[Irish Republican News]

June 1, 2023

[Irish Republican News]



How the Civil War tore families apart

civilwarend.jpg One hundred years ago this week, the Civil War came to an end. Peace settled on the country, but the conflict left a bitter legacy that not only divided the country politically but also broke families apart — and the effects reverberated through generations.

Published June 1, 2023



Inching towards the exit door

localelectionscount23.jpg Frankly, there will be an audible sigh of relief in Westminster if it looks like Northern Ireland will be voted out of existence in the next few years.

Published June 1, 2023



A Unionist veto dressed as conflict resolution

irishunity.jpg Imagine people in Britain were told Brexit would not happen because only a narrow majority had voted for it? That the issue was so divisive it required a supermajority of 60 percent before it passed?

Published May 25, 2023



Britain is continuing the Palestinian catastrophe

britishsoldierpalestine.jpg Britain’s role in the Nakba, the Palestinian displacement of 75 years ago, is not restricted to its actions in the 20th century, writes Leanne Mohamad, a British Palestinian human rights activist based in London.

Published May 18, 2023



Interview with family of Adrian Carroll

adriancarroll.jpg In a rare interview the brothers and sisters of Adrian Carroll have told how they continue to “remember him every day” despite the passing of four decades.

Published May 18, 2023



I fought a monster today

sandsprison1200.jpg Black flag vigils are taking place in Dublin and elsewhere on Friday to mark the anniversary of the death of 1981 hunger striker Bobby Sands. The following piece by Sands was originally published in 1978.

Published May 4, 2023



‘Scap’, 20 years on

scappaticci1200.jpg Following the reported death of Freddie Scappaticci, Anthony McIntyre recalls the bitter divisions over the ‘Stakeknife’ allegations that the head of the Provisional IRA’s Internal Security Unit was a British agent. For The Pensive Quill.

Published April 27, 2023



Looking forward to the next 25 years

sinnfeingfa.jpg A quarter century on from the Belfast Agreement, we look to the next 25 years, committed to work together to build a better, more prosperous future for all the people of this island.

Published April 20, 2023



The British never wanted Biden

bidensunaktea.jpg Joe Biden’s visit to Belfast, or more accurately, a carefully restricted bit of Belfast, wasn’t the visit he intended or had hoped it to be.

Published April 20, 2023



Interview with Gerry Adams

adamsinterview.jpg An interview given by former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams to Freya McClements of the Irish Times to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

Published April 13, 2023



Vindication of a campaign for truth and justice

holdenfamily.jpg A Belfast court has posthumously awarded compensation to the family of Liam Holden, who was tortured and assaulted by British soldiers in the 1970s. Documents show the use of electric shocks and sexual assault were commonly inflicted on prisoners.

Published March 30, 2023



Interview with Mary Lou McDonald

mcdonaldspiegel.jpg Sinn Féin Party Leader Mary Lou McDonald recently held a wide-ranging interview with German publication ‘Der Spiegel’ about why she thinks a reunification referendum could take place within a decade.

Published March 30, 2023



The DUP and being smart

donaldson1200.jpg Unionists should be thanking Rishi Sunak, who has made the idea of grown-up politics and the severing of knotty political problems doable.

Published March 2, 2023



Interview with Eilish McCabe, sister of Aidan McAnespie

eilishmccabe.jpg On the 35th anniversary of Aidan McAnespie’s murder, in the weeks after his killer was allowed to walk free after a court conviction, an interview by journalist John Scally with Eilish McCabe, Mr McAnespie’s sister, before she lost her brave battle with illness.

Published February 23, 2023



DUP are Conservative Party pawns

dupmedia.jpg The people of Northern Ireland are once again collateral damage, just as we were for the last campaign of ‘getting Brexit done’.

Published February 23, 2023



John Davey

johndavey1200.jpg ‘Big in heart and spirit’ Sinn Féin councillor John Davey was killed by loyalists in 1989, just two days after the murder of Pat Finucane.

Published February 16, 2023



Protocol defeat is huge setback for Unionism

irishseaborder1200.jpg Having already lost their case in the High Court and Court of Appeal, we can be permitted a measure of schadenfreude at the host of unionist luminaries who rolled the dice a third time only to have the Supreme Court return a unanimous verdict that the protocol is entirely legal and proper.

Published February 16, 2023



New Lodge, 50 years on

newlodgesix1200.jpg Ambrose Hardy had to get home. Trapped in a bar in the New Lodge area of north Belfast by the shooting that was going on outside, he was afraid his mother would be worried and come looking for him.

Published February 9, 2023



St Brigid’s holiday celebrates Irish women

stbrigid.jpg The first Irish bank holiday to be named after a woman has taken place in Ireland.

Published February 9, 2023



Learn the Irish national anthem

irishflag1200.jpg A new campaign is calling on everyone in Ireland to learn the words to Amhrán na bhFiann.

Published February 2, 2023



Be prepared for more stupidities

heatonharrisbaker.jpg Stupidity like the British Government’s exclusion of the Sinn Féin President from recent talks needs to be highlighted, according to Gerry Adams.

Published January 26, 2023



A year of real change

declankearney1200.jpg 2022 was an unprecedented political year, and the momentum for constitutional change will continue growing throughout 2023.

Published January 12, 2023



British used colonial playbook in north

sasafghans.jpg People campaigning for justice will have exchanged knowing looks after last week’s announcement of ‘an independent judicial inquiry’ into the SAS killings of 54 Afghan civilians in 2010-11.

Published December 22, 2022



How British colonialism killed 100m Indians in 40 years

colonialism.jpg Between 1880 to 1920, British colonial policies in India claimed more lives than all famines in the Soviet Union, Maoist China and North Korea combined.

Published December 15, 2022



Marie and Martin Ferris

adamsferrises.jpg A week or so ago on November 18 in Killarney 820 republicans broke bread together in honour of Martin and Marie Ferris. It was a great night.

Published December 1, 2022



DUP failing to see the danger ahead

vdlsunak.jpg It’s surprising that there’s any surprise about support for increased Irish government involvement in the north in the absence of a devolved administration here as evidenced in the latest LucidTalk poll.

Published November 16, 2022



The kite that couldn’t fly

paisleyjr1200.jpg Unionist politicians, I sometimes think, compete with each as to how they can make the rest of us gape, open-mouthed in wonder.

Published November 16, 2022



Conway Mill

conwaymill.jpg Conway Mill has been at the heart of west Belfast for over almost 200 years. Last week it celebrated its 40th birthday.

Published November 3, 2022



Sheena Campbell

sheenacampbell1200.jpg Sheena Fagan Campbell was an activist, a law student, and a rising star in the Sinn Féin hierarchy. She was a single mother in Belfast who was determined to provide for her young child and at the time of her murder, she was engaged to be married.

Published October 20, 2022



The Yank

theyank.jpg An extract from a new book, ‘The Yank , in which former US Marine John Crawley delivers an unvarnished account of his role in the Irish armed struggle.

Published October 13, 2022



Operating a British agenda

stormontunionjacks.jpg In light of the latest census figures, constitutional nationalists have been jumping for joy, receiving this news as vindication of their strategy. Likewise reactionary unionists have been apoplectic with anger and fear, understanding this news as evidence of impending Rome Rule.

Published October 6, 2022



Unionists must engage in unity debate

unionists1200.jpg The latest census figures show that fundamental change is unstoppable and points towards a referendum on Irish reunification.

Published September 29, 2022



The battle for survival

keshcell.jpg An essay written in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh prison by hunger striker Bobby Sands, first published in January 1979.

Published September 22, 2022



Aodh Ruadh - A magnificent Gaelic leader

redhugh1200.jpg Saturday marked the 420th anniversary of the death of Aodh Ruadh, Red Hugh, the last of the great Gaelic leaders of Donegal.

Published September 15, 2022



Former Unionist: Why I’m now for Irish Unity

bencollinsbook.jpg My conversion to the New Ireland cause was not an overnight decision and predates Brexit. I have always felt Irish and while initially this was in addition to feeling British, my thinking has changed over time.

Published September 7, 2022



‘Shot on sight’ – Paddy Mulvenna and Jim Bryson

brysonmulvenna.jpg The ambush in which IRA Volunteers Paddy Mulvenna and Jim Bryson were assassinated by the British Army took place 49 years ago this week. An account of their lives cut short, based on a report by Relatives for Justice.

Published September 1, 2022



Is Liz Truss a rerun?

thatchertruss.jpg They say those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it. It’s 1979 all over. Here we go again.

Published September 1, 2022



Michael Collins is a divisive figure

michaelcollins1200.jpg There is no doubting the indelible imprint Collins left on the national psyche.

Published August 25, 2022



The greatest friend to Irish republicanism

johnsonfoster.jpg The writing is on the wall for the future of the Union, but those for whom preserving it matters most are just too blind to see it.

Published August 25, 2022



Liz Truss is a prisoner of the extreme Brexiteers

liztruss1200.jpg Liz Truss has been wrecking the Good Friday Agreement by carrying out the actions the ERG has insisted on and which they insist on the DUP also obeying.

Published August 18, 2022



Arthur Griffith

arthurgriffith1200.jpg Arthur Griffith, the founder of Sinn Féin and one of the fathers of the Irish Free State, died 100 years ago this week, on August 12, 1922.

Published August 11, 2022



Change starts with the man in the mirror

hurling1200.jpg To conflate the modern-day GAA with the IRA and a battle for Irish unity is typical of the whataboutery, the pathetic attitude and lack of leadership that exists within political unionism.

Published August 11, 2022



The life and times of Rosie Hackett

rosiehackett.jpg The 1916 veteran and trade union activist Rosie Hackett was born 130 years ago this week.

Published July 28, 2022



This is a decade of opportunity

decadegreen.jpg The Irish government’s refusal to even begin the preparations for Irish unity is increasingly untenable.

Published July 28, 2022



Martin intends to do nothing to promote Irish unity

martinlemass.jpg Martin’s commentary on the north is entirely wrong. His appeal for reconciliation before developing any political or constitutional structures puts the cart before the horse.

Published July 21, 2022



The Orange Order: made to hate

twelfth2022.jpg Dare we hope that some day, a unionist leader will have the cojones to call the Twelfth for what it is, and to work towards the ending of the annual hatefest?

Published July 14, 2022



A tipping point

johnsonlewis1200.jpg It feels like we are at a tipping point, or at least a crunch point – again.

Published July 6, 2022



Goalposts being moved as unionism slides into minority

jeffreydonaldson1200.jpg Naturally all the responses to the British government’s anti-protocol bill have emphasised the plans to enable British ministers to ditch pretty well anything and everything in the protocol they want except three sections, Articles 2, 3 and 11.

Published June 30, 2022



Confronting sectarianism

orangearch.jpg We need a new legal definition of sectarianism entrenched in law with legal sanctions and robust incitement to hatred provisions.

Published June 16, 2022



Vile song about a woman’s strangulation is a new low

michaelamcareavey.jpg Sectarianism met misogyny on the outskirts of an east Belfast Orange hall last weekend, and what unfolded far surpassed the worst stereotype some regularly complain their opponents foist upon them.

Published June 9, 2022



Centenary of Border battle

borderhistory.jpg Last weekend marked the centenary of a Donegal-Fermanagh border battle, part of the doomed ‘Northern Offensive’ campaign said to have been encouraged by Michael Collins to unite supporters and opponents of the Anglo-Irish Treaty to challenge the partition of Ireland it helped to bring about.

Published June 1, 2022



Timely US visit confirms protocol is here to stay

nealtruss.jpg The visit of Richie Neal and his congressional colleagues to Brussels, London, Dublin and Belfast could not have occurred at a more opportune moment.

Published May 26, 2022



Even in death, are lies exposed

shireenfuneral.jpg Scenes from occupied Jerusalem, where the funeral of state-murdered journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was attacked by Israeli forces, have recalled for many the murderous and oppressive actions of the British forces in Ireland. Maureen Clare Murphy writes from Palestine about a dark week for the conflict there.

Published May 19, 2022



Brown family show tenacity in campaign for justice

seanbrown1200.jpg In the 25 years since the brutal murder of Sean Brown his family have been repeatedly frustrated in their campaign for justice.

Published May 19, 2022



Bobby Sands’ historic election victory

sandselection.jpg Thatcher and her government’s intransigence handed republicans a victory that not even countless IRA military operations could have achieved, according to the author of a new book.

Published May 5, 2022



Thomas Ashe

thomasashe600x.jpg Thomas Ashe was a founder member of the Irish Volunteers who led a rare Irish victory during the 1916 Rising, 106 years ago this week.

Published April 28, 2022



The process of change is unstoppable

eastercommem1922.jpg The Good Friday Agreement has created new opportunities. Not least of these is the fact that for the first time there is a peaceful, democratic route to bring about constitutional change.

Published April 28, 2022



The occupation of the Four Courts

fourcourtsoccupied.jpg One hundred years ago this week, the IRA occupied the Four Courts in Dublin, Ireland’s most prominent courts building, resulting in a tense stand-off which would come to mark the start of Ireland’s civil war. A historical account by Des Dalton.

Published April 21, 2022



Easter statements

lurganeasterrsf22.jpg Statements issued by republican groups to mark the anniversary of the Easter Rising.

Published April 21, 2022



The UDR – A powerful weapon in Britain’s ‘dirty war’

udrdeclassified.jpg Declassified files have revealed the shocking level of collusion between the British Army’s UDR regiment and loyalists. Micheál Smith is the author of a new book on the subject.

Published April 14, 2022



How it has all gone wrong for unionism

paisleyultersaysno.jpg It is commonly argued that unionism’s problems began with Brexit, but the explanation lies much deeper in history.

Published April 14, 2022



The Arnon Street massacre

arnonst.jpg A hundred years ago this week, the Crown Forces murdered six nationalist civilians in Belfast, shortly after they had killed six Catholic civilians in the McMahon murders.

Published April 7, 2022



British borders bill highlights illogicality of partition

solutiontobrexit.jpg Just when you thought the Brexit commotion had taken a back seat to war in Ukraine and spiralling cost-of-living concerns, a Westminster vote limiting free movement for people on the island of Ireland inserts a new plot twist.

Published March 31, 2022



The McMahon murders

mcmahonmurders.jpg The infamous slaughter of the McMahon family 100 years ago epitomised the Protestant campaign of terror against Catholics.

Published March 24, 2022



European hypocrisy over Palestine has been exposed

tamimi.jpg Going forward, it will not be acceptable for European policymakers to tell me, when I ask them to treat Palestine like Ukraine: “It’s different!”

Published March 17, 2022



Ukraine war means it’s all over for protocol protests

protocolprotest.jpg We’re living through the biggest geopolitical shock since the Berlin Wall fell in 1989.

Published March 17, 2022



Momentous change marked in Dungarvan

dungarvanira.jpg On Saturday, March 5, in the grounds of Dungarvan Castle, a special event took place to mark the centennial withdrawal of British forces from the garrison and its subsequent handover to the local IRA, ending an 800-year British presence in the County Waterford town.

Published March 10, 2022



Russia get out of Ukraine

adamshairy.jpg The views of former Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams on the conflict in Ukraine.

Published March 10, 2022



BBC imbalance shifting unionist agenda to the right

nolan.jpg Evidence shows that a disproportionate airing of an outlandish minority line, legitimising it, has shifted the agenda within unionism to the right.

Published March 3, 2022



A party split by a deal with the British

sfaf1922.jpg A history of a landmark Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 100 years ago this week which still has echoes today, by Des Dalton.

Published February 24, 2022



Fear of the Shinners gives establishment the jitters

cblivesf.jpg The third week in February was national Bash The Shinners Week, according to Pat Flanagan.

Published February 24, 2022



The Weaver Street bombing and not dealing with the past

weaverstreet.jpg One of the most shocking incidents following the signing of the Treaty took place 100 years ago this week, when Catholic children playing in a Belfast street were bombed.

Published February 17, 2022



The DUP is trapped in a delusion

donaldsoncameras.jpg Since Stormont was set up in 1999, it has been shut for 37pc of the time. It should be a time-share.

Published February 17, 2022



Drew Harris and Special Branch collusion

harrisconfirmed.jpg I’m waiting for a journalist – maybe RTÉ – to approach Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and ask him what he knows of these murderous activities involving Special Branch.

Published February 10, 2022



Shankill visit illustrates partisan British behaviour

shankillmeeting.jpg British Direct Ruler Brandon Lewis, British foreign secretary Liz Truss and Orange Order grand secretary Mervyn Gibson met on the loyalist Shankill Road in Belfast last Thursday. Commentator Brian Feeney on what he describes as a deliberately provocative gesture.

Published February 3, 2022



Jack Clafferty

jackclafferty.jpg An obituary written by Aisling Claffery for her father, a draughtsman who produced memorable images connected with the conflict in the north of Ireland.

Published January 13, 2022



The Treaty debate

mansionhousedebate.jpg A historical account of the parliamentary debate on the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921, 100 years ago this week which presaged the outbreak of the Irish Civil War, by Des Dalton.

