Call for youth movement
A Chairde,
Having read Eoin O'Broin's article, ``The youth reclaim the Basque
country'' (5 June), I feel compelled, as a young republican, to
share my views with other republicans.
I have lived for eighteen years in West Belfast and I hope to
remain here for many years to come. However, for the time being I
intend to go to university and afterwards get a job (which isn't
the easiest thing to do in these parts).
For some time now I have recognised the need for a youth movement
to be established within republicanism. We have a radical and
progressive youth with no platform. Some may argue that Glór na
nOg provides a platform, but I believe it doesn't.
I think it's important to acknowledge how many first-time voters
voted for Sinn Féin in the recent elections here and I believe
that many of these people would actively get involved in some
sort of youth movement if the opportunity presented itself.
After reading the article about the Baque youth and I felt both
embarrassed and ashamed that the republican youth here have no
opportunity to express their feelings and let their voices be
heard.
For the first time, Sinn Féin engaged in what was called a ``youth
canvass'' in the run-up to the general election last month. I,
along with a number of other young republicans from West Belfast,
canvassed the doors of first time voters in all areas of the
constituency. The response was excellent and the hard work was
rewarded when Gerry Adams was elected MP.
However after the election, the youth input was forgotten and it
was back to the drawing board when our only opportunity to
discuss the present situation was with our friends in the street.
I think now would be the perfect time to establish a proper youth
platform within republicanism, one where we can discuss the
history and development of republicanism, find its short-comings
and also adapt to changing circumstances.
We need to provide the youth with a political focus, we need to
actively involve them within the structure of the movement. As is
done in Euskal Herria, we must organise political demonstrations,
educational lectures and social events.
I believe an attitude of activism and self-sufficiency exists,
one which can create a strong and vibrant youth movement, which
will have many advantages for the whole community. The sooner
this is done the better.
As the Basque saying goes, ``Gazteria etorkizuna da'' or as I
understand it ``The youth are our future.''
18 year old Republican,
West Belfast.
Information wanted
A Chairde,
Peter O'Rourke's ``Remembering the Past'' column in An Phoblacht
(22 May) entitled ``Internment 1922'' stirred my blood. I am an
American-born son of IRA Volunteer John P. McRory, born 4 June,
1896 at 3 John Street, Belfast. I was 19 when my father died on
10 March 1958 before I could learn more, directly from him, about
his life in Ireland, and more specifically as an IRA Volunteer.
I know he was imprisoned during or after the Tan War, went ``on
the blanket'' and spent time in Derry Jail and on the Argenta
(approximately 18-24 months). I don't know the exact dates. If
anyone has that information available, could they contact me at
the address below, or give me information as to whom to contact?
Thank you.
Raymond J. McRory,
124 Cherry Valley Avenue,
Garden City,
NY 11530
USA
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