‘SINN Féin will oppose any attempt to dismantle neutrality’ – that was the message from TD Padraig MacLochlainn yesterday.
The Donegal deputy was the main speaker at the Easter Drumboe Commemoration in Stranorlar.
Deputy MacLochlainn began by paying tribute to Charlie Daly, Daniel Enright, and Timothy O’ Sullivan from Kerry and Sean Larkin from South Derry, who were executed in 1923 by Free State forces in Drumboe Woods.
“Those young men came to Donegal to continue the fight for the Irish Republic, proclaimed by the leaders of the 1916 rising, just seven years previous.
“Their loss was a profound tragedy but their faithful loyalty to the Republic and their sacrifice have inspired us in the generations since.
“This Republican memorial at Stranorlar commemorates, with great pride, all of the freedom fighters from throughout the last century.
“From 1916 to the 1990s. From James Connolly to Bobby Sands. From Constance Markievicz to Mairead Farrell.
Today, we honour the heroes of Easter Week 1916 and all who carried the flame since.”
OPPORTUNITY
The Donegal TD said there is a recommitment to their vision of a united, free, and equal Ireland. He said “Ireland is changing” and the “old certainties of partition are gone”.
“The opportunity before us is real. A growing number of people now recognise that the future lies in unity.
“This is the decade in which the question of Irish unity can be resolved.
However, he said the conversation must be matched with preparation, adding that his party is leading on this by calling for a Citizens’ Assembly on Unity.
He said that as the 30th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement approaches, peace is secure and the national journey is towards Irish unity.
“It is not acceptable for the Taoiseach to place obstacles in the way of a unity referendum. This must change. These realities cannot be ignored. The people of Ireland, North and South must have their say.”
Deputy MacLochlainn said across the country people are suffering with real ‘bread and butter’ issues.
“Many people are struggling – a housing crisis, rising energy costs, soaring rents, and public services under pressure.”
He pointed out how in the North, Sinn Féin is the biggest party in the Assembly and of local government.
“We have made historic advances and remain determined in government and our communities to work every day to deliver for workers, families and communities.
CONTESTED
“But we are under no illusions about the challenges. Progress is not straightforward. It is contested every single day by those – including others in government – who seek to delay and obstruct not just constitutional change, but the social and economic progress people rightly expect and demand in the here and now.”
He said Ireland’s policy of neutrality is under threat, and described the escalation of war in the Middle East, including the attack on Iran, as “deeply alarming” and “risks wider conflict”
“Weakening the Triple Lock would open the door to Irish involvement in foreign wars.
“Sinn Féin will oppose any attempt to dismantle it.
“It is ordinary people who will pay the price.”
Deputy MacLochlainn spoke of the devastation in Gaza, which, he said, has “shocked the conscience of humanity”.
“The Palestinian people continue to endure occupation, apartheid and denial of their rights.
“The people of Ireland stand with Palestine – now and always.”