Published January 13, 2022



Deaf ears and blind eyes fuelled rage we felt for years

joebrolly600.jpg Commentator Joe Brolly has addressed the southern establishment’s selfish response to the conflict in the north.

Published January 6, 2022



2022 will bring north’s disappearance closer

roadahead.jpg Unionists’ bad faith, bad behaviour and seditious lawlessness demonstrate the truth of Enoch Powell’s conclusion that there is no halfway house between full integration into the UK and a united Ireland.

Published January 6, 2022



It’s past time to release Leonard Peltier

peltier600.jpg This Christmas take a moment to think about Leonard Peltier.

Published December 30, 2021



‘The Treaty’

treatysigned.jpg One hundred years ago this week, a deal forced upon Irish negotiators under the threat of an immediate and terrible war, brought about the disastrous partition of Ireland. A historical account by Des Dalton.

Published December 11, 2021



A moment of great hope and optimism

mcdonaldpressclub.jpg Marking the centenary of the signing of the treaty, Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald writes that a new and United Ireland is within sight and that we will see the ending of partition and the unification of all of our people, in our time.

Published December 11, 2021



Unionist noise masks lack of leadership

donaldsonleadership.jpg You couldn’t fail to notice a striking imbalance in the heat and noise generated here this year about the consequences of the Brexit the DUP supported.

Published November 26, 2021



Who is really shocked about the killing of a Palestinian boy?

amjaddadas.jpg A Palestinian child was killed by Israeli forces on Friday, 5 November.

Published November 13, 2021



Triggering Article 16 will mean turmoil for north

frostjohnson.jpg Within days of Brexit coming into effect last January xenophobic British tabloids were ranting about Dutch customs officers at the Hook of Holland ferry terminal confiscating ‘British lorry drivers’ ham sandwiches’.

Published November 13, 2021



This climate conference is a scam

cops26.jpg I’m starting to get the impression of COP26 as a contrived stitch up. Where world leaders get to present their inadequate action as fixing the problem. This really is dangerous stuff. You see I remember the 1992 Rio Earth Summit well.

Published November 6, 2021



Britain’s shocking role in Indonesian slaughter

indonesiamassacre.jpg British spies incited mass murder of Indonesia’s communists, according to newly declassified papers.

Published October 30, 2021



Britain reasserts its ‘selfish strategic interest’

barmyborislewis.jpg The worst threat to the Good Friday Agreement is London’s nationalist agenda, writes Emma de Souza.

Published October 30, 2021



Johnson wants to tear up the ‘oven ready’ Brexit deal

badboris.jpg The Irish protocol has become a pretext for unravelling the international treaties Boris Johnson signed up to in 2019-20.

Published October 16, 2021



Homeowners demand govt take responsibility for standards neglect

micaprotest.jpg Lisa Hone is one of thousands living with the failure of successive Dublin governments to regulate building materials, resulting in the failure of their new-build homes due to blocks containing mica and pyrite, and who are now seeking full redress.

Published October 9, 2021



When Frederick Douglass met Daniel O’Connell

douglassoconnell.jpg On September 29th, 1845, a momentous meeting took place in Dublin between a 27-year-old American and a 70-year-old Irish man.

Published October 1, 2021



Hiding Britain’s misdeeds

parasbus.jpg A proposed sweeping amnesty that would stop all investigations into crimes committed during the conflict, including those by the British military, threatens to thwart the pursuit of truth and justice for victims’ families.

Published September 25, 2021



Protocol is fig leaf for DUP’s retreat to sectarianism

donaldsonorange.jpg Unionism saw in Brexit an opportunity to wreck the Good Friday agreement and get a hard border back. Instead, it is any prospect of the survival of Northern Ireland that has been demolished.

Published September 18, 2021



Kevin Mulgrew

kevinmulgrew.jpg Family was the watchword for Kevin Mulgrew, who died peacefully at his home in Dundalk on September 5 after a long battle with cancer.

Published September 11, 2021



Interview with Gerry Adams

gerryadamsnewhair.jpg As part of a wide-ranging interview, former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams has said he believes the Dublin government should immediately kick-start planning for a united Ireland and that a border poll could happen within as little as three years.

Published August 27, 2021



Mickey Devine

mickeydevinewake.jpg Commemorations are taking place in Derry and in the US to mark the 40th anniversary of the death of Mickey Devine, the last of the H-Block prisoners to give his life after 60 days on hunger strike.

Published August 21, 2021



Unionists know the British will eventually withdraw

britishwithdrawal.jpg This place is the only part of the UK which has a legal and constitutional right to secede. Yet, despite in their hearts knowing these truths, most unionists refuse even to think about preparing for inevitable British withdrawal.

Published August 21, 2021



Unity debate can’t wait until unionists are ready

irishflagtrees.jpg Those who seek change need to get on with constructing a robust and persuasive case for a united Ireland, writes QUB academic Colin Harvey.

Published August 14, 2021



Internment 1971

internmentdragged.jpg A report on the horrors committed by British forces in implementing internment without trial in the north of Ireland. ‘Operation Demetrius’ began fifty years ago this week.

Published August 7, 2021



Families will never give up on loved ones

nevergivingup.jpg Johnson and Lewis have ensured by their duplicity that the legacy issue will remain unresolved. It will continue to dominate much of the political discourse in the North.

Published July 31, 2021



Should the Invincibles be reburied in Glasnevin Cemetery?

invincibles.jpg The Irish National Invincibles were a splinter group of the IRB who had five members hanged and buried in Kilmainham Gaol in 1883 for an attack in which two senior British civil servants died. A campaign is underway for their reinterment.

Published July 24, 2021



Legacy plan will be unworkable but British don't care

britisharmyold.jpg Anyone reading yesterday’s British government command paper, ‘Addressing the Legacy of NI’s Past’, should be warned to keep a suitable receptacle nearby to contain the disgusting product of the nausea this exercise in hypocrisy, doublethink and colonial condescension will induce.

Published July 17, 2021



No healing for Bloody Sunday families

sundayfamiliesflat.jpg The announcement that Bloody Sunday prosecutions have been halted cast a shadow over Derry that contrasted with the bright skies of June 15, 2010, when it appeared that the victims would be treated properly.

Published July 10, 2021



Master plan for Moore Street unveiled

moorestplan.jpg We have Irish governments with no sense of the history of their own land, no imagination, no sense of history and no vision for the future, as the historic Moore Street base of the 1916 Rising remains derelict and sealed off from the public.

Published July 3, 2021



Springhill – ‘the forgotten massacre’

springhillmassacre.jpg Springhill is often regarded as the ‘forgotten massacre’, having received very little coverage in the mainstream media, but the people of West Belfast have never forgotten.

Published June 19, 2021



The Carrowkennedy Ambush

flyingsquadmayo.jpg One of the most important battles during the Irish War of Independence took place 100 years ago this week. A look at a famous episode in Mayo history.

Published June 12, 2021



Time for Boris Johnson to stop playing the fool

bennyjohnson.jpg It’s somewhat stating the obvious but Joe Biden is not some angry councillor who phones his local paper every week in order to boost his profile.

Published June 12, 2021



The end of the DUP

dupcrowneplaza.jpg A couple of weeks ago you read here that electing Poots leader would hasten the demise of the DUP.

Published June 5, 2021



Ballymurphy - A conspiracy of cover-up

soldiersballymurphy.jpg The reality is that the Coroner’s conclusions in the Ballymurphy case will not have surprised the security mandarins that run the British system. Every government, Conservative and Labour, has known the truth of these events since they first occurred.

Published May 29, 2021



The final days of Patsy O’Hara

patsyoharacoffin.jpg INLA Volunteer, Patsy O’Hara was one of three INLA Volunteers who died whilst on Hunger Strike, along with the seven Volunteers from the IRA. Patsy survived 61 days on hunger strike from 21 March 1981 until 21 May 1981 when he died, 40 years ago this week.

Published May 22, 2021



The blanket men and a man from America

blanketmen.jpg It was the desperate plight of prisoners In the North of Ireland and the death of Bobby Sands that took me 3000 miles across the Atlantic to meet the Elliott family, whose ancestors long ago had left Derry and settled in the USA.

Published May 15, 2021



Why can’t the EU say the word apartheid?

apartheidisrael.jpg Human Rights Watch has issued a landmark report concluding that Israel commits the crimes of apartheid and persecution against the Palestinian people.

Published May 8, 2021



New DUP will bring down Stormont

dupgroup.jpg The four letters circulating against DUP leader Arlene Foster are four different versions of the same suicide note.

Published April 30, 2021



Are British soldiers above the law for Irish murders?

brits600.jpg Boris Johnson has told the British parliament final preparations were being made to a draft bill that would in effect provide protection from prosecution for British soldiers that served in the North of Ireland.

Published April 24, 2021



Unionists have failed to stop progress

molyneauxpaisley.jpg There’s one aspect of the chronically defective unionist leadership through the decades that you have to admit: consistency.

Published April 17, 2021



A turning point in history

sandselected.jpg Bobby Sands’ victory in Fermanagh and South Tyrone 40 years ago this week gave the republican movement a “victory that not even countless IRA military operations could have achieved”, according to a former prisoner in the H-Blocks.

Published April 10, 2021



What I would have said on RTÉ

joebrollytv.jpg Commentator Joe Brolly has responded to RTE’s controversial effort to silence him during a TV debate on a united Ireland.

Published April 2, 2021



We must talk about referendums more, not less

profharvey.jpg There is almost an unwillingness to contemplate asking people to make a choice in a border poll, combined with a worry about the implications.

Published March 27, 2021



Crossbarry – a major victory for the IRA

tombarry.jpg The success of Tom Barry’s flying column plagued British forces and posed a serious and consistent threat to the authorities in West Cork. A historical account of the Crossbarry ambush, 100 years ago this week.

Published March 20, 2021



Ireland’s misfortune to have Micheál Martin in charge

michealmartin3.jpg A leader with vision would be acting now to promote a managed reworking of the constitutional arrangements in these islands.

Published March 20, 2021



‘The Two Brendans’ — Moley And Burns

twobrendans.jpg In South Armagh Republican folklore, the lives and tragic deaths of two young Irishmen will be forever intertwined, with the names of Brendan Moley and Brendan Burns — ‘The Two Brendans’ as they are popularly remembered — writ large into the story of the struggle for a sovereign and free Ireland.

Published March 6, 2021



Anti-Irish bigotry in Britain has not gone away

antiirish.jpg Where elements of the British press have gone out of their way to pay lip service to the historical wrongs committed against other minority groups, Ireland remains a peculiar blind spot.

Published March 6, 2021



Bobby Sands’ Hunger Strike Diary

sandsdiary.jpg

Forty years ago today, Bobby Sands began his hunger strike. In order to fight Thatcher’s policy of criminalisation and secure their status as Irish political prisoners, he and his comrades were willing to fast until death. In doing so, they changed the course of Irish history.

Published March 1, 2021



Unionists selling supporters a false prospectus

davidtrimble2.jpg Who said this? Johnson’s Withdrawal Agreement which established an Irish Sea border is “a great step forward and is fully in accordance within the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement.” David Trimble. That was October 2019.

Published February 27, 2021



The Kilmainham jail escape

kilmainhamjail.jpg An article by Liz Gillis for Kilmainham Tales on one of the most dramatic episodes in the history of the prison, which took place 100 years ago this week.

Published February 20, 2021



Memories of childhood Belfast

seangraham600.jpg Memories of the Lower Ormeau Road at a turning point in history.

Published February 13, 2021



A new plan for Moore Street

newmoorest.jpg The Save 16 Moore Street Committee and the Families of the Signatories of the 1916 Proclamation have published the first images of a regeneration plan for the area.

Published February 6, 2021



Nothing reckless about affording people a democratic choice

mcdonaldspeaks.jpg If ever we needed a reminder of the stark flaws and practical problems associated with the partition of our island, then the coronavirus pandemic and Brexit have exposed them like never before.

Published January 30, 2021



Avoidance and denying rights is not sustainable

letterrelatives.jpg A total of 3,500 relatives of victims have signed an open letter calling on the London and Dublin governments to implement previously agreed proposals to deal with the legacy of the recent conflict in the north of Ireland. A commentary by Mark Thompson of Relatives for Justice on the background to the letter, included below.

Published January 22, 2021



Not preparing for a United Ireland is irresponsible

crossflag.jpg The young people of Ireland know that the key to a better, stronger and brighter future lies in their hands. The time is coming, very shortly, where they will seize the opportunity that is being presented to them.

Published January 16, 2021



DUP disparages constitutional change while denying it

borderready.jpg One of the more enjoyable aspects of last week was watching the mental gymnastics of Arlene Foster and other representatives of the Democratic Unionist Party.

Published January 9, 2021



DUP betrayed again by a British government

dupbetrayed.jpg British policy is dictated by British interests. It has always been so. The fact that Prime Minister Boris Johnson has again betrayed unionists over Brexit should have come as no surprise to anyone with even the most rudimentary understanding of how British policy works.

Published December 30, 2020



A tragedy that injustice inflames

patrickohagan.jpg The last time I saw Patrick, he was restating his father’s wish that there be a human rights-compliant investigation into his mother’s killing. At the age of 34 he, like so many others affected by conflict, has now died without seeing truth, justice or acknowledgment.

Published December 11, 2020



The Kilmichael Ambush

kilmichael.jpg This week 100 years ago on a roadside in County Cork, a small group of young men in with hardly any military training lay in wait for their enemy. History was about to be made.

Published December 4, 2020



The British govt is still hiding the truth

johnfinucanebig.jpg On 12 February 1989, my father, the human rights lawyer Pat Finucane, was murdered by loyalist paramilitaries as we sat together at the dinner table in the kitchen of our home in Belfast. I was eight years old.

Published December 4, 2020



Why I want to see a united Ireland

mccleanireland.jpg Ireland international soccer star James McClean wrote this article on his reasons for supporting Irish Unity.

Published November 20, 2020



Cheating politicians cheat us all

leoleaks.jpg Leo Varadkar is either a liar or a very unlucky man.

Published November 6, 2020



A new conversation about a united Ireland

irelandmapsatellite.jpg A discussion on Irish Unity must be permitted to advance if those already sceptical about delivery of the promises of peace are not to lose faith entirely.

Published November 6, 2020



Fool me once

borismaggie.jpg When Boris Johnson tells you that his government is determined to defend the Good Friday Agreement – don’t believe a word of it.

Published October 23, 2020



Seán Treacy

seantreacy.jpg The dramatic death took place 100 years ago this week of a revolutionary who became synonymous with Ireland’s fight for independence.

Published October 9, 2020



The search for truth

majellabrother.jpg Majella O’Hare was just 12 years of age when she was shot twice in the back by a British paratrooper on her way to Mass in Whitecross, County Armagh, on August 16, 1976.

Published October 9, 2020



Bloody Sunday: ‘They want us to shush’

katenashtruth.jpg Many people outside Derry say - and others may frequently feel like saying - that the city does go on a bit about its grievances. This week is no exception, with another eruption of rage over Bloody Sunday.

Published October 2, 2020



100 years since Rineen Ambush

rineen.jpg Tuesday September 22nd, marked the 100th anniversary of the most significant event in the War of Independence in Clare.

Published September 25, 2020



The appointment of Drew Harris, revisited

harrisconfirmed.jpg Politicians on both sides of the Atlantic have this week called for the current Garda Commissioner, former RUC Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Drew Harris, to resign from his post over his past connection to collusion in the north of Ireland.

Published September 25, 2020



Unquiet Graves and the continuing cover-up

glenannevictims.jpg ‘Unquiet Graves’ was on RTÉ ONE last night and it made for hard viewing.

Published September 19, 2020



‘A choice between Brexit Britain and a New Ireland’

michelleoneill2.jpg Ireland is entering a decade of opportunity, according to Sinn Féin’s Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill.

Published September 11, 2020



Johnson’s behaviour is no surprise

govejohnson.jpg The only surprise about the British government’s unilateral plans to legislate for its own version of the procedures for operating the Irish Protocol in the Withdrawal Agreement is that anyone is surprised.

Published September 11, 2020



The Drumnakilly Ambush

drumnakilly600.jpg The killings near Drumnakilly, County Tyrone, of brothers Martin and Gerald Harte, and Brian Mullen, three local IRA Volunteers, took place on 30th August 1988, 32 years ago this week.

Published September 4, 2020



Partition sucks. It doesn’t merit celebration

partitionold.jpg British Prime Minister Boris Johnson intends to establish a Centenary Forum and a Centenary Historical Advisory Plan as part of his government’s plans to mark 100 years of the Northern state.

Published September 4, 2020



The Burnings

lisburnings.jpg The shooting of a member of Britain’s Royal Irish Constabulary 100 years ago sparked weeks of anti-Catholic violence. An account of an infamous episode in the town’s history which became known as ‘The Burnings’.

Published August 28, 2020



Golfgate is a story of ruling class entitlement

hogangolf.jpg Irish EU Commissioner Paul Hogan resigned on Thursday, the latest casualty of a golf outing that showed how the class system works in Ireland. A look at an ongoing story by Paulie Doyle, for Tribune magazine.

