Sinn Féin prisoners' conference
Much-needed and serious self-assessment of Sinn Féin's agitational work in support of prisoners was carried out at an internal conference held in Dublin last Sunday.
extremely frank and useful discussion was had by the 140 Sinn Féin members who attended from the length and breadth of the country.
Not surprisingly, given the heart-breaking plight of the 360 blanketmen and the political importance of successfully resisting Britain's criminalisation policy, the conference centred around the H-Block struggle. However, the plight of prisoners in Armagh, Portlaoise and English jails was also dealt with.
A detailed report of the way forward for Sinn Féin on the prisoner issue is to be prepared from the conference. But broad conclusions were reached on Sunday: that orgnisational resources definitely need to be, and will be strengthened; that local plans of action for systematic publicity work must be drawn up; and in the immediate future it is of great importance that full support begiven to the Smash H-Block conference to be held in Belfast on 21 October.
Last Sunday's conference was jointly chaired by Gerry Adams and Joe Cahill, the Vice Presidents of Sinn Féin. It was also attended by virtually all members of the Ard Chomhairle, including President Ruairí O Brádaigh and General Secretary Daithí O Conaill.
Án Phoblacht, Saturday 29 September 1979
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