Republican News · Thursday 12 June 2003

Canceling democracy

A Chairde,

I feel it is my duty to write to you and let you know how disappointed and angry I am at the British government's decision to cancel the elections in the Six Counties. There is no reason why these elections should not go ahead. It seems as if Tony Blair took it upon himself to simply cancel democracy, in order to salvage the fumbling political career of David Trimble. Simple for him-simply horrifying for the democracy loving people on this island.

Such an attempt to disenfranchise people is reminiscent of the 1960s, when people were forced to protest to have their voices heard-and we are all aware of what followed.

It seems a bit hypocritical to me when Blair and Trimble say they want republicans to come on board and join the democratic process. Is this it, is this democracy? A system where the fate of the democratic elections, the most basic of human rights, rests with one man?

I think it is fair to say that if this were the Middle East or Korea, Blair could be called a dictator. Who is going to lead the liberation of the Six Counties. Is Sinn Féin the only party to speak out on this undemocratic move? Will this tyrant be allowed to rule with an iron hand?

Pat Desmond
Tadhg Barry Cumann
Cork

Where's the charges campaign?

A Chairde,

At the Ard Fheis a couple of months ago, the delegates approved the following motion: "This Ard Fheis states its opposition to any attempt to introduce water charges in local authorities; mandates all Sinn Féin elected representatives to vote against the imposition of another double tax and calls on the party to organise with other progressive elements in society to oppose any attempt to bring in water charges."

With a high likelihood of water charges being introduced in the Six Counties in the next few months, is the party planning on living up to its Ard Fheis commitment on the subject and will Sinn Féin support a campaign of mass non-payment to oppose the charges. If not, why not?

Justin Moran
Dublin 3

What price democracy?

A Chairde,

Yesterday's report from the Public Office Commission on election spending set in stone what we already knew, that this government scammed their election victory through a combination of massive over-spending and a manifesto built on lies and deceit. It was a gross abuse of a political system that clearly needs radical reform.

The figures confirm that even ministers, from the last government and from this Government, were spending outrageous amounts of money to buy their re-election.

That ministers and other candidates could have spent tens of thousands of euro in excess of the permitted amount, without knowing it, is scarcely believable but unfortunately fits a pattern that has become all too common with this arrogant and selfish government.

We should remember that these figures only cover the actual three-week period of the election campaign itself. They do not take into account the massive advertisement campaign the government engaged in before the campaign was called. It does not take in to account the colossal and cynical 20% increase in public spending that occurred in the run up to the election - only to be cut as soon as victory was secured.

56 candidates have been found guilty of overspending.

Bertie Ahern stood up in the Dáil yesterday and condemned a system that only encourages millionaires to run for election. I'm sure everybody, like myself, found that very funny.

His party has been in power more than any other since the foundation of the state, and time and time again has benefited from the system he claims to be condemning. They never saw fit to condemn it before. It could be argued, in fact, that they were the ones who helped to create it.

The fact that so many outgoing members of the last Dáil overspent will be a surprise to nobody, but yesterday's report provides us with an opportunity to begin the process of electoral reform and bring about a level playing field.

I will be consulting with party colleagues and the local community in the coming days to decide on a course of action in terms my own constituency.

Cllr Nicky Kehoe
Dublin North Central

Buíochas mór

A Chairde,

The Andersonstown Commemoration Committee and ex-POWs recently unveiled a memorial plot to the fallen dead of B Company and to all those who died at the hands of British Crown forces and their allies.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who contributed financially and to the many volunteers who gave up their spare time to erect this fitting tribute to the republicans of Andersonstown.

For their encouragement, help and endless cups of tea, a special thanks must go to the residents of Bingnian and Bearnagh Drive. Go raibh maith agaibh.

Johnny McLaughlin,
Chairperson,
dersonstown Commemoration Committee
Belfast