Published August 28, 2020



Gaza goes dark under new terror campaign

gazaattack0820.jpg Gaza’s electricity supply has been cut to around three hours a day as Israeli bombing of the besieged Palestinian enclave has continued for ten consecutive days.

Published August 21, 2020



Questions the BME community ask about Noah Donohoe

noahflat600.jpg The handling of the disappearance and death of Noah Donohoe has also raised concerns about systemic racism in the North of Ireland.

Published August 21, 2020



Mickey Devine: The last hunger striker to die

mickeydevine.jpg Mickey Devine, from the Creggan in Derry city, was the tenth and final hunger striker to die in the 1981 fight against the criminalisation of Irish republican prisoners.

Published August 14, 2020



We do not have clear and equal policing

psnidivis.jpg Violence, arrests, prosecutions and incarcerations are all avoidable if we have clear and equal policing of both sides of the divide to include managing illegal bonfires.

Published August 14, 2020



Beirut emergency appeal

beirut.jpg Belfast-based political activist Fra Hughes been asked by friends in Lebanon to highlight the following appeal.

Published August 7, 2020



Remembering John Hume

humeadams.jpg John’s contribution to Irish politics cannot be underestimated. When others talked endlessly about peace John grasped the challenge and helped make peace happen.

Published August 7, 2020



The Belfast Pogrom, 1920

belfastpogrom1920.jpg In the middle of July 1920, thousands of “disloyal” workers in Belfast were driven out of their workplaces by unionist mobs. In the immediate aftermath, rioting between nationalists and unionists left nineteen people dead. This outbreak marked the start of a period of violence that left almost five hundred dead and which became known by nationalists as “the Belfast pogrom.”

Published July 24, 2020



Partition has to go

martinryanvaradkar.jpg There is unanimity of approach among the establishment parties in the Oireachtas when it comes to a referendum on Irish Unity – they are against it.

Published July 17, 2020



Scotland is turning the corner

borderprotestscot.jpg A group of Scottish nationalists created a controversy this week when they symbolically 'closed the border' with England in a protest aimed at the coronavirus crisis. It signifies a new exhaustion in Scotland with a visibly collapsing England. An analysis of the increasingly popular idea of Scottish independence by Paul Kavanagh (weegingerdug).

Published July 11, 2020



Bobby Storey led from the front

storeyadams.jpg In Ireland’s centuries long struggle for independence, exceptional men and women, heroes, emerged, which set them apart and around whom people rallied, inspired and motivated by them.

Published July 3, 2020



Derry 1920 - A civil war of independence

derry1920.jpg A century ago this month, conflict erupted in Derry with British state forces openly colluding with UVF gangs to quell the nationalist surge for independence.

Published June 12, 2020



Olaudah Equiano’s Irish friends

olaudahequiano.jpg Olaudah Equiano, a former slave and the author of an influential memoir, visited Dublin and Belfast in the 1790s, mingling among the most progressive voices of the day in Irish society.

Published June 5, 2020



Forty-seven years ago today

michaelleonard2.jpg Even though 47 years have passed, the family of Michael Leonard is still determined to find out the full truth about his murder by the RUC on a lonely country road in Fermanagh near the border with Donegal.

Published May 22, 2020



Irish unification is still inevitable

inevitableireland.jpg Kevin Meaghar looks at the state of the debate on Irish Unity as the idea continues to go mainstream.

Published May 22, 2020



What is the name of this place anyways?

nisigndefaced.jpg This week the name of this place we live in caused a bit of a political stir. The Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar called Belfast members of Fine Gael, “overseas members” and a former Tyrone football player referred to Tyrone as “Up here in the UK”. But the truth is the names used for Ireland do matter and have always been contentious.

Published May 15, 2020



Áine and Eibhlín Nic Giolla Easpaig

nicgiollaeaspaig.jpg A review of the autobiographical book ‘Sisters in Cells’ by Bernadette Hyland.

Published May 8, 2020



The Executions of 1916

risingexecuted.jpg A historical account of this week in 1916, when the executions of the Easter Rising leaders took place.

Published May 8, 2020



Self evident that we need an all-island approach

virusmap.jpg Are we really going to have shops and hairdressers open and journey distances extended at different times north and south for political reasons?

Published May 1, 2020



The Scottish Brigade

joevize.jpg An extract from of the contribution by historian Stephen Coyle at The Year of Revolution: 1920, seminar held by Sinn Féin Poblachtach in Wynn’s Hotel on February 15, 2020.

Published April 24, 2020



The Flying Column

flyingcolumncar.jpg A further extract from the Irish War of Independence and the IRA, 1916-1921, by Colm McInerney

Published April 17, 2020



The IRA becomes an army

flyingcolumn.jpg An extract from the Irish War of Independence and the IRA, 1916-1921, by Colm McInerney.

Published April 3, 2020



North and South must harmonise pandemic response

gabrielscally.jpg In this coronavirus pandemic, Ireland’s geographical advantage is being squandered by the adoption of very different approaches to dealing with the disease.

Published April 3, 2020



Up the Rebels

shirtsrebels.jpg The necessary cancellation of Easter Rising Commemorations does not mean we should not celebrate these events.

Published March 27, 2020



The centenary of an Irish martyr

tomasmaccurtain.jpg A tribute to Tomás Mac Curtain, Cork Lord Mayor, who was born on 20 March 1884 and died on the same date in 1920, shot dead in his home.

Published March 20, 2020



Deliver a government of change

varadkarmartin.jpg A comment on the recent efforts to form a coalition government in Dublin by John Bandon.

Published March 13, 2020



The Clare grain riots

ennisoldboat.jpg A historical account of an incident in which the RIC opened fire on a crowd of hungry Ennis people as local food produce was being exported by landlords.

Published February 28, 2020



We’re in a sad state

drewharris3.jpg A police chief interfering in a country’s electoral process is something we have come to expect – but usually in Third World dictatorships.

Published February 28, 2020



The window of my mind

sandsbed.jpg An essay originally written by Bobby Sands in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh in 1979.

Published February 21, 2020



Sinn Féin’s day is coming

sfenterdail.jpg An analysis of the outcome of the general election and the current political dynamic in the 26 Counties by Ruairi Creaney.

Published February 21, 2020



Unionist jitters after Sinn Féin success

mcdonaldwins2.jpg Regardless of when or whether Sinn Féin ends up in government, as Tony Blair’s former adviser Jonathan Powell says, the outcome of the election will make demands for movement on Irish unity stronger.

Published February 14, 2020



To remember or commemorate?

torturedbody.jpg This state was founded by those who fought for Irish Independence between 1919 and 1921 and it would be bizzare if this state were to commemorate those who fought to suppress it’s establishment.

Published January 10, 2020



Government u-turn a victory for people power

riceviction.jpg The Government must go beyond deferral and scrap any plan now or in the future to commemorate the role of the RIC and the DMP. The shallowness and opportunism of their position on these events has been exposed. So has the posturing of the Fianna Fáil Leader.

Published January 10, 2020



Papers show need for inquiry into my father’s murder

michaelfinucane.jpg Michael Finucane, the eldest son of Pat Finucane and a practising lawyer based in Dublin, on his response to revelations about the murder in declassified papers.

Published January 3, 2020



Unionists punished the DUP for extreme Brexit plan

duplose.jpg A lot of emphasis on the fact that, after Thursday’s election, for the first time there are more nationalist MPs than unionist; Sinn Féin and the SDLP outnumber the DUP 9-8.

Published December 14, 2019



Polls on Irish unity are only heading in one direction

ashcroftpoll.jpg Unless you have been living under a rock, you can’t but have noticed that the prospect of Irish reunification has been gaining ground these past three years.

Published November 30, 2019



Address to Saoradh Ard Fheis

saoradhaf19.jpg The following is the address by Saoradh chairperson Brian Kenna to the party’s annual conference in Newry last weekend.

Published November 16, 2019



When Stormont’s credibility went up in flames

burnedcover.jpg A review by Rory Carroll of ‘Burned - The inside story of the ‘cash for ash’ scandal and Northern Ireland’s secretive new elite’, by Sam McBride.

Published November 16, 2019



The first shoot-to-kill victims

lurganthree.jpg On the night of 11 November 1982, two young IRA volunteers, Eugene Toman and Sean Burns were sitting in another volunteer, Gervais McKerr’s house in Lurgan, County Armagh, drinking tea, and waiting for a lift to a safe house. The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed, according to a girl in the McKerr house that night, with the lads joking as usual and enjoying the company. Within a few hours, the three volunteers would be dead, the first victims of an horrific shoot-to-kill policy by the RUC.

Published November 9, 2019



Ireland’s unreal partition

partitionold.jpg A hundred years ago this week, as it was struggling to suppress Ireland’s fight for freedom, the British war cabinet first endorsed a unionist proposal for setting up two devolved parliaments - one in Dublin and one in Belfast. Historian Cormac Moore looks at the background to Britain’s partition of Ireland.

Published November 2, 2019



Economic boundaries and deep-seated fears

irishseasatellite.jpg Are the DUP right when they say that a border in the Irish Sea is a serious threat to the union?

Published November 2, 2019



Key independence figure denied pension and medal

irishbulletin.jpg The editor of the Irish Bulletin, Kathleen Mary Napoli, was so involved in the War of Independence that she accompanied the treaty delegation to London. But she was informed she was not eligible for an IRA pension because she was not officially a member of the organisation.

Published October 26, 2019



Máire Drumm; leader and visionary

mairedrumm600.jpg Máire was one of the most courageous and visionary leaders Irish Republicanism has ever had, Gerry Adams writes.

Published October 26, 2019



The harvest Britain has sown

sandsprison.jpg This week marks the end of the 1981 hunger strike, in which ten republican prisoners laid down their lives against the criminalisation of their struggle for Irish freedom. The first hunger striker to die, Bobby Sands, described the conditions inside the H-Blocks of Long Kesh prison in September 1978.

Published October 5, 2019



Boris’s big deal for Ireland

johnsonspeechtory.jpg What is the big sticking point on Boris’s Big Deal (BBD)? That’s easy – he’s for putting in place customs checks/posts/huts/whatever you’re having yourself.

Published October 5, 2019



Celebrating 100 years of partition?

partition1921.jpg Three months ago, during the July marches and rallies by the Orange Order, the DUP declared that the centenary of the northern state in 2021 should be a public holiday and a source of celebration.

Published September 28, 2019



Irish government should not be fooled by DUP talk of consent

fosterdoddsbrexit.jpg When unionists talk about consent, read a veto. It’s useful to remind the Irish government of that.

Published September 28, 2019



Six times the Irish learned not to trust the British

lloydgeorgepartition.jpg Boris Johnson wants Ireland to abandon the backstop, the legal guarantee of maintaining an open border after Brexit, as his price for signing a deal with the European Union. But should Ireland give way and trust London? History suggests that could be a mistake. Here are some examples.

Published September 14, 2019



The ‘94 Cessation – how it happened

1994ceasefirestatement.jpg Gerry Adams looks back at the historic peace initiative of August 1994 when the Provisional IRA declared a ceasefire. (For Léargas).

Published August 30, 2019



Amazon fires put the planet at risk

amazonfire.jpg Tierra Curry, a senior scientist at the US Center for Biological Diversity, on the race to save the Amazon (for The Hill).

Published August 23, 2019



August 1969 - when ‘the Troubles’ began

rossville.jpg Fifty years ago this week in the space of five days, the north of Ireland changed for ever.

Published August 17, 2019



The Gaelic League and the 1916 Rising

conradh.jpg This week 126 years ago – 31 July 1893 – the Gaelic League (Conradh na Gaeilge) was founded. A look at the role it formed in the Easter Rising.

Published August 2, 2019



Expecting Ireland to be servile is part of a British tradition

punchcartoon2.jpg An analysis piece by Limerick academic Richard McMahon which was published in both the Irish and British media this week

Published August 2, 2019



Voting for the next President of Ireland

voteforthevote.jpg The right of citizens living outside the southern State to vote for the President of Ireland is now a significant issue of debate, especially here in Dublin. This is a campaign we should all get behind, writes Gerry Adams.

Published July 26, 2019



Francie McCloskey’s last hours

franciemccloskey.jpg A series of events has taken place this week to mark the 50th anniversary of the murder of Francie McCloskey, considered by many to have been the first fatality of the current phase of the conflict.

Published July 19, 2019



UDR must be held to account for Patsy Kelly murder

patsykelly600.jpg Long before the deadly word ‘collusion’ entered into the public vocabulary of the conflict, Teresa Kelly and her family experienced ‘collusion’ in all its grotesque forms.

Published July 19, 2019



We need to talk about the Monarchy

queenscotland.jpg On the occasion of the royal visit to Scotland to mark the 20th anniversary of the Edinburgh parliament, a Scottish republican examines the future role of the British Royal family.

Published July 12, 2019



Catalans protest outside the European Parliament

catalaneu.jpg The Catalan independence movement has made a new show of strength in Europe with a protest against the exclusion of its three MEPs.

Published July 5, 2019



The Springhill Massacre

springhillmassacre.jpg British Army snipers killed five civilians at the Springhill estate in west Belfast on 9 July 1972, eleven months after the Ballymurphy massacre, and 47 years ago this week.

Published July 5, 2019



Miriam Daly

miriamdaly.jpg Miriam Daly, an Irish republican socialist and university lecturer, was assassinated by the loyalist Ulster Defence Association (UDA) in a killing which continues to provoke questions. Her body, bound and shot, was found by her nine-year-old daughter after she returned from school in Andersonstown, 39 years ago this week. In this interview, Anthony Neeson spoke to Jim Daly, her widower

Published June 28, 2019



Voting rights extension is a no-brainer

higginsgaa.jpg An analysis by Brian Feeney of the move by the Dublin government to extend voting rights to northerners and emigrants in the case of Presidential elections.

Published June 28, 2019



Give us justice – arrest the Loughinisland killers

loughinislandvictims2.jpg As the anniversary of Loughinisland is remembered, a look at an extraordinary campaign for justice which continues to battle cover-up and collusion.

Published June 22, 2019



Remains of Great Hunger victims emerge, 172 years on

remainshunger.jpg A storm has exposed the bones of Irish children on a Canadian beach, recalling a holocaust of greed that devastated Ireland and changed the world.

Published June 15, 2019



The first rule of Fine Gael: don't get caught

varadkarbailey.jpg Calls for Maria Bailey to be kicked out of Fine Gael for damaging the party are unfair when she represents everything they stand for... absolutely nothing but themselves.

Published June 8, 2019



45th anniversary of Michael Gaughan’s death

michaelgaughanflat.jpg Michael Gaughan was killed by the prison and medical authorities of Parkhurst Prison on 3 June 1974, 45 years ago.

Published June 1, 2019



25th anniversary of Widow Scallans attack

docodoherty.jpg This week marks the 25th anniversary of the death of IRA Volunteer Martin ‘Doco’ Doherty, who died defending a Sinn Fein function at the Widow Scallans pub in Dublin from a bomb attack by the UVF.

Published May 25, 2019



The troubling case of Julian Assange

assangearrest.jpg Julian Assange continues to ripple and roam as a cipher through the political and media scape of the world. Detained in Belmarsh maximum security prison, the sort of stately abode only reserved for the most dangerous of criminals, many with indeterminate sentences, he electrifies and concerns.

Published May 4, 2019



The final days of Bobby Sands

sandscoma.jpg A contemporaneous account of the last-ditch efforts to save the life of IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands, who died this week 38 years ago.

Published May 4, 2019



The Amritsar Massacre

amritsar.jpg An infamous event in Britain’s colonial occupation of India took place a hundred years ago this week. A historical account of the massacre at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar on Apri 13, 1919.

Published April 13, 2019



Amid the Brexit chaos, Scotland is a beacon of sense

scotlandbrexit.jpg An analysis piece from the Enniscorthy Guardian looks at how Scotland’s approach to Brexit resonates in Ireland.

Published April 13, 2019



A referendum on unity is coming

unityref.jpg The fiasco that is Brexit, and the Tory and DUP shambles of a response to it, have together opened up a willingness for a real and meaningful conversation on Unity.

Published April 6, 2019



Who killed Rosemary Nelson?

rosemarynelson3.jpg North Armagh-based human rights lawyer Rosemary Nelson was assassinated 20 years ago this week in an attack in which high-level collusion is still suspected. A report by Beatrix Campbell on the smears and disinformation which continued long after her death.

Published March 16, 2019



Bloody Sunday - the top brass gets away with it

generalford.jpg There may be only one thing that the Bloody Sunday families and the defenders of the Parachute Regiment are agreed on following the announcement that a former lance corporal is to be charged with two murders and four attempted murders: that it is perverse and unfair that one low-ranking soldier should be made to carry the can for what happened in Derry 47 years ago.

Published March 16, 2019



How the truth of Loughinisland is still suppressed

nostoneunturned2.jpg A background to the continuing police harassment of two journalists involved in making the film ‘No Stone Unturned’ by its director Alex Gibney.

