Sinn Féin Youth meet in Newry
by Deirdre Feehan and Michael Pierse
Nothing in recent times has demonstrated better the growth and
the potential of Sinn Féin than the development of Sinn Féin
Youth. The emergence of a vibrant youth section of our party is a
great sign of strength and shows the increasing relevance of
republican politics for Irish people in every part of our
country.
Caoimhghín O Caoláin TD
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Newry, Co Down, was the setting for last weekend's SFY conference
entitled Republicanism Today. A considerable turnout of young
republicans from Dublin, Belfast, Leitrim, Armagh, Down and other
regions throughout the 32 counties gathered for the event, to
discuss the general strategies and policies which young
republicans believe essential to the development of their
struggle.
Sinn Féin TD for Cavan/Monaghan, Caoimhghín O Caoláin, asserted
the growing disenchantment, emerging especially in working class
communities, with the economic problems that continue to blight
our society. This, he said, is despite that ``ubiquitous animal -
the Celtic Tiger'' which, according to O Caoláin, is noticeably
elusive within many urban and rural regions.
``For too long the politicians of the establishment, North and
South, have relied on the apathy or justified cynicism of young
people about politics to ensure that their domination goes
unchallenged. I believe that Sinn Féin is starting to break that
apathy and cynicism down. Most of our new support comes from
young people.''
Martina McIlkenny of Belfast Sinn Féin related the success which
has thus far characterised SF's community politics and the
necessity to empower and involve people on the ground in the
decision making process. ``The tieing together of national
independence and social, economic, political and cultural
equality is probably the defining feature of modern Irish
republicanism,'' she said. This inclusive method of political
activity would require an overhaul of the current stagnant and
aloof system, which has little or no relevance to people's
everyday lives. Real ownership at local level would involve the
implementation of ``decentralised government'' and ``extensive
consultation with community groups and local residents on all
matters affecting their daily lives.... National independence
without these things isn't worth a damn.''
Matt Carthy of SFY stressed the integral role of young people in
shaping a vibrant and dynamic political landscape, divested of
the sterility which currently defines Irish politics. SFY, he
declared, ``can provide an opportunity for young people to express
themselves in a productive and exciting way.'' On the issue of
drug abuse, he conveyed that this inclusion of young people in
the political process would be the vehicle with which to break
the seemingly endless cycle of peddling and addiction and to
allieviate the conditions which inspire and maintain such
problems. ``Our aim must be to empower young people rather than
hospitalise them'' he explained.
The morning convening was followed by a questions and answers
session, in which many issues, from decomissioning to concerns
surrounding the six county assembly were raised. Subsequent to an
apprehension expressed by one delegate that SF was eroding its
traditionally revolutionary politics, Caoimhghín O Caoláin was
emphatic that the opposite is the case. ``We would fail by
divesting ourselves of our radicalism...the passion of our
hearts..if you lose that you've lost it all.'' It was clear
throughout this conference that the passion and vibrancy of young
republicans is as energetic and inspired as ever.
Afternoon proceedings commenced with the key speaker of the day,
Conor Murphy, one of the three Sinn Fein Assembly candidates for
the Newry/Armagh area.
Murphy began by congratulating SFY on the organisation of ``this
effective youth section'', from the education programmes to street
politics, such as the Camloch mountain and rooftop protests as
well as the Saoirse rally at Crossmaglen. Murphy did, however,
stress that SFY is not just about street politics, highlighting
events such as the weekend residential at Glencree and the winter
schools which educate the young people and provide them with
practical skills.
Speaking about the ongoing RUC and Garda harassment campaign
against SFY, Murphy explained that ``these securocrats are
frightened by their strength, SFY is the fastest growing youth
section in the whole of Ireland.''
The second speaker, Jim Gibney, dealt with self determination. He
spoke of the effect Irish Republicans have had world-wide,
specifically in South Africa where the National Executive of the
ANC reacted immediately to a recent SF request for assistance and
sent four senior members to Ireland, ``that is where we are in the
eyes of freedom loving people all over the world.''
The SF Ard Comhairle member concluded, ``a new situation has come
about where we can create a level playing field. The Good Friday
document is not a republican document and the vote was not an
exercise of self determination but it has laid a firm foundation
to achieve independence, equality and sovereignty.''
The final speaker was Anne Speed who adressed the equality for
women agenda. Speed began by stating that women are ``still not
equal participants and leaders in struggle'' but congratulated SFY
on their number of female activists.
She spoke of the H Block action committees that were organised by
women; the mothers, wives and sisters of prisoners ``it was these
women who decided to go on the streets and confront the British.''
Speed continued by asserting women's committment to the concepts
of equality and self determination and the importance of shaping
our own future.In conclusion she quoted James Connolly: ``how do
you judge where a society is going - look at its women and
children.''
All three speakers then answered questions from the audience on
issues such as the Stormont Assembly, Unionism, decommissioning
and articles 2 and 3.
The day ended with the closing remarks from the National SFY
organiser Eoin O'Broin, who thanked all SFY activists, ``as the
marching season and elections approach, get active and do as much
work as possible.''
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