Hundreds support Saoirse in Enniskillen
By Marcas Mac Rauiurí
A thousand protestors took to the streets of Enniskillen on
Sunday calling for the release of republican prisoners.
The Saoirse demonstration was addressed by Sinn Féin Alderman
Sean McManus of Sligo Corporation, civil rights campaigner Father
Joe McVeigh and Martin Meehan.
McManus told the crowd that more than any other single issue over
the last 30 years, the prisons have brought people onto the
streets in protest.
``One in 60 of the nationalist population has been imprisoned and
that is the reason why everyone in this community knows someone
who is or who has been in prison for their political beliefs,'' he
said.
``Sinn Féin's participation in the Stormont talks alone will not
secure this demand. What is required is a traditional response, a
strong protest on our streets. That is why I welcome this
gathering here today.''
Calling for both the Dublin government and the British to release
political prisoners, he said, ``We all must take up this demand
for the freedom of our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters,
neighbours and friends.''
McManus further said that this should be their last Christmas in
prison. He added, ``Protests must be increased in all areas,
public opinion must be informed, we must build within our
communities and across all aspects of these communities.''
Fr Joe McVeigh raised the case of Róisín McAliskey and pointed
out that her baby had served longer in prison than Lee Clegg did.
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