Published March 2, 2019



Victory for the Chagos Islanders

chagos.jpg The International Court of Justice in The Hague has handed down a momentous judgement that says Britain’s colonial authority over the Chagos Islands is no longer legal. John Pilger, whose 2004 film, Stealing a Nation, alerted much of the world to the plight of the islanders, tells their story.

Published March 2, 2019



25th Anniversary of the murder of Sean McParland

mcparlandfuneral.jpg Sunday 24th February 2019 marks the 25th anniversary of the murder of Sean McParland.

Published February 23, 2019



The Good Friday Agreement is written in sand

emmadesouza.jpg An intrinsic part of the Good Friday Agreement - an agreement that brought peace and stability to the island of Ireland - is quickly disappearing.

Published February 23, 2019



Sir Reginald washes his hands

reginaldweir.jpg More than three and a half years - yes, three and a half years! - after the conclusion of all the evidence in the inquest into the murder of Roseanne Mallon, Sir Reginald Weir sat down in Nisi Prius court in Belfast city centre and declared he could find neither direct nor indirect evidence of collusion between the loyalist killers and any state agency in the case.

Published January 12, 2019



Pearse and the Pillar

statuespearse.jpg The afterlife of the Nelson Pillar on O’Connell Street is every bit as interesting as its lifespan, and from the late 1960s onwards various committees and campaign groups lobbied with the aim of placing a monument in the location where Nelson had stood.

Published December 15, 2018



Hard Brexit must mean a Border Poll

bordersign.jpg The timing for making an argument for a Border Poll or as its now being called a Unity Referendum has become a bone of contention. The negativity about the timing of holding one is creating negativity at the very time we need to examine the issue positively.

Published December 15, 2018



The 1918 election, a turning point in history

1918electionmap.jpg The general election of 1918 provided Sinn Fein with a democratic endorsement both to establish Dail Eireann and proclaim a republic.

Published December 8, 2018



DUPed again

sammywilsonflat.jpg Excessive threatening language has long been part of political unionism’s response when faced with the prospect of change.

Published November 24, 2018



Bridget Dirrane

bridgetdirrane.jpg Bridget Dirrane is a remarkable person in the history of Ireland.

Published November 17, 2018



The GFA is under siege - and so is my right to be Irish

desouza.jpg A community is, in the here and now, being marginalised, penalised and discriminated against, the effect of which is catastrophic. And the cause is their identity.

Published November 17, 2018



The last British soldier shot for mutiny

jamesdalymutiny.jpg An account of the awakening of an Irish soldier who led a mutiny against the British Army over its atrocities in India and Ireland, and his subsequent execution, 98 years ago this week.

Published November 3, 2018



I am a political prisoner, held hostage by Spain

jordicuixart.jpg For a year now, I am held without bail and without even a trial date for having defended fundamental rights in any democracy, such as the freedom of speech and the freedom to meet and protest.

Published October 20, 2018



The IRA Hunger Strike of 1923

1923hungerstrike.jpg In the Ireland of 1922, a civil war tore through the land and in its path it ripped apart families and friendships. It also created a deeper wedge in an unstable society where the church grappled for top position in an emerging new state.

Published October 13, 2018



Liadh Ni Riada campaign launch

liadhspeech.jpg Liadh Ni Riada is the youngest daughter of the iconic composer and musician, Sean O’Riada. On Sunday she was confirmed as Sinn Fein’s candidate for the Presidency of Ireland in next month’s election. The following is the text of her campaign launch speech.

Published September 22, 2018



Ballymurphy story must be told

funeralbalymurphy.jpg Before Bloody Sunday there was Ballymurphy. Its story must be told, according to Callum Macrae, the director of The Ballymurphy Precedent, a shorter version of which was broadcast on Channel 4.

Published September 15, 2018



The Ballymurphy Precedent

precedent.jpg A new film looking at the events leading up to and including the Ballymurphy Massacre is having preview screenings across Ireland and Britain in advance of a wider release.

Published August 18, 2018



Meet the Rajapaksas

rajapaksas.jpg DUP MP Ian Paisley has been found to have improperly lobbied on behalf of Sri Lanka’s then Rajapaksa regime against accusations of war crimes which targeted the minority Tamil population. Meet the Rajapaksas, in this Channel 4 report from 2013.

Published July 28, 2018



The Rebel Countess

markieviczgun.jpg An introduction to the life of Constance Georgine Markievicz, an Irish politician, suffragette, socialist and republican rebel.

Published July 21, 2018



Ireland must act against Israel’s war crimes

francesblackfarmers.jpg Ireland is entitled to disassociate from what the EU itself condemns as clear breaches of international law.

Published July 14, 2018



The Falls Curfew - July 1970

fallscurfew.jpg Michael Shaw Mahoney captures the Falls Curfew of July 1970 through the eyes of the late Billy Curran (for the Pensive Quill).

Published July 7, 2018



Septic Ulster

williemccrea600.jpg Theresa May’s new list of working peers includes an ex-MP from the proppers-up of her government, the Democratic Unionist Party: the Rev William “Boxcar Willie” McCrea, veteran gospel-singing politician.

Published June 9, 2018



The DUP - deaf to the winds of change

abortionprotest2.jpg We may sometimes not like what History delivers, but being on the wrong side of history can be painful.

Published June 2, 2018



The revival of Palestinian consciousness

palestinianwoman.jpg Ghada Karmi is a Palestinian physician, academic and writer. Her latest book is entitled Return: A Palestinian Memoir. Despite the recent shocking events in Gaza, she sees hope for the Palestinian cause.

Published May 26, 2018



Disrupt and Deny - Britain’s dirty war in Ireland

disruptanddeny.jpg Rory Cormac, a professor of international relations specialising in secret intelligence and covert action, has found archival evidence to prove Edward Heath’s government directed ‘black ops’ on the streets of Ireland.

Published May 19, 2018



The Cheshire Cat called Commonwealth

commonwealthcats.jpg The British Empire is a bit like the Cheshire cat in Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland: over the years it has faded until all you’re left with is a bland smile.

Published April 28, 2018



Sean McNeela and Tony D’Arcy

mcneeladarcy.jpg Sean McNeela and Tony D’Arcy died on hunger strike against the criminalisation of republican prisoners at St Bricin’s Military Hospital in Dublin, 78 years ago this week.

Published April 21, 2018



The Proclamation and William Henry West

proclamation600.jpg Another story of the many from the Easter Rising of 1916 -- the English protestant printer who supplied the type for the Irish Proclamation.

Published March 31, 2018



Martin McGuinness - Looking to the future

mcguinnessportrait.jpg Martin McGuinness was a good friend and a great leader. He made compromises where he believed they could help peace and reconciliation. He never stopped taking risks for peace, writes Gerry Adams.

Published March 24, 2018



Memories of Mairead Farrell

maireadfarrell2.jpg On the 30th anniversary of IRA Volunteers Mairead Farrell, Sean Savage and Dan McCann, murdered by the SAS in a shoot to kill operation on 6th March 1988 in Gibraltar, Saoradh activist and former IRA POW Breige-Anne McCaughley shares her memories of Volunteer Mairead Farrell.

Published March 10, 2018



Tory boy’s mask slips

projectireland.jpg The real Leo Varadkar was the one who stood up in the Dail last Tuesday and the public would do well to remember that when his party comes looking for votes in the near future.

Published March 3, 2018



No-one admits to being a bigot

dupnegotiating.jpg The collapse of talks to restore the power sharing arrangement in the North of Ireland has come as no surprise to many.

Published February 24, 2018



The Civil Rights Association

nicramarch.jpg Contrasting views of the North’s Civil Rights Association and how it relates to where we are as we approach the 50th anniversary of its first campaign.

Published February 10, 2018



A new chapter

adamsoldmic.jpg I’m sure that there is a little nervousness within Sinn Fein as Gerry Adams steps down as president of the party, having led it to great electoral success across Ireland, and having been, along with the late Martin McGuinness, at the forefront of the republican struggle for decades.

Published February 10, 2018



Inquiries, ‘collusion’ and seeking truth

loughinisland600.jpg If the NI Retired Police Officers’ Association wins on Loughinisland, it will have succeeded in closing down an important official source of information about alleged collusion and its scale, small or large. John Ware looks at a crucial upcoming ruling.

Published January 13, 2018



It’s time for a united Ireland

brexitireland.jpg At last it’s becoming clear to the Brexiteers, and the right-wing British media, that the question of the Irish border will be the defining issue of the Brexit negotiations.

Published December 2, 2017



The Manchester Martyrs

manchestermartyrs600.jpg 150 years on from their execution, a historical look back at three Fenians whose bravery in giving their lives in struggle helped to sustain it.

Published November 25, 2017



The Rohingya

rohingya.jpg The Rohingya are often described as “the world’s most persecuted minority”.

Published November 18, 2017



No Stone Unturned - review

nostoneunturned.jpg Oscar-winning documentarian Alex Gibney exposes the collusion which shielded the perpetrators of the 1994 Loughinisland massacre from justice. The shocking No Stone Unturned finally names the chief suspects while revealing the RUC’s deliberate mishandling of the multiple murder inquiry.

Published November 18, 2017



The funerals of Frank Stagg

frankstagggrave.jpg Frank Stagg who died on hunger strike aged 33, had three funerals and two burials. One funeral had no body and one burial was done in darkness. His life is commemorated on three headstones in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina, County Mayo.

Published November 11, 2017



The racist worldview of Arthur Balfour

balfour.jpg Arthur James Balfour will, no doubt, be praised effusively by supporters of Israel for a brief document he signed 100 years ago.

Published November 4, 2017



Why we need to support Catalonia

franco.jpg During the years of Franco’s dictatorship, Catalonia was one of Spain’s strongholds of resistance, and the Catalan people suffered enormously for it.

Published October 28, 2017



Sheena Campbell and a hurricane of pain

sheenacampbell.jpg Twenty-five years ago, Sheena Campbell, then a 29-year-old law student at Queen’s University, was shot dead by a UVF gang.

Published October 21, 2017



Stop political extradition

ddmclaughlin.jpg An open letter to the Irish people from Portlaoise jail by republican political prisoner DD McLaughlin.

Published October 14, 2017



The United Irishmen

unitedirishmen.jpg The Society of United Irishmen, founded in 1791, embraced Catholics, Protestants and Dissenters in its aim to remove English control from Irish affairs.

Published October 14, 2017



Votarem - We will vote

rucdukest1968.jpg The response of the people of Catalonia to the violence of the Spanish state was astonishing and I want to commend their bravery.

Published October 7, 2017



The crisis of the Spanish state

catalandemo.jpg Ahead of the October 1 referendum on self-determination, the Spanish government is engaged in a level of political repression in Catalonia not experienced since the days of the Franco dictatorship.

Published September 30, 2017



A prisoner’s final and most terrifying weapon

thomasashe600.jpg The oration delivered by Tommy McKearney, a former Hunger Striker, over the grave of Thomas Ashe at the national hunger strike commemoration of the 1916 Societies.

Published September 30, 2017



The sack of Balbriggan

sackofbalbriggan.jpg A look at an infamous event in the Tan War in County Dublin, 97 years ago this week.

Published September 23, 2017



Republican politics must be relevant

franciemackey600.jpg The text of the oration delivered by Francis Mackey (pictured) of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement at the graveside of Alan Ryan earlier this month.

Published September 16, 2017



Britain out of Ireland

irspdoc.jpg The Irish Republican Socialist Party (IRSP) has said it is supporting a ‘border poll’ on unity as part of a new campaign for a United Ireland outside of the EU. An extract from its new policy document, ‘Britain out of Ireland - Ireland out of the EU’.

Published September 9, 2017



Tom Williams

tomwilliamsbook.jpg IRA Volunteer Tom Williams was hanged at age 19 by the British on 2 September 1942, 75 years ago today.

Published September 2, 2017



The most audacious Australian prison break

fremantle6.jpg The most successful prison break in Australian history was an international rescue effort that took years to organise, and which finally freed six Irish republicans from a British jail in Fremantle.

Published August 26, 2017



India’s partition: The British game of ‘divide and rule’

partitionindia.jpg Seventy years after the partition of India, it is hard to look back without horror at the savagery of the country’s vivisection.

Published August 19, 2017



The Battle of the Bogside

battlebogside600.jpg For years the nationalist majority of Derry had suffered a unionist gerrymander of the city which left many Catholics living in slum conditions.

Published August 12, 2017



‘Uniting Ireland and its People in Peace and Prosperity’

markdaly.jpg An abridged introduction to this week’s report of Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and a summary of its recommendations.

Published August 5, 2017



The RUC and its deadly legacy in Sri Lanka

srilankastf.jpg A Tamil widow who says 10 of her relatives were massacred by Sri Lanka’s police in 1986 has lodged a complaint with the Police Ombudsman in the North after links from the RUC (now PSNI) to the country’s security forces emerged.

Published July 29, 2017



Modernising internment

internment1971.jpg A look at the evolution of internment, from a speech delivered by National PRO of Republican Network for Unity, Nathan Stuart, at a picket organised by the Anti-Internment Group For Ireland (AIGI).

Published July 15, 2017



Michael Collins and the killing of a Field-Marshall

fieldmarshall.jpg The IRA assassination of British Field-Marshall Henry Wilson, 95 years ago this week, was a turning point in Irish history, writes Rob Baker

Published July 1, 2017



Solidarity through the centuries

choctawsculpture.jpg A simple act of kindness 170 years ago by an Oklahoma Indian tribe was celebrated in County Cork this week.

Published June 24, 2017



Advancing towards Irish Unity - in the United Irish tradition

bodenstown2017.jpg Sinn Fein chairperson Declan Kearney delivered the keynote address to the party’s annual Wolfe Tone commemoration in Bodenstown last Sunday.

Published June 24, 2017



Grenfell will forever stand as a rebuke to the right

grenfellfire.jpg Grenfell Tower is a story of inequality, of the poor herded into a cramped building made unsafe because it was prettified to improve the view of the nearby rich.

Published June 17, 2017



Westminster election - results round-up

gildernewhazzard.jpg A look at the results of the Westminster election in each of the 18 constituencies in the Six Counties.

Published June 10, 2017



Westminster election - constituency profiles

constituencies6co.jpg A quick look at each of the 18 Westminster constituencies in the North of Ireland, and what to expect when the election results come rolling in next week.

Published June 3, 2017



The last hanging

newgatehanging.jpg The last public hanging in England took place in London, outside Newgate Prison (now the Old Bailey) on 26 May 1868, 149 years ago this week.

Published May 27, 2017



End the marginalisation of Irish

anladeargsign.jpg Thousands have been making their way to Belfast to support the increasing calls for legislative protection for the Irish language, in the form of an Irish language act.

Published May 20, 2017



Painful memories of the Loughgall massacre

loughgall.jpg In an interview published on the 30th anniversary of an infamous ambush, a former Volunteer has provided an inside account of the Provisional IRA’s single largest loss of life during the conflict.

Published May 13, 2017



The Proclamation Project

proclamationproject.jpg A five year strategy to put Irish republicanism ‘back into the driving seat of securing Irish unity’ was launched recently.

Published May 13, 2017



Mass Palestinian hunger strike

palestinianhs.jpg Some 1,500 Palestinian prisoners are currently engaged in a mass hunger strike over prison conditions and internment without charge.

Published May 6, 2017



‘The Bold McElwain’ remembered

seamusmcelwain2.jpg Monaghan Republican and Ex-POW John Crawley delivered a graveside oration at a commemoration for Seamus McElwain in Scotstown recently.

Published April 29, 2017



Malice intended

hoodedmentorture.jpg Anne Cadwallader tells the story of the Hooded Men, internees subjected to fine-tuned methods of torture, that left little physical evidence, imported by Britain to Ireland in 1971.

Published April 22, 2017



Easter commemorations 2017

arbourhill.jpg A round up of Easter commemorative events by various organisations this year. Please check locally for more information.

Published April 14, 2017



‘Why we oppose British murder march’

saoradhprotest.jpg Saoradh Beal Feirste explain its opposition to the march of former British soldiers through Belfast city centre on Good Friday.

Published April 7, 2017



Dublin has a duty to ensure ‘special status’ for north

kennymayhandshake.jpg Now that Article 50 has been triggered a period of what is likely to be long and protracted negotiations will begin. The north will not be represented at those negotiations.

Published April 1, 2017



Martin McGuinness was a committed republican - Adams

mcguinnesssons.jpg The death of my friend and comrade Martin McGuinness has left a deep void. It is a huge blow to all of us who knew and loved him, especially his wife and family.

Published March 24, 2017



The Milltown massacre

milltownmassacre.jpg An account of the attack on Milltown cemetery, 29 years ago this week, carried out by loyalist serial killer Michael Stone.

Published March 17, 2017



The Fenian Rebellion

fenianrising600.jpg A historical account of the abortive republican insurrection of 1867, 150 years ago this week.

Published March 4, 2017



An election about integrity

sfae17.jpg We are determined to rebuild the political process but it must be on the basis of genuinely progressive power-sharing where we work with one another in the best interests of everyone in society.

Published February 24, 2017



Injustice breeds injustice

ballymurphyvictims.jpg A former British soldier backs calls for prosecutions for the Ballymurphy Massacre of 1971, when eleven unarmed civilians were killed by the British Army.

Published February 17, 2017



Large crowds recall mass shootings of 25 years ago

ormeaucommemoration.jpg Hundreds of people have commemorated the 25th anniversary of the murder of five people by unionist paramilitaries at a betting shop in south Belfast as well as the murder of three at a Sinn Fein office in west Belfast.

Published February 10, 2017



The aftermath of Bloody Sunday - a diffusion of anger

bloodysundayprotest.jpg A description of how the Bloody Sunday killings set off an unprecedented wave of protests in the 26 Counties - and prompted words but no action from Jack Lynch’s government

Published February 3, 2017



Bloody Sunday March for Justice 2017

bloodysundaymarch2017.jpg Events to mark the annual commemoration of the Bloody Sunday massacre begin this week in Derry building to the march and rally on Sunday, January 29. A look at this year’s context and the programme of events, which are spread over two weeks.

Published January 20, 2017



Martin McGuinness’s resignation letter

mcguinnesscar.jpg The full text of Martin McGuinness’s resignation letter, which was addressed on Monday to Robert Newton, Speaker of the Stormont Assembly.

Published January 13, 2017



Reavey and O’Dowd families seek answers, 40 years on

reaveyodowdfamilies.jpg In January 1976, the Reaveys and O’Dowds - two Catholic families living within 15 miles of each other in Co Armagh - each lost three loved ones at the hands of a notorious Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) gang reputed to contain dozens of members of the British Crown forces.

Published January 6, 2017



Why we have occupied Apollo House

apollohousegig.jpg Ultimately homelessness and its causes will only be resolved by a movement in policy towards housing that is based on citizenship as much as profit, that puts human decency above uncaring ideology.

Published December 24, 2016



William Shanahan and Michael McNamara

shanahanmcnamara.jpg The story of two IRA men who were tortured and killed by British forces, 96 years ago this week.

Published December 17, 2016



Remember republican prisoners at Christmas

prisonersflagharp.jpg December is the month when thoughts are traditionally with Irish republican prisoners, and vigils have been taking place in their honour. The following is a recent list of those who are supported by the two largest Irish republican prisoner welfare organisations, underneath their addresses.

Published December 10, 2016



Death of a revolutionary hero

adamsfidel.jpg Fidel was a friend to those engaged in the struggle for justice across the world.

Published December 3, 2016



Presidential Address to RSF Ard Fheis

desdalton600.jpg The full text of the address by RSF President Des Dalton to the 2016 Republican Sinn Fein Ard Fheis.

Published December 3, 2016



Fidel Castro

fidel.jpg A look at the life and legacy of Cuban leader Fidel Castro, by French author and historian Salim Lamran

Published November 26, 2016



How the RUC protected the UDA

andytyrie.jpg A big arms find in UDA’s Belfast HQ in 1981 proved embarrassing for a British government resisting calls to outlaw the group but trying to appear even-handed. An extract from ‘A State in Denial: The British Government and Loyalist Paramilitaries’ by Margaret Urwin.

Published November 19, 2016



The Black and Tan War - nine things to know

tanwarbig.jpg A few snippets about the Tan War, or Irish War of Independence, which ran from January 1919 to July 1921, when the IRA first took on the British constabulary and army forces.

Published November 19, 2016



1971-72: The breakout years

crumlinkangaroosescape.jpg On the 45th anniversary of the escape from Crumlin Road Jail by the ‘Crumlin Kangaroos’, an extract from ‘Internment’ by the late John McGuffin on an extraordinary chapter in the republican struggle.

Published November 12, 2016



Maire Drumm remembered

mairedrummmural.jpg The daughter of a prominent republican shot dead in her hospital bed by loyalists 40 years ago has said she wants to know who gave the order to have her killed.

Published October 29, 2016



Thomas Russell, United Irishman

thomasrussell.jpg Thomas Russell spent a year promoting the United Irish cause in Ulster among Presbyterians and Catholics, becoming legendary as “the man from God-knows-where”.

Published October 29, 2016



Standing Rock

indiansstandingrock.jpg The campaign against the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) at Standing Rock Sioux reservation is a true symbol of unity and a defiance of corporate interests being put before the people and the planet.

Published October 22, 2016



‘We are the authors of this struggle’

duleekhscommem16.jpg The oration delivered by Francie Mackey, chairman of the Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association, at the Hunger Strike commemoration in Duleek organised by the Duleek Hunger Strike Monument Committee on Saturday, 17th September.

Published October 8, 2016



The murder of Volunteer Diarmuid O’Neill

diarmuidoneill2.jpg On September 23 1996, IRA volunteer Diarmuid O’Neill was shot dead during an arrest operation by armed members of the Metropolitan Police in Hammersmith, London, England.

Published October 1, 2016



The history thieves

historythieves.jpg An extract fro a new book examining Britain’s record of covert government actions and cover-ups.

Published September 24, 2016



The women’s hunger strike, Armagh 1943

armaghprisoninterior.jpg In 1943, the women interned by the northern government in Armagh Prison went on hunger strike over their status and conditions in the jail.

Published September 17, 2016



Jimmy Gralton, Leitrim’s feared radical

jimmygralton.jpg President Michael D Higgins has said that an apology is due to Jimmy Gralton, the only Irish person deported by an Irish government.

Published September 10, 2016



The Battle of Antrim and its relevance today

battleofantrim.jpg A look at the 1798 battle between British troops and Irish rebels led by Henry Joy McCracken, as delivered at his annual commemoration last weekend by RNU Vice-Chairperson Nathan Stuart

Published September 3, 2016



Thatcher’s offer

thatchertroops.jpg Former H3 blanketman Thomas Dixie Elliott gives his view of the exchanges that took place inside Long Kesh as negotiations were taking place to try to end the 1981 hunger strike.

Published September 3, 2016



Bittersweet ceremony unites tragic Ballymurphy family

ballymurphyfuneral.jpg A priest has spoken about God’s “perfect timing” after he officiated at the joint funeral mass of a man murdered by British soldiers and the wife who campaigned in his memory, despite them dying exactly 45 years apart.

Published August 27, 2016



Michael Devine

michaeldevinebig.jpg Michael Devine, known to his friends as Micky, died 35 years ago this week after 60 days on hunger strike in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh. A look back at a life of struggle and a heroic death.

Published August 20, 2016



Bilal Kayed

bilalkayed.jpg A look at the case of Palestinian hunger striker Bilal Kayed, now on hunger strike for more than 66 days, in a cause which has striking parallels with those of Irish republicans.

Published August 20, 2016



Murrough of the Burnings and the massacre at Cashel

sackofcashel.jpg The Sack of Cashel (also known as the Massacre of Cashel) was a notorious atrocity which occurred in County Tipperary in the year 1647.

Published August 13, 2016



Interview with Gerry McGeough

gerrymcgeough600.jpg An abridged transcript of a ‘controversial’ interview with former republican PoW Gerry McGeough this week by Martin Galvin for Radio Free Eireann.

Published August 13, 2016



The execution of Roger Casement

rogercasementbig.jpg Wednesday marked one hundred years since the execution in London of the Irish Patriot and international humanitarian, Roger Casement. A look at how he lived the final days of his life.

Published August 6, 2016



The financial impact of partition

datastartrek.jpg An examination of the economics of a divided Ireland.

Published July 30, 2016



Bobby Sands - 66 Days

66daysmovie.jpg ‘Bobby Sands: 66 Days’ is a new documentary based around extracts from the late republican’s prison diary by Brendan J Byrne. He spoke to David Roy about making the film.

Published July 23, 2016



Irish outside 26 Counties to get vote in Presidential elections

emigrantsvote.jpg A referendum to give Irish people living abroad a vote in the presidential election is planned for 2017, diaspora minister Joe McHugh announced this week.

Published July 16, 2016



Address to independent Bodenstown commemoration

bodenstownirpwa.jpg A republican commemoration for Wolfe Tone took place last Sunday, organised by the 2016 Wolfe Tone Commemoration Committee. The following is the speech delivered at the event in Bodenstown by Armagh republican Paul Duffy.

Published July 9, 2016



The funeral of Joe McDonnell

joemcdonnellfuneral.jpg Joe McDonnell died at 5am on Wednesday July 8, the fifth man to die on hunger strike in the 1981 protest in the H-blocks. As republicans mark the 35th anniversary of his death, a look at how it took place in the context of a national and international outpouring of solidarity with the prisoners.

Published July 9, 2016



‘Self-government is our right’

rogercasementhandcuffs.jpg The full text of 1916 rebel Roger Casement’s speech from the dock one hundred years ago during his trial for treason, following his attempt to land weapons in Kerry for the Easter Rising.

Published July 2, 2016



Brexit - The view in Ireland

unitedirelandroadsign.jpg Responses from the Irish nationalist and republican political parties to the Brexit referendum.

Published July 2, 2016



When Britain said goodbye to the EU

boriscable.jpg Pepe Escobar looks at why Britain voted to leave the European Union, and what the future holds for both.

Published June 25, 2016



Two sides of the Brexit debate

mckennaadams.jpg Two Irish republican viewpoints on this week’s referendum on British membership of the EU.

Published June 18, 2016



Ronan MacLochlainn commemoration

mackeymaclochlainn.jpg The oration delivered by 32 County Sovereignty Movement Chairperson, Francie Mackey at the graveside of IRA Vol. Ronan MacLochlainn.

Published June 11, 2016



Birmingham Six man fears cover-up as inquest reopened

paddyhill.jpg A miscarriage of justice victim has spoken out following the announcement by Birmingham’s senior coroner that she is to reopen the inquest into the 1974 bombings in the city, in which 21 people died.

Published June 4, 2016



Fifty years since first victim of the conflict

spencescullion.jpg There have been calls for a fresh investigation into the death of the first victim of the recent conflict, who was shot by the UVF 50 years ago.

Published June 4, 2016



Release Tony Taylor

tonytaylor2.jpg Nationalists, republicans and socialists are coming together to support a campaign for the release from his internment of prominent Derry republican Tony Taylor.

Published May 28, 2016



Loughgall remembered

loughgallcommem.jpg Republicans from Tyrone and its Monaghan and Armagh hinterland gathered at the Drumfurrer Monument to IRA Volunteers Jim Lynagh and Padraig McKearney for a family-led Independent Commemoration for the Loughgall martyrs.

Published May 21, 2016



The executed leaders of 1916

1916executed.jpg Short biographies of all of the executed leaders in the aftermath of the 1916 Rising, including nine who were not signatories of the Proclamation of the Republic.

Published May 14, 2016



‘We shall rise again’

noraconnollystretcher.jpg In an excerpt from her memoirs, Nora Connolly O’Brien talks about her father’s final days and the courage and inspiration that James Connolly gave to her and continues to give to republicans today.

Published May 14, 2016



‘The Great Escape’ 1976

1976tunnel.jpg A reprint of an article from The Starry Plough, detailing a historic escape by Republican Socialists from Long Kesh prison 40 years ago this week.

Published May 7, 2016



My homeless family

ericafleming.jpg An account by Dublin mother Erica Fleming of her attempts to cope after her family were suddenly left homeless as a result of the housing crisis.

Published April 30, 2016



Charlie Monahan’s fateful journey

charliemonahan.jpg Charles Monahan was the first Belfast casualty of 1916, dying in the aborted Irish Republican Brotherhood mission to seize key British wireless radio equipment in Caherciveen.

Published April 23, 2016



Seamus McElwain remembered

seamusmcelwain.jpg A graveside oration by Monaghan Republican and Ex-PoW John Crawley for ‘The Bold McElwain’ in Scotstown ahead of his 30th anniversary commemoration.

Published April 16, 2016



Eoin MacNeill and the Irish Volunteers

eoinmacneill.jpg Eoin MacNeill contributed directly to the 1916 Easter Rising by establishing, arming and training the Irish Volunteers. His last-minute intervention to call off the Rising continues to fuel historical debate.

Published April 16, 2016



Glasnevin’s 1916 wall of shame

glasnevinwall.jpg Incredibly the modern state of Ireland has now paid tribute to perpetrators of the North King Street Massacre, to the murderers of Irish men and boys, by adding their names to the newly erected Glasnevin 1916 Remembrance Wall.

Published April 9, 2016



Southern state is not the Republic declared in 1916

adamseaster2016.jpg The full text of the keynote speech to mark the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising, delivered by Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams at Milltown cemetery in Belfast last weekend.

Published April 2, 2016



An Easter Rising timeline (2)

risingmap.jpg A reportage-style account of the combat that took place during the Easter Rising. The second in a two-part series.

Published April 2, 2016



An Easter Rising timeline

risingpeople.jpg A reportage-style account of the combat that took place during the Easter Rising. The first in a two-part series.

Published March 26, 2016



The signatories of the Proclamation (2)

proclamationsigning.jpg Short biographies of the seven rebels who signed Ireland’s historic declaration of independence in 1916. The second in a two-part series.

Published March 19, 2016



The signatories of the Proclamation

signatories.jpg Short biographies of the seven rebels who signed Ireland’s historic declaration of independence in 1916. The first in a two-part series.

Published March 12, 2016



The demolition of Nelson’s Pillar

nelsonspillar.jpg A monument to a British imperialist in the centre of Dublin, Nelson’s Pillar on O’Connell Street, was blown up by republicans fifty years ago this week.

Published March 5, 2016



Two brothers fighting two very different wars

eamonnceannt.jpg The fascinating story of the two Ceannt brothers, Eamonn the Easter Irish Revolutionary, and, Bill the Great War British soldier, illustrates the diverse allegiances amongst families and the political complexity of Ireland in the early part of the 20th Century.

Published February 27, 2016



Right2Change - Policy principles for a progressive government

right2change2.jpg A summary of the policy principles of the progressive Right2Change alliance and a list of those candidates in this year’s general election who have signed up to those principles.

Published February 20, 2016



Leonard Peltier - My 40 years in prison

peltier.jpg I believe that my incarceration, the constitutional violations in my case, and the government misconduct in prosecuting my case are issues far more important than just my life or freedom.

Published February 13, 2016



RTE’s ‘Rebellion’ series, and its propaganda value

rebellionrte.jpg Three valuable hours of my life has been wasted on what RTE describes as a ‘commemorative drama’ to herald the beginning of the Centenary year of the 1916 revolution.

Published February 6, 2016



The first 1916 commemoration

1916belfastmural.jpg In the aftermath of the 1916 Rising and the releases from Frongoch internment camp that autumn, the Sinn Féin movement was re-organised in Belfast in early 1917, and the first Easter Commemoration Parade in the city was part of that process.

Published January 30, 2016



Paddy Joe Rice remembered

paddyjoerice.jpg Former H Block blanketman Gerard Hodgins spoke this week at the Foresters Club in West Belfast in honour of the late IRA volunteer, Paddy Joe Rice. The event was hosted by the Anne Devlin Society, Belfast.

Published January 30, 2016



Bloody Sunday programme of events

marchforjusticeresist.jpg The commemorative programme for 2016 reflects the diversity of those whose experiences are shared by the people of Derry, across the North, as well as across Ireland and Britain.

Published January 23, 2016



Support Derry’s March For Justice

bloodysunday2016poster.jpg Civil Rights Campaigner Vincent Coyle appeals for support for this year’s Bloody Sunday march.

Published January 16, 2016



New Year statements

2016clip.jpg A round-up of statements issued by republicans to mark the New Year.

Published January 9, 2016



The revolution of 1916 remains unfinished business

ricbig.jpg An official 1916 centenary calendar is a further example of the collaborative nature of the 26 County state, writes RSF National PRO Sean O Dubhlain.

Published December 30, 2015



Dark Rosaleen

darkrosaleen.jpg Michael Nicholson is one of the world’s most decorated journalists, reporting from 18 different war zones over a 45-year career. While writing his new novel, he changed his mind about England's guilt over Ireland’s Great Hunger.

Published December 19, 2015



Molly O’Reilly and the Rising

mollyoreilly.jpg We are on the eve of a momentous year -- this time a hundred years ago republican men and women were planning the overthrow of the British Empire in Ireland.

Published December 19, 2015



Remembering political prisoners this Christmas

prisonervigil.jpg December is the traditional month for republicans to think of our political prisoners. We publish list of IRPWA and Cogus prisoners behind bars this Christmas.

Published December 12, 2015



Frongoch, the first internment camp

frongoch.jpg People in Wales have called on the governments in Dublin and Cardiff to provide a permanent commemorative centre in Frongoch, where 1,800 Irishmen were interned after the 1916 Rising.

Published December 5, 2015



Time to lead on climate change, not to plead

endakennyclimate.jpg A progressive campaign group has launched a petition to encourage the Dublin government to act responsibly to help prevent catastrophic climate change.

Published December 5, 2015



Covering up the past, from Batang Kali to Ballymurphy

batangkali.jpg In a ruling closely watched in the north of Ireland, relatives of innocent Malayans slain by British troops in 1948 have lost their fight for an inquiry, even though the British courts have admitted that mass murder occurred.

Published November 28, 2015



The ticking clock dilemma

robertmcclenaghan.jpg McGurk’s Bar activist, Robert McClenaghan, writes on the reality of Britain’s inability to face up to its human rights abuses, and how this now becomes his own ticking clock dilemma.

Published November 21, 2015



Why India is not grateful for British colonialism

bengalfamine.jpg To suggest that Britain was a benevolent colonial power is an offensive myth that must be de-bunked.

Published November 13, 2015



Declan McGlinchey - an obituary

declanmcglinchey2.jpg The McGlinchey family of Bellaghy suffered tragedy anew this week with the sudden death of Declan, a lifelong republican activist who died of a suspected heart attack on Sunday.

Published November 6, 2015



The re-birth of the IRA in Belfast

joemckelvey.jpg John O’Neill (‘the Treason Felony blog’) recounts an incident seen as a key event in the re-organisation of the IRA in Belfast shortly after the end of the Irish Civil War.

Published October 31, 2015



Fitzgerald, Murphy and MacSwiney

mcswiney.jpg Michael Fitzgerald, Joseph Murphy and Terence MacSwiney died on hunger strike on 17 and 25 October 1920, respectively, 95 years ago this week.

Published October 23, 2015



The bigger Bloody Sunday cover-up

bloodysundaybody4.jpg Relatives of those killed in the infamous Bloody Sunday massacre have denounced a police ‘investigation’ into the murders after it emerged that 55 British soldiers present that day are refusing to be questioned.

Published October 16, 2015



Catalan independence will benefit everyone involved

catalanprotest.jpg The result of recent elections have confirmed the perception that a majority of Catalans are ready to begin a democratic, peaceful, civil and negotiated process to achieve an independent state for Catalonia.

Published October 10, 2015



Death of Brian Friel

brianfriel.jpg Brian Friel, who has died aged 86, was the best-known Irish playwright of his generation. Translations, about the low-level repression of Irish culture in the 19th century, remains his most celebrated, while Dancing at Lughnasa was his most successful, winning three Tony Awards in 1992.

Published October 3, 2015



Chairperson’s speech to RNU Ard Fheis 2015

rnuaf15.jpg The address delivered by the Chairperson of Republican Network for Unity Carl Reilly, at his party’s annual conference in Newry on Saturday, 26th September

Published October 3, 2015



Remembering Tomas Ceannt: soldier, patriot, revolutionary

kentarrest.jpg Like many other men and women before and since Tomas Ceannt demonstrated incredible courage and selflessness in the struggle to free Ireland from British occupation.

Published September 26, 2015



The French Invasion of Ireland, 1798

castlebarhumbert.jpg Bill Peterson looks at the extraordinary military campaign of France’s General Humbert 217 years ago this week, which some historians say laid the groundwork for the Easter Rising over a century later.

Published September 5, 2015



Interview with Martin McGuinness

mcguinnessflat2.jpg In a wide-ranging interview, Sinn Fein’s Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness insists that a united Ireland is inevitable.

Published August 15, 2015



Commemoration row breaks out amid rival re-enactments

rossareenactment.jpg A row has broken out over rival commemorations to mark the hundredth anniversary of the funeral of Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa, one of the most significant events in the lead up to the 1916 Easter Rising.

Published August 1, 2015



‘One Ireland, One Vote’ petition and campaign

barrymonteith.jpg The 1916 Societies recently launched a petition for an All-Ireland Referendum on Irish Unity. This address on the campaign is by Barry Monteith, an independent Councillor from Tyrone, with a link to the petition.

Published August 1, 2015



Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa, 100 years on

odonovanrossafuneral.jpg A number of events are planned to mark the centenary of the funeral of Irish patriot Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa of the Irish Republican Brotherhood. An account of his life, and the full text of the famous oration delivered by Patrick Pearse at his graveside, one hundred years ago this week.

Published July 25, 2015



Selling out the Greek people

syriza.jpg The democratic opposition of the Greek people to austerity has been overthrown by the EU capitalist system with the collaboration of the Syriza leadership, according to the IRSP.

Published July 18, 2015



Bodenstown address by Francie Mackey

32csmbodenstown15.jpg Before us lies an unprecedented opportunity to reintroduce that sense of comradeship that is desperately required, according to Francie Mackey of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement.

Published July 11, 2015



The Falls Road curfew

fallsroadcurfew.jpg The Falls Road curfew of the summer of 1970 is regarded as a major turning point in the early history of the conflict.

Published July 4, 2015



The forgotten ‘disappeared’

seamusruddy.jpg Thirty years ago, Seamus Ruddy disappeared in France. Dominique Foulon, former editor of Irland Libre and Solidarite Irlande, calls for his body to be returned to his family.

Published June 27, 2015



Tear down the wall of silence

whitehall.jpg Collusion has never had a place in democratic values. It remains a grim monument to the failure of colonialism and tragedy of partition.

Published June 20, 2015



A call to action to save the Irish language

gaeltachtsize.jpg Few question the value to our country’s sense of itself of that language which is uniquely ours.

Published June 13, 2015



Film gives a glimpse of a jailhouse sisterhood

akindofsisterhood.jpg A new film ecords the stories primarily of republican women (activists in the IRA and Cumann na mBan) who were imprisoned in Armagh gaol and Maghaberry prison during the armed conflict.

Published June 13, 2015



The assassination of Eddie Fullerton

eddiefullerton.jpg A Police Ombudsman investigation is reported to have uncovered serious concerns about collusion in the murder of Sinn Fein councillor Eddie Fullerton. A look back at an infamous assassination, 24 years ago this month.

Published June 6, 2015



We are Irish citizens who want to have our vote

hometovoters.jpg Ireland’s emigrant voting legislation remains among the most restrictive in Europe, despite calls for reform dating back to the last mass exodus of the 1980s.

Published May 30, 2015



Margaret Perry - the forgotten victim of Mullaghmore

margaretperry.jpg There is a forgotten victim of Mullaghmore - another life lost as a result of British interference in Ireland’s affairs - another victim of Britain’s dirty war in Ireland.

Published May 23, 2015



Sean McCaughey

seanmccaughey.jpg A look at the life and death of prominent Belfast republican, Sean McCaughey, who died on hunger-strike in Portlaoise prison on May 11, 1946.

Published May 16, 2015



Westminster election round-up

belfastcountelection.jpg A constituency-by-constituency look at the Westminster election results for each of the 18 seats in the North.

Published May 9, 2015



Westminster election 2015 - constituency profiles

constituencies6co.jpg A round-up of the 18 Irish constituencies being contested in the Westminster general election on Thursday.

Published May 2, 2015



The Armenian genocide

armeniangenocide.jpg With many governments still failing to acknowledge it, including those in Dublin and London, we present a brief history of the Armenian genocide, one hundred years ago today.

Published April 25, 2015



Tens of thousands attend Easter commemorations

easter2015.jpg There was an extraordinary number and diversity of Easter commemorations this year as many organisations, republican and otherwise, held events with a view to the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising next year.

Published April 11, 2015



Commemorative speeches and orations

easter2015lurgan.jpg A selection of the speeches and orations delivered at the 2015 Easter commemorations.

Published April 11, 2015



The Rising and its aftermath

proclamationflat.jpg The second in a two-part historical feature on the 1916 Easter Rising.

Published April 4, 2015



Easter commemorations 2015

sfeasterdublinold.jpg A round up of Easter commemorative events by republican organisations this year. Please check locally for more information. UPDATED April 3rd.

Published March 28, 2015



The background to the Rising

irbbig.jpg From the foundation of the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB) to the fateful days of Easter 1916, when Irish Volunteers took to the streets to fight for our freedom. The first in a two-part historical feature.

Published March 28, 2015



In memory of Gerry McKerr

gerrymckerr.jpg A researcher at Amnesty International recalls Gerry McKerr, one of the Hooded Men, who passed away this week as his case against torture continues before the European Court of Human Rights.

Published March 21, 2015



Dublin govt struggles with legal chaos

kennyqueen.jpg Laws stating that Queen Elizabeth is the king of Ireland and that anyone selling horses outside greater Dublin shall die are to be repealed, the Dublin government has announced.

Published March 14, 2015



Hannah Sheehy-Skeffington

hannahsheehyskeffington.jpg Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington devoted most of her life to campaigning for the rights of women and Ireland’s independence.

Published March 7, 2015



Thank you, Mr Tubridy

ryantubridy.jpg On open letter by blogger Ciaran Tierney on last weekend’s hostile live television interview of Paul Murphy TD by Ryan Tubridy, presenter of the Irish state broadcaster’s main light entertainment programme, the Late Late show.

Published February 28, 2015



Freedom for Seamus Daly

seamusdaly.jpg The family and friends of a South Armagh man have condemned his continued imprisonment pending a possible prosecution in regard to the 1998 Omagh bomb attack.

Published February 21, 2015



Concerns over new UDA mural

udamuralcarrickfergus.jpg A new mural calling for people to join the UDA was recently painted in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, prompting fears that the unionist paramilitary group is again recruiting.

Published February 14, 2015



When genocide became “famine”

faminebook.jpg A campaign to change the way the tragic events of 1845-1850 are recounted.

Published February 7, 2015



‘Conditions never better to achieve United Ireland’

mcguinnessomaghagm.jpg The address by Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness to his party’s Six-County AGM in Omagh last weekend.

Published January 31, 2015



Resist - Bloody Sunday commemoration 2015

marchforjusticeresist.jpg The Bloody Sunday March for Justice programme will see a raft of civil rights events and speeches held in Derry. This year’s programme of events has been themed ‘Resist’.

Published January 24, 2015



Letter from the Craigavon Two

woottonmcconville.jpg An open letter written by miscarriage of justice victims Brendan McConville and John-Paul Wootton, followed by a recent synopsis of the case.

Published January 24, 2015



A citizens’ initiative for 2016

rv1916launch.jpg A group of concerned individuals has established “Reclaim the Vision of 1916--A Citizens’ Initiative for 2016,” in order to reassert the political principles and objectives that animated the 1916 Rising and to show their continuing relevance for Ireland today.

Published January 10, 2015



The appalling vista of the Derry Four case

mcgowankellytoner.jpg There was news this week that the prosecution of former RUC members over their abuses of nationalist youths in the original ‘Derry Four’ case has been inexplicably dropped, following communications between Crown prosecutors and the Police Ombudsman. In this article, Martin Galvin looks back at a notorious episode in policing in the North.

Published December 20, 2014



A second chance for the Irish language

learningirishcard.jpg Like many Irish people, I wonder how I could have studied a language for 13 years, and, in my head, find nothing but a few straggling nouns and the sense of dread that I carried into the classroom each day.

Published December 13, 2014



‘I was hooded and tortured by the British army’

hoodedonnelly.jpg Declassified British government documents relating to a secret ‘interrogation centre’ were released to the press in August 2013 and one of those hooded, beaten and subjected to brutal psychological ‘techniques’ then told his story.

Published December 6, 2014



List of republican prisoners

prisonersmural.jpg December is the traditional month for republicans to think of our political prisoners. A list of the IRPWA and Cogus supported prisoners behind bars this Christmas.

Published December 6, 2014



Water meter installation halted in North

belfastwatermeter.jpg The Stormont parties have been embarrassed by reports that 35,000 water meters have been secretly installed at homes across the Six Counties at a cost of more than 13 million pounds.

Published November 29, 2014



The burning of Long Kesh

burninglongkesh.jpg This weekend marks the 40th anniversary of single largest battle between republicans and the British army of the conflict.

Published November 22, 2014



Will there be a United Ireland soon?

fourprovincesmap.jpg The text of a speech delivered by Republican Sinn Fein Vice-President Cait Trainor to a group of American Students on the theme, ‘Will there be a United Ireland?’

Published November 15, 2014



The good old IRA

kevinbarrybig.jpg Last Saturday was the anniversary of the execution by the British of 18 year old Kevin Barry. He was hanged on November 1st 1920.

Published November 8, 2014



Stopping the charge

waterprotest.jpg All republican and left-wing groups have committed to support local demonstrations taking place today [Saturday, November 1] in every county across Ireland as part of the ‘Right2Water’ campaign. The protests are expected to be the largest Ireland has seen in decades.

Published November 1, 2014



Double tragedy

shotoutcar.jpg In an interview, west Belfast woman Flo O’Riordan recalled the night her two best friends were murdered, 43 years ago this week.

Published October 25, 2014



‘Satanic’ IRA claims revealed as psy-ops plot

satanicira.jpg British military intelligence agents in the north of Ireland used fears about demonic possessions, black masses and witchcraft as part of a psychological war against emerging armed groups in the conflict in the 1970s, they have admitted.

Published October 18, 2014



Emigrants, northerners ‘tuned out’

seanparker.jpg The Dublin government has been urged to do more to maintain contact with its emigrant population after a deceased Galway man was only saved from an unmarked grave in England by the efforts of a deaths registration official in London and a retired school teacher.

Published October 11, 2014



Water is a human right

water.jpg An introduction to the Right2Water campaign and its petition.

Published October 11, 2014



Thomas Ashe

thomasashe.jpg This week we recall the Irish Republican revolutionary and martyr, Thomas Ashe, who suffered a brutal death at the hands of his British oppressors at the age of thirty-two.

Published September 27, 2014



Letter from Edinburgh

edinburgh.jpg Telling Scotland not to “go” is a bit like saying: “We don’t want you to run your own affairs. You must always have the governments we give you.”

Published September 6, 2014



Escape from Portlaoise prison

portlaoiseold.jpg This week marks the 40th anniversary of the escape from Portlaoise prison of 19 republican prisoners of war.

Published August 23, 2014



The Irish of the US Civil War

irishbrigadeabsolution.jpg Those who left behind poverty in Ireland only to die in America’s internal conflict should also be remembered.

Published August 16, 2014



Address at Kevin Lynch commemoration

kevinlynchinla.jpg The text of the speech delivered by the IRSPs Michael McLaughlin at the 33rd Kevin Lynch Commemoration in Dungiven earlier this month.

Published August 16, 2014



A prisoner’s salute to Bobby Sands

bobbysandsmuralbig.jpg Last year 30,000 men in California’s prisons went on hunger strike against solitary confinement.

Published August 9, 2014



Revisionism protestors pepper-sprayed

glasnevinprotest.jpg Protestors at a British royal military ceremony were attacked by Gardai police off camera as an ongoing battle to rewrite the history of events one hundred years ago played out live on Irish television.

Published August 2, 2014



Bodenstown address by Francie Mackey

mackeyboden13.jpg Francie Mackey, Chairperson of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement, delivered the main address at the organisation’s annual gathering at the grave of Wolfe Tone in Bodenstown recently.

Published July 26, 2014



Henry Joy McCracken

henryjoymccracken.jpg With no rising in sight in Ulster despite the signal coming from Dublin, one man seized the initiative and assembled the United Irish forces to assert Ireland’s right to independence. That man was Henry Joy McCracken, who died 216 years ago this month.

Published July 19, 2014



Israel’s rampage at close range

idf.jpg Two women are interviewed about conditions where they live since Israel began intensifying its war on Palestinians nearly four weeks ago.

Published July 12, 2014



The haunting of Iraq and Palestine

middleeastmandates.jpg A look at the effect of British colonial betrayal a century ago on the Middle East of today.

Published July 5, 2014



A very British injustice

gerryconlonout.jpg An account of the events leading to the Guildford 4 and Maguire 7 miscarriages of justice, adapted from Bob Woffinden’s 1987 book ‘Miscarriages of Justice’.

Published June 28, 2014



Michael Gaughan

michaelgaughanbig.jpg The 40th Anniversary of the death of IRA Volunteer Michael Gaughan, who died while on Hunger Strike in Parkhurst Prison, took place earlier this month.

Published June 21, 2014



The Battle of Ballynahinch

1798battle.jpg An account of the battle which ended the United Irish Rebellion in Ulster, 216 years ago this week.

Published June 14, 2014



Complete 2014 election results

boylanelected2.jpg Facts and figures of a historic election for Sinn Fein, in which it won 21% of the national vote across all 32 counties and officially became the largest party in Ireland.

Published May 31, 2014



Massacres recalled as demands for truth grow

dmfortiethwreath.jpg A number of events took place last weekend to remember those killed in the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, and wreathes were laid at the Talbot Street memorial in Dublin and in Monaghan town centre.

Published May 22, 2014



Noonan revisits failed Fianna Fail policies

trumpshannon.jpg The 26-County Minister for Finance Michael Noonan took part in a grovelling welcoming party for billionaire businessman Donald Trump at Shannon airport earlier this week.

Published May 17, 2014



European and local election candidates

sfeurocandidates.jpg The most recent compiled list of Sinn Fein and other republican candidates contesting this week’s elections, with short biographies of the Euro candidates.

Published May 17, 2014



What were my accusers’ motives?

adamsconfused.jpg His four days of interrogation was an assault on the peace process itself, writes Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams.

Published May 10, 2014



Petition to retain name of Raymond McCreesh park

raymondmccreeshpark.jpg A petition calling for a children’s play park to continue to be named after IRA hunger striker Raymond McCreesh has so far received more than 1,000 signatures of support.

