormous achievement”.

A great loss to cause of Ireland’s freedom

Michael Ferguson's death is a great loss not only to his family but to Sinn Féin and to the cause of Ireland’s freedom.

Current prisoner list

A partial list of republican prisoners published earlier this month.

DNA and Diplock: A Recipe for Injustice

Fears are being voiced that “Birmingham Six” style justice is about to be meted out to South Armagh Republican Sean Hoey, with suspect DNA evidence being the lynchpin of the framework.

Hunger strike message echoes down the years

The prisoners died but a generation later as one contributor describes it, “....they shine a light that is purer than ever and that points a steady beam to our future”.

Equality - the rhetoric and the reality

A new report by the Belfast-based civil liberties group, the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ), has criticised the British government's sectarian approach to targeting social need.

Healthcare is a right

A summary of Sinn Féin’s new all-Ireland policy document on healthcare.

Irish process is template for peace worldwide

Gerry Adams has brought a message of hope to the Israeli and Palestinian people.

Relatives of bomb victims need to know truth

Even if the involvement of British intelligence is proven in the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, it may still be kept secret.

US ‘Fax Blitz’

An urgent action alert is being distributed by a number of Irish-American organisations.

Border lines

Partition is alive and well in Ireland.

Mickey Devine

The tenth and final hunger striker to die in the 1981 hunger strike was Mickey Devine. He died 25 years ago on Sunday.

Famine tale uncovers common Irish ancestry

A little known shipping disaster which claimed the lives of almost 50 people from south Armagh during the Famine has inspired a new book.

Alert - US/UK Extradition Treaty

An action alert for US readers from the IAUC.

Thomas McElwee

The story of the ninth hunger strike to die in the 1981 hunger strike. He passed away on August 8th, 1981.

A dedicated republican and an outstanding soldier

The story of Kieran Doherty, the eighth hunger striker to die in 1981, who passed away 25 years ago on Wednesday.

Kevin Lynch

The story of INLA Volunteer Kevin Lynch, who died on hunger strike in Long Kesh prison 25 years ago on Tuesday.

Reconciling Orange and Green

The full text of a wide-ranging address delivered by Martin McGuinness to the MacGill Summer School at the weekend.

The original con trick

There is a historical precedent of “sexing up” a document, one that had major implications for subsequent relations between Ireland and England.

Founded on and fuelled by bigotry

There are at least three ways of looking at last week’s Twelfth celebrations.

Joe McDonnell and Martin Hurson

This week marks the 25th anniversary of the death of two IRA Volunteers on hunger strike in Long Kesh jail.

An experiment in human despair

Jonathan Cook on the real reasons for Israel’s invasion of Gaza.

Observe the true amnesiacs marching towards the Somme

The first 26-County commemoration of the Battle of the Somme was held in Dublin at the weekend, with representatives from all the major political parties in the North in attendance.

The Framing of Michael McKevitt

The Framing of Michael McKevitt, a booklet written by Marcella Sands, sister-in-law of Michael and sister of Bobby Sands, raises serious questions about the activities of MI5 in Ireland, collusion by senior Garda police and a judiciary swayed by political rather than legal argument.

SF Bodenstown address

The text of Sinn Fein’s annual address over the grave of Wolfe Tone at Bodenstown. County Kildare. It was delivered at the weekend by north belfast representative Gerry Kelly.

‘The Wind That Shakes The Barley’

There is a very simple yet powerful and time honoured message in Ken Loach’s new film about the Irish people’s struggle for independence.

Rural decline is a national crisis

The following is the full text of the Michael Davitt Centenary Lecture, given by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams in Castlebar, County Mayo on Thursday.

Hunger strike deal didn’t exist

Richard O'Rawe's own words show clearly there was no deal during the 1981 hunger strike.

Memorial for an island at peace

Long Kesh is a place apart. Inside and outside its walls it generated great pain, loss and heroism.

Out of the H-blocks came determination

The hunger strike changed the nationalist community forever.

Raymond McCreesh and Patsy O’Hara

This week marked the 25th anniversary of the deaths of the third and fourth of the 1981 hunger strikers to die, Raymond McCreesh and Patsy O'Hara.

Making politics work

Ian Paisley will be conscious of the irony involved in Sinn Fein going to Stormont to have him elected as First Minister.

Bombing victims’ relatives need answers now

Today is a day many people recall with feelings of sadness and anger as well as a strong desire for the truth.

Francis Hughes - a fearless soldier

Twenty five years ago on Friday, Francis Hughes, one of the most fearless and courageous IRA Volunteers to emerge out of the current phase in the Republican Struggle, lost his life after 59 days on Hunger Strike in Long Kesh.

US action alerts

Action alerts on behalf the mcAllister family and the Rossport Five

Bobby Sands - 1981-2006

Bobby Sands died 25 years ago today, the first of ten to die while on hunger strike against the British policy of criminalising the republican struggle. It is a day of mourning for all Irish republicans.

The Truth

The victims group An Fhirinne is appealing to the families of people who were victims of British state killings or collusion to help complete its database.

Michael Davitt

May 2006 marks the centenary of the death of Michael Davitt, nationalist, trade unionist, agrarian agitator and founder of the National Land League.

Remembering Tom Barry

Gerry Kelly spoke on Sunday at the annual Crossbarry commemoration, remembering the British Army operation of 1921 which set out to eliminate Tom Barry’s famous Third West Cork Flying column.

Siobhan O’Hanlon - a tribute

We shall benefit from the work Siobhan O'Hanlon did in her life - in the freedom struggle, in the peace process, in the bridges she built.

Proclamation at ‘heart and soul’ of republic

An edited version of the address by Sinn Féin’s Gerry Adams at the annual Easter commemoration in Belfast.

Easter 1916

Just before noon on Easter Monday, April 24th, a group of 150 men strode out of Liberty Hall in Dublin, then marched toward Sackville Street (now O’Connell Street) a few hundred yards away.

A possible end to the political impasse

For the first time this week the notion of a ‘Plan B’ emerged.

Uncanny parallel to Tan War

A review of the new book, 'The Origins and Organisation of British Propaganda in Ireland 1920', by Brian P Murphy.

A republican who could not be bought

A historian is aiming to rediscover the story of an Irishwoman whose courage saved the leaders of a rebellion in 1803.

February 3, 2012