Sinn Féin Youth growing in confidence
Young republicans from Dublin, South Down, Derry, Fermanagh and
Belfast debated the peace process, Sinn Féin strategy and tactics
at a conference in Dundalk Town Hall on Saturday.
One of the organisers Eoin O Broin spoke of the importance of
young people voicing their opinions as they do not sit on
decision making bodies and often do not have the confidence to
speak in public.
audio record of the proceedings was made which will be
reproduced as a discussion document to stir further debate in the
Party, and while much constructive criticism was levelled at both
Sinn Féin and Sinn Féin Youth, there was confidence that the
movement is moving in the right direction.
Questions of autonomy and responsibility were also discussed. As
one delegate aptly put it: ``Sinn Féin Youth should see itself as
having autonomy. That means that we have a space of our own where
we can develop and mobilise politically, while at the same time
working within the parameters set out by the Party.
``We are part of Sinn Féin and that means that we have to act
responsibly and work in a way that suits Sinn Féin, but we also
need room to move in a way that suits us as well.''
interesting discussion on the meaning of independence brought
out the many reasons why young people become republicans. The
desire to control our own future, the need to demilitarise and
questions of socio-economic justice drove home what independence
means - living freely in a world without discrimination,
exclusion or exploitation.
The conference ended with delegates setting themselves a number
of tasks. Among these were plans for a major conference on
equality in the New Year.
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