Published May 3, 2014



Easter statements 2014

milltowneaster2014.jpg A round up of the statements and orations delivered this week to mark the anniversary of the Easter Rising in 1916.

Published April 26, 2014



Drawing on the memory of the heroes of 1916

eamonceannt.jpg Dave Kenny’s family is steeped in Easter Rising history. Here he recalls finding a letter from the Eamonn Ceannt’s son, revealing how he lived his life in his father’s shadow.

Published April 26, 2014



Calls for recognition of Travellers’ distinct identity

travellers.jpg A committee of the Dublin parliament has recommended that Travellers be recognised as an ethnic minority to combat discrimination as the issue begins featuring in local election campaigns in the 26 Counties.

Published April 19, 2014



The Battle of Clontarf

brianboru.jpg A struggle to free Ireland of foreign domination resulted in a heroic victory -- but the death of a great Irish leader -- a thousand years ago this week.

Published April 19, 2014



Five things we know after last night in Windsor

queenmcguinnesstoast.jpg Relations between Britain and Ireland have now entered the realm of the surreal.

Published April 11, 2014



The legacy of Cumann na mBan

cumannnamban.jpg The revolutionary women’s movement, Cumann na mBan, was set up 100 years ago this week. It maintained the struggle for independence following the Easter Rising and in 1921 became the first organisation to reject the treaty which partitioned Ireland. A look at their stand for equality and unity.

Published April 5, 2014



The Shannon One

margarettaout.jpg 79-year-old Irish peace activist Margaretta D’Arcy’s was this week released from prison, after serving a three month sentence for protesting the use of Shannon Airport by those engaged in war crimes.

Published March 29, 2014



Govts turning backs on innocent Irish people

paddyhillgerryconolonold.jpg Gerry Conlon and Paddy Hill, two men who suffered among the worst miscarriages of justice in British history have accused the Irish and British governments of turning their backs on innocent people sent to prison.

Published March 22, 2014



Derry’s great escape artist

hughmcateer.jpg Seventy-one years ago Derry republican Hugh McAteer pulled off a series of daring feats and in the process made headlines around the world. Michael McMonagle looks at his extraordinary life.

Published March 22, 2014



Tony Benn

tonybenn.jpg Former British cabinet minister and lifelong radical Tony Benn died today [Friday] at the age of 88.

Published March 15, 2014



Indomitable spirit of hunger striker lives on

bobbysandsplain.jpg There are events in one’s life, big and small, which are life-defining and life-shaping, even though at the time you might not know it. Meeting Bobby Sands for the first time became for me life-defining.

Published March 15, 2014



Murney describes Maghaberry horror

stephenmurney2.jpg Eirigi press officer Stephen Murney has given an account of the physical and mental torture he endured while interned at Maghaberry prison, outside Lisburn over the past 14 months.

Published March 8, 2014



“We broke Armagh, it never broke us”

armaghwomenreturn.jpg The reflections of a group of republican women ex-prisoners and the trauma, emotional and physical, that many of these women suffered and overcame during their time in prison.

Published March 8, 2014



The death of Sam Marshall

johnware.jpg As preliminary hearings into his inquest get underway, a look at the murder of Sam Marshall, a close friend of veteran Irish Republican Colin Duffy, which took place 24 years ago this week, and the efforts of assassinated human rights lawyer Rosemary Nelson to pursue justice in the case.

Published March 1, 2014



Basque group moves to disarm

basquesdisarm.jpg The Basque armed group ETA has made a significant step towards decommissioning the weapons used in its campaign for independence and freedom -- but the Spanish government immediately rejected the move.

Published February 21, 2014



Geraldine Finucane ‘determined, not angry’

geraldinefinucanebig.jpg The widow of Pat Finucane has said she believes the full truth behind his murder has yet to be exposed - but when it is, it will affect other families.

Published February 15, 2014



Removing barriers to reconciliation

declankearneyardfheis.jpg In an address to the Sinn Fein Ard Fheis this [Friday] evening, Declan Kearney examines the state of the political process in the north of Ireland.

Published February 7, 2014



Mapping out the future

breandanmaccionnaith2.jpg Breandan Mac Cionnaith, general secretary of eirigi, sets out his party’s views on the conflict in the Six Counties and the challenge to republicanism.

Published February 7, 2014



Bloody Sunday revisited

sundaymarchforjustice.jpg Despite the report of the Saville Inquiry in 2010, Eamonn McCann doesn’t believe that the British have told the whole truth about Bloody Sunday.

Published January 31, 2014



Stories of ordinary volunteers in the Easter Rising

risingvolunteers.jpg A new collection of personal stories contained in the Military Service Pensions Collection has now been published online.

Published January 17, 2014



Bloody Sunday March for Justice 2014

bloodysundayposter2014.jpg A look at the background and current context of this year’s Bloody Sunday March for Justice, which will mark the anniversary of a massacre in which 14 civil rights protestors were shot dead by the British Army.

Published January 11, 2014



An Gal Greine

sunburstflag.jpg As politicians examine the issue of flags and symbols, a look at the Gal Greine or Sunburst Flag (Banner), one of the few symbols that can claim to have authentic native Irish roots.

Published January 4, 2014



New Year statements

2014.jpg A round-up of the statements issued at the turn of the New Year by various republican groups.

Published January 4, 2014



The 1983 papers

archivesbig.jpg A review of the other main stories which emerged from this year’s release of previously classified papers under the 30-year rule.

Published December 28, 2013



Remembering Irish political prisoners at Christmas

christmasprisonersbig.jpg Christmas is the time when republicans traditionally think of those imprisoned for their beliefs by sending them a greeting card.

Published December 20, 2013



Remembering the Dunnes Stores strike

dunnesstrike.jpg A group of brave Dubliners are currently in South Africa to attend the funeral and other events to commemorate the life of the former South African President, revolutionary and statesman Nelson Mandela. This is their story and their lesson.

Published December 14, 2013



Nelson Mandela - Comrade Madiba

adamsmandelabig.jpg I want to extend to the family of President Mandela, to President Zuma and to the people of South Africa, my sincere and heartfelt condolences at the death of Madiba on my own behalf and that of Sinn Fein.

Published December 6, 2013



The Irish Volunteers

irishvolunteersposter.jpg The Irish Volunteers, the organisation which would later lead to the IRA, was publicly launched 100 years ago this week.

Published November 29, 2013



A blueprint for Scottish independence

snpblueprint.jpg The Scottish National Party has published a booklet of detailed proposals for Scottish independence, including the planned independence day -- Easter Thursday 2016, just days before the 100th anniversary of Ireland’s Easter Rising.

Published November 29, 2013



‘Britain’s Secret Terror Force’

johnware.jpg An account by BBC investigative journalist John Ware on what he learned about “Britain’s secret terror force”, the Military Reaction Force

Published November 23, 2013



Address to 32 County Sovereignty Movement Ard Fheis

franciemackeyindoors.jpg The address was delivered to the annual conference of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement last weekend by National Chairman Francis Mackey.

Published November 23, 2013



Unity makes economic sense

adamsmedia.jpg There is a need for a reasoned discussion on how greater co-operation can deliver for the people north and south.

Published November 15, 2013



Address to Republican Sinn Féin Ard-Fheis

desdaltonardfheis.jpg The full text of the Presidential Address by Des Dalton at the annual conference of Republican Sinn Fein, which was held last weekend

Published November 8, 2013



Families of collusion victims deserve the truth

collusionmural.jpg An agreed truth recovery process is needed, not only for all the North's bereaved families but for our communities to learn and move forward.

Published November 1, 2013



The Confederation of Kilkenny

irishconfederacy.jpg Irish rebels against British rule established a government at Kilkenny on October 20 1642, 371 years ago this week. An account of how Ireland's first national Assembly came about.

Published October 25, 2013



Casement address revisited

casementbig.jpg The centenary of an address by nationalist Roger Casement to win the hearts and minds of Protestant Home Rulers at a rally in north Antrim will be marked next week.

Published October 18, 2013



Escape from the H-Blocks

longkeshwalls.jpg An account of the 1983 Long Kesh prison breakout, which occurred 30 years ago this week.

Published September 27, 2013



Emmet’s Speech from the Dock

robertemmet.jpg Robert Emmet, hero of the 1803 rising, was executed 210 years ago today. The following is the speech he made on the eve of his execution.

Published September 20, 2013



Action alert: Bring him home

4tdsmichaelcampbellcourt.jpg Four Irish TDs recently visited the prison MI5 sting victim Michael Campbell is being held in in Lithuania, and were horrified by the conditions he endures. A campaign is underway to apply pressure on the 26 County Department of Justice Alan Shatter and the Dept of Foreign Affairs, as well as the Lithuanian authorities, for some resolution to this horror.

Published September 13, 2013



Pensioner of conscience

martincoreyolder.jpg Jim McIlmurray writes on the continued internment of republican Martin Corey on the Lurgan internee’s 63rd birthday.

Published September 6, 2013



An attack on Syria will only spread the war and killing

cameronwarmonger.jpg The western powers are champing at the bit to increase their leverage in Syria’s grisly struggle for power

Published August 30, 2013



The fiery cross of Larkinism

jimlarkin2.jpg The most militant traditions of Irish workers are expressed in one word: Larkinism.

Published August 23, 2013



Address to John Joe McGirl commemoration

johnjoemcgirl.jpg The speech delivered by Martin McGuinness to the John Joe McGirl Commemoration, Ballinamore, County Leitrim, on Saturday 17th August.

Published August 23, 2013



The burning of Bombay Street

bombaystreetpainting.jpg In 1969, a sectarian mob burned 1,500 residents from their homes on Bombay Street, Belfast, 44 years ago this week, helping to give rise to the Provisional IRA:

Published August 17, 2013



British torture base revealed

shackleton.jpg The location of a secret camp used to torture 14 victims of internment, long kept secret by the British government, has finally been exposed.

Published August 9, 2013



Building a new Republic

adamsmacgill.jpg The address delivered by Sinn Fein’s Gerry Adams at the MacGill Summer School in County Donegal on the topic of ‘How stands the Republic’

Published August 2, 2013



The Howth Gun-Running

bachelorswalk.jpg An account of one of the first revolutionary acts of the 1916 Rising, the Howth gun-running in Dublin, and the subsequent Bachelor’s Walk massacre, also in Dublin, 99 years ago this week.

Published July 26, 2013



A test case that must not succeed

freestephenmurneyposter.jpg eirigi have issued an urgent action alert for the release of interned political activist Stephen Murney.

Published July 19, 2013



Address to 32CM Bodenstown commemoration

mackeyboden13.jpg The oration delivered at the grave of Wolfe Tone last weekend by Francie Mackey, National Chairman, 32 County Sovereignty Movement.

Published July 12, 2013



The smartest guys in Ireland

anglobankers.jpg The most unsettling aspect of the Anglo Irish Bank tapes is not the executives' swearing, greed or arrogance, according to Fintan O'Toole. It's that we know they were right to assume they could get away with anything.

Published July 5, 2013



The Connaught Rangers Mutiny

connaughtrangers.jpg Irish soldiers fighting for the British Army in India went on strike after hearing of British war crimes in Ireland on June 28 1920, 93 years ago this week.

Published June 28, 2013



Rossport Solidarity Camp

rossportcamp.jpg A week of action from 21st - 30th of June 2013 in Aughoose, Pullathomas, County Mayo. Make this the week you come to visit Rossport.

Published June 21, 2013



The Battle of Ballynahinch

1798battle.jpg An account of the battle which ended the United Irish Rebellion in Ulster, 215 years ago this week, by Marcas Mac Ruairi.

Published June 14, 2013



Injustice then is injustice now

freestephenmurney.jpg After six months detention in Maghaberry jail as a result of his republican beliefs, prominent eirigi activist Stephen Murney calls for the end of internment.

Published June 7, 2013



The burning of the Custom House

customhouse1900.jpg A symbolic, if costly, attack by the IRA in Dublin during the War of Independence took place 92 years ago this week.

Published May 31, 2013



The North King Street massacre

easter1916brits.jpg Fifteen civilians were shot or bayoneted to death by soldiers from the South Staffordshire regiment towards the end of the Easter Rising.

Published May 24, 2013



In memory of Jim McAllister

jimmcallister.jpg The following oration was delivered by former councillor Pat McNamee at the graveside of former colleague Jim McAllister who died of cancer last month.

Published May 10, 2013



Sinn Fein ‘the worst form of conservatives’

gerardhodgkins.jpg Former republican hunger striker Gerard Hodgkins delivered the 2013 annual Brendan Hughes memorial lecture in Derry on the 1st of May.

Published May 10, 2013



Letter from the Craigavon Two

craigavontwo2.jpg An open letter was issued on behalf of Brendan and John Paul by the 'Justice for the Craigavon Two' group ahead of the opening of their appeal this week

Published May 3, 2013



Frank Ryan remains an enigma

frankryan.jpg Why are Irish people still fascinated with Frank Ryan despite the fact that he has been dead since 1944, nearly 70 years ago?

Published May 3, 2013



The hunger for truth

faminetribunal.jpg The Great Hunger of 1845-52 raises questions that are still unanswered, and last weekend, historians, students, and members of the public gathered at Fordham University to discuss them.

Published April 26, 2013



Three years of internment

martincoreybig.jpg On Tuesday, April 16th, 2013, Lurgan man Martin Corey will have spent three years in Maghaberry Prison without any charges ever being placed against him.

Published April 19, 2013



Easter statements and orations 2013

colourparty.jpg A round-up of some of the key addresses and statements issued by republican groups to mark the anniverary of the Easter Rising.

Published April 5, 2013



Easter commemorations 2013

eastercommemorations.jpg A list of this weekend’s republican commemorations by the different political organisations involved.

Published March 29, 2013



The revolutionary alternative?

rnustanding.jpg Republican Network for Unity (RNU) has outlined its opposition to the Good Friday Agreement after announcing that it will field candidates in future local elections throughout Ireland.

Published March 22, 2013



The forgotten prisoner?

michaelcampbellbig.jpg An article by Aine Fox highlighting the situation of republican prisoner Michael Campbell, currently held in a Lithuanian jail.

Published March 15, 2013



Mairéad Farrell

maireadfarrell.jpg Mairead Farrell was 31 when she was assassinated by the SAS in Gibraltar Sunday March 6th 1988, 25 years ago this week.

Published March 8, 2013



Twisting the facts to suit British law

murneyparade.jpg Stephen Murney's family, friends and party colleagues are determined to secure his release and to expose the corrupt and unjust nature of the Six County state.

Published February 22, 2013



What now for the prisoners?

davidfordprison.png Yesterday David Ford rejected the suitability of a new body scanner for use in the prison estate based on a highly dubious report.

Published February 15, 2013



Maghaberry - the reality of strip-searching

stephenmurneybig.jpg An article by imprisoned éirígí member Stephen Murney, currently held in Maghaberry prison, on his experiences.

Published February 8, 2013



Address to Bloody Sunday commemoration

bloodysunday2013.jpg Despite freezing conditions, over five thousand people attended the annual Bloody Sunday march this year to commemorate the massacre of 14 civil rights demonstrators in Derry in 1972 and demand an ‘end to impunity’ for those responsible.

Published February 1, 2013



Dolours Price

doloursbig.jpg The homily delivered by Mgr. Raymond Murray, her prison chaplain at Armagh jail and a lifelong friend, at the funeral on Monday of Dolours Price.

Published February 1, 2013



McAliskey to address Bloody Sunday March for Justice

bloodysundaylaunch.jpg US radio talk show host Sandy Boyer (SB) interviewed Bernadette Devlin-McAliskey (BDM) about this weekend’s Bloody Sunday March in Derry. A transcript of that interview, which also ranges over other matters.

Published January 25, 2013



Demographics, attitudes crying out for a Border poll

censuscatholics2011.jpg Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams argues that the North of Ireland is in transition and is no longer ‘an orange state’.

Published January 18, 2013



‘We are to be shot in the morning’

kildareira.jpg Three teens were among 7 IRA ‘irregulars’ executed in the civil war 90 years ago in Kildare. A historical article by Robert Doyle.

Published January 11, 2013



The 1982 papers, part 2

archivesbig.jpg A further look at the archives of government papers, mostly from the year 1982, which were released ahead of the New Year period in Dublin, London and Belfast.

Published January 4, 2013



New Year statements 2013

2013.jpg The New Year is traditionally a time for Sinn Fein and republican groups to issue statements to their supporters. We present a round-up of the statements issued this year.

Published January 4, 2013



The 1982 papers

haugheythatcher.jpg A look at some of the other stories which emerged from initial reviews of the archived classified papers, partially declassified in Dublin, Belfast and London this week under the ‘30 years rule’.

Published December 28, 2012



Four martyrs commemorated in Belfast

fourmartyrs.jpg A commemoration event in memory of Joe McKelvey, Liam Mellows, Richard Barrett and Rory O’Connor took place in Belfast’s Milltown Cemetery on December 8.

Published December 21, 2012



Letter from John Paul Wootton

jpwootton.jpg An open letter from JP Wootton, who is attempting to highlight a major miscarriage of justice in his conviction for a fatal gun attack on a PSNI patrol in 2009.

Published December 7, 2012



List of political prisoners, December 2012

prisonerschristmas.jpg December is the traditional month to remember Irish political prisoners and to drop them a card or letter of support.

Published December 2, 2012



The diggers who fought in Irish Civil War

mikemcgrath.jpg The previously unknown story of Australian diggers who fought in the Irish War of Independence and Civil War has recently been uncovered.

Published November 30, 2012



Making the right choices

sfbudget2013.jpg A summary version of Sinn Fein’s budget plans for the year 2013 in the 26 Counties.

Published November 23, 2012



Republican parties hold Ard Fheiseanna

eirigiardfheis.jpg Both eirigi and RSF held their annual conferences over the past two weekends, and below we carry their statements.

Published November 23, 2012



Mainstream media fails to report on atrocities

mediaisrael.jpg An open letter by a group of academics and activists on the media response to the Israeli attacks on Gaza.

Published November 16, 2012



Terence MacSwiney

terencemacswiney.jpg Terence MacSwiney, IRA Volunteer, Sinn Fein TD, and Mayor of Cork, died 92 years ago this week.

Published November 2, 2012



Justice for the Craigavon Two

craigavontwo.jpg Gerry Conlon, a victim of an infamous British miscarriage of justice, has launched a campaign to free two Craigavon men.

Published November 2, 2012



Providing realistic alternative policies

adamsaddressbig.jpg The full text of a wide-ranging address on Thursday October 25th by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams in Trim, County Meath.

Published October 26, 2012



A day in Maghaberry

maghaberrybig.jpg It fills me with great pride to play a small part in this phase of the prison struggle.

Published October 19, 2012



Letter writing campaign for Marian Price

marianpriceposter2.jpg Supporters of human rights across the world are urged to write an individual letter to British Direct Ruler Theresa Villiers and their local elected representatives to call for the release of Marian Price.

Published October 12, 2012



The Alternative Ulster Covenant

covenantbig.jpg The ‘Alternative Ulster Covenant’, was signed in October 1913 by Protestants from County Antrim in support of Home Rule and against partition.

Published September 28, 2012



Hillsborough cover-up depressingly familiar

hillsboroughbig.jpg Rather than bring closure, the findings of the Hillsborough Independent Panel have left the families of the 96 victims of the 1989 tragedy demanding that justice be finally done.

Published September 21, 2012



‘BC Subpoenas caused by lies and PSNI failings’

edmoloneybig.jpg A detailed statement issued today [Friday] by Ed Moloney, the former director of Boston College’s Belfast Project, in regard to the PSNI’s attempt to access the project’s confidential interviews.

Published September 14, 2012



RSF Annual Hunger Strike Commemoration

bundorancolourpartycira.jpg The oration given by Diarmuid MacDubhghlais at the annual hunger strike commemoration by Republican Sinn Féin in Bundoran, County Donegal on August 25.

Published September 7, 2012



Progress? Yes. Change? No.

bernadettedevlinmcaliskeybig.jpg Little has changed in the 40 years since Bernadette Devlin McAliskey took her seat in Westminster. There’s been progress, she says, the token gestures, the handshake. But change?

Published August 31, 2012



A reminder of the worst days of apartheid

marikana.jpg At least 34 people were shot dead and 80 more were injured when police opened fire on striking workers at a platinum mine in Marikana, in the North West province of South Africa last Thursday, August 16.

Published August 24, 2012



Arthur Griffith

arthurgriffithbig.jpg The Sinn Féin founder, Arthur Griffith, died 90 years ago this week.

Published August 17, 2012



Festival of the people marks quarter century

feilanphobailbig.jpg Plans are already being laid for the biggest and best West Belfast Féile for August 2013.

Published August 17, 2012



Operation Motorman - organised murder

motormanbig.jpg July 31 2012 marked the 40th anniversary of Operation Motorman, the British army’s invasion of the “no-go” areas in Derry and Belfast.

Published August 10, 2012



Address to hungerstrike commemoration

michelleoneill.jpg The address delivered by Sinn Fein Assembly member Michelle O’Neill at the party’s annual hunger strike commemoration in Dungiven, County Derry, last weekend.

Published August 10, 2012



Shake hands with injustice

mcgoughposterbig.jpg Martin Galvin writes a history of the Gerry McGeough case in the context of the current political sitution in the North (for the Pensive Quill)

Published July 27, 2012



The Howth gun-running

howthgunrunning.jpg In response to the Larne gun-running in arming the Ulster Volunteers, the Howth gun running was intended to redress the balance by providing arms to the Irish Volunteers. It took place in Ireland on 26 July 1914, 98 years ago this week.

Published July 20, 2012



Remembering Martin Hurson

martinhurson2.jpg Martin Hurson became the sixth republican to die on hunger strike on this day in 1981. In this archive article, his fiancee Bernadette Donnelly recalls the place where the couple grew up.

Published July 13, 2012



Ardoyne parades - a personal analysis

ardoynegraffiti.jpg Every July, young people from Ardoyne are criminalised and demonised by the mainstream media in the Six Counties and beyond because of violence associated with unwelcome sectarian marches that are forced through our small community.

Published July 6, 2012



Killer soldiers were ‘indemnified’

britishsoldier.jpg Some families of people shot dead by the British Army have found clear evidence that British soldiers were given a green light to shoot and kill civilians in the north of Ireland.

Published June 22, 2012



Bloody Sunday justice campaigns renewed on Saville anniversary

geralddonagheyolder.jpg A campaign to overturn one of the most disputed rulings of the Bloody Sunday inquiry is to make its case to both the London and Dublin governments.

Published June 22, 2012



The aftermath of Loughinisland

loughinislandvictims.jpg For 12 years the Loughinisland families silently mourned the loss of their loved ones. They kept that silence, they say, because of police assurances that no stone would be left unturned in the hunt for the killers.

Published June 15, 2012



‘Fear won’

adamsmcdonalddublincastle.jpg Both in Ireland and across Europe, the result of the Fiscal Austerity referendum -- which commits the insolvent 26-County state to years of EU-imposed austerity in return for greater access to bailout cash -- has come as a surprise.

Published June 8, 2012



The Loughgall Martyrs

loughgallmartyrs.jpg This month marks the 25th Anniversary of the Loughgall Martyrs. It occurred on the 8th May 1987 in the Armagh village of Loughall.

Published May 18, 2012



Michael Mallin, ICA Chief of Staff

michaelmallin.jpg A look at the life and death of the leader of the Irish Citizen Army, Michael Mallin, who was executed by firing squad 96 years ago this week.

Published May 11, 2012



The Stonebreaker’s Yard

stonebreakersyard.jpg On the anniversary of the execution of the leaders of the Easter Rising, Conor Caffrey describes a visit to the jail where the executions took place.

Published May 4, 2012



After the release of colonial records - what about Ireland?

hanslope.jpg The British suppression of historical papers on the north of Ireland should also now be ended.

Published April 27, 2012



Hunger strike - from Sands to Shalabi

hanashalabi.jpg Aisling Gallagher looks at the hunger strike of Palestinian internee, Hana Shalabi, and recalls the 1981 Irish hunger strike.

Published April 20, 2012



Easter statements and speeches

derryeaster2012.jpg The full text of the major speeches and statements released to commemorate the 1916 Rising by the main republican political parties and groups.

Published April 13, 2012



Oration at the grave of O’Donovan Rossa

odonovanrossa.jpg Padraig Pearse’s oration at Glasnevin cemetery in Dublin at the funeral of Irish Fenian leader Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa was a significant event in the lead up to the Easter Rising of 1916.

Published April 6, 2012



How the bankers cashed in after Pearse’s death

padraigpearse.jpg Dublin bankers cashed in Pádraig Pearse’s life insurance policy just weeks after he was executed in 1916 and used the money to redeem a series of promissory notes.

Published March 30, 2012



Colm Keenan and Eugene McGillan

keenanmcgillan.jpg The Bogside and Brandywell Monument Committee held a commemoration in Derry this week for nineteen-year-old Colm Keenan and eighteen-year-old Eugene McGillan, who were shot dead by British soldiers in the Dove Gardens area of the Bogside on March 14, 1972.

Published March 23, 2012



George Clancy - Murdered Mayor

georgeclancy.jpg The two murdered mayors’, is still a familiar Limerick expression, particularly among older citizens. Both were killed by the Black and Tans in the small hours of Monday 7 March 1921.

Published March 16, 2012



The Fenian Rebellion

fenianrising.jpg The Fenian Rising of 1867 took place on this week, 145 years ago.

Published March 9, 2012



Make a stand - together

adamsmedia.jpg The text of an address delivered by Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams as he launched the party’s ‘Love Rural Ireland’ campaign this [Friday] morning in Castlebar.

Published March 2, 2012



Marian Price needs you

marianpriceaddress.jpg It is encouraging to note the growing interest in Marian Price even if it has been slow to materialise.

Published March 2, 2012



The Clonmult ambush

clonmultambush.jpg The greatest loss of life incurred by the Cork IRA occurred at Clonmult, seven miles north of Midleton, 91 years ago this week.

Published February 24, 2012



Breaking with fear in Greece

greekprotest.jpg The real news in Greece is not about riots, but of a growing number of people who have broken away from fear and decided to fight back against the austerity imposed by the 'Troika' of the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the IMF.

Published February 17, 2012



Interview with Martin McGuinness

martinmcguinnesssmile.jpg Martin McGuinness on his campaign to become President, his IRA past, his efforts to end the conflict in the North of Ireland and his call for a vote on Irish unity.

Published February 3, 2012



Bloody Sunday commemoration 2012

marchforjusticeposter.jpg The ‘Hooded Men’ were a group of internees who were systematically tortured by the British military in 1971. We carry a statement from several of the surviving ‘Hooded Men’ on the subject of the 40th anniversary Bloody Sunday march, to take place in Derry on Sunday 29th January, as well as a program of events for the weekend.

Published January 27, 2012



Kevin Barry

kevinbarry.jpg Kevin Barry, one of Ireland’s youngest martyrs, was born in Dublin on January 20, 1902, 110 years ago today.

Published January 20, 2012



Echoes of 1981

maghaberrycells.jpg Tensions are deepening at Maghaberry as riot squads take the place of regular warders. A look at the current situation and the history of the current prisoners’ protest.

Published January 13, 2012



RSF President looks back

rsfardfheis2011.jpg The Presidential Address delivered at the 107th Ard Fheis of Republican Sinn Féin last month in which Des Dalton reviews events of the past year and looks to the future.

Published December 30, 2011



A victim of an evil regime

marianpriceflat.jpg In a rare interview, Marian Price has revealed the toll her time in isolation in Maghaberry prison has taken on her physical and mental health.

Published December 23, 2011



Remember Irish political prisoners this Christmas

prisonerschristmas.jpg December is the traditional month for remembering those still in jail in Ireland for their republican beliefs.

Published December 16, 2011



McGurk’s Bar, forty years on

mcgurksbar2.jpg Patrick McGurk lost his mother and sister in the bomb that ripped through his father’s bar in Belfast’s North Queen Street. On the 40th anniversary of the bombing he spoke about his memories of December 4 1971 and how victims’ families are still continuing to fight for the truth.

Published December 9, 2011



The Anglo-Irish Treaty

angloirishtreaty.jpg An introduction by Joseph Gannon to the history behind the Anglo-Irish Treaty, signed 90 years ago this week and which sowed the seeds of a conflict which continues to this day.

Published December 2, 2011



A day in the life of a Maghaberry prisoner

prisonerbars.jpg An open letter by DD McLaughlin, an Irish republican prisoner on protest against strip-searching and other abuses at Maghberry.

Published November 25, 2011



The Ballymurphy campaign - a landmark judgement

ballymurphymarch.jpg The decision of the north’s Attorney General to reopen 10 of the 11 Ballymurphy cases is a landmark judgement which gives hope back to those families that their long journey toward truth and justice may now succeed.

Published November 17, 2011



The INLA hunger strikers

patsyoharakevinlynchmickeydevine.jpg A profile of the three members of the Irish National Liberation Army who died alongside seven IRA Volunteers, on hunger strike for political status, thirty years ago this year.

Published November 10, 2011



Europe's economic ideology has failed

sarkozymerkel.jpg The bailouts are for only the banks and they are deepening the crisis of democracy at the heart of the European Union, writes Seamus Milne. For the Guardian.

Published November 3, 2011



Francis Hughes and Raymond McCreesh

francishughersraymondmccreesh.jpg A look at the lives and deaths of two of those who died on hunger strike in the struggle for Irish freedom on the anniversary of their deaths.

Published October 26, 2011



Seizing the moment in the Basque Country

basqueprotest.jpg Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams spoke at the International Conference to promote the resolution of the conflict in the Basque Country, in San Sebastian on Monday.

Published October 20, 2011



Writing the next chapter

mcguinnesselection.jpgg The text of the speech delivered by Presidential election candidate Martin McGuinness at the Mansion House event in Dublin on Thursday night.

Published October 14, 2011



The pensioner who stood up to the ESB

teresatracey.jpg On Thursday Teresa Treacy was released from jail, still vowing to protect what is left of her carefully nurtured wooded estate from the pylon men and their diggers.

Published October 7, 2011



‘They will not break us’

marianpricesquare.jpg An anti-internment/Free Marian Price march takes place this Saturday, 1st October at 2pm, Dublin, from the Garden of Remembrance to the GPO. Martin Rafferty, of the 32CSM, discusses the Marian Price campaign, internment, and the prospects for a united Ireland.

Published September 30, 2011



Palestine seeks recognition

mahmoudabbas.jpg An abridged version of the address by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the United Nations, in which he requested full membership and recognition for the State of Palestine.

Published September 24, 2011



Ugly scenes at Liam Lynch commemoration

liamlynchcomm.jpg A controversial newspaper columnist was shouted and spat at by angry Fianna Fail supporters after a commemoration organised by the party last week went disastrously wrong.

Published September 18, 2011



Holy Cross - Children on the front line

holycross2.jpg Ten years ago this week, schoolgirls and their families making their way to and from the Holy Cross school in north Belfast came under attack on a daily basis.

Published September 6, 2011



Defend Sean Garland

seangarland.jpg An account of the strange predicament facing the 76-year-old IRA Veteran and former Workers’ Party leader, Sean Garland.

Published August 30, 2011



Micky Devine - a typical Derry lad

mickydevine.jpg INLA Volunteer Micky Devine was the last to die in the H-Block hunger strike of 1981, thirty years ago this week.

Published August 24, 2011



The rising of the moon

camloughhunger2.jpg If they aren't able to destroy the desire for freedom, they won't break you.

Published August 19, 2011



The Ballymurphy Massacre

ballymurphy1970.jpg This Tuesday marked exactly 40 years since the beginning of one of the most horrifying periods in the history of West Belfast.

Published August 13, 2011



Thomas McElwee

thomasmcelwee.jpg IRA Volunteer Thomas McElwee died on hunger strike at Long Kesh prison, thirty years ago today. A brief biography of Thomas, who was known for being sincere, easy-going and full of fun.

Published August 8, 2011



Interview with Roisin Lynch

roisinlynch.jpg An interview by ‘Street Voice’ with Roisin Lynch, the partner of ailing prisoner Brendan Lillis and head of the campaign to release him before he dies in jail.

Published August 8, 2011



A dedicated republican and an outstanding soldier

kierandoherty.jpg A profile of republican hero Kieran Doherty who died on hunger strike at Long Kesh jail on August 2nd, 1981, thirty years ago this week.

Published August 3, 2011



Address to Kieran Doherty commemoration

dohertycommemoration.jpg The full text of an address by Sinn Fein TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin in Monaghan to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the death of hunger striker Kieran Doherty.

Published August 3, 2011



Norwegian killer praised Bloody Sunday

breivik.jpg Right-wing mass murderer Anders Behring Breivik made a bizarre reference to Derry’s Bloody Sunday in his 1500 page manifesto, it has emerged.

Published July 29, 2011



Somalia - a failure of politics

somaliafamine.jpg Famine is a terrible word. It conjures up frightening images and for many in Ireland a folk memory of the Great Hunger of the 1840’s.

Published July 29, 2011



Why did the Nelson Inquiry not mention collusion?

rosemarynelson.jpg It was set up specifically to definitively address the allegations of collusion but after a six-year probe costing £46.5 million, the Rosemary Nelson Inquiry made no reference to the “c” word in its final report.

Published July 24, 2011



Joe McDonnell and Martin Hurson

mcdonnellhurson.jpg A look at the lives of two Volunteers who died on hunger strike 30 years ago this month.

Published July 14, 2011



Emigrant-turned-rebel was ‘enemy alien’

diarmuidlynch.jpg Diarmuid Lynch was said to have been the last man to leave the burning GPO during Easter week in 1916. A naturalised US citizen, he was eventually deported in 1918, but the British had long wanted rid of him before the Rising.

Published July 8, 2011



Victim of anti-Catholic bigotry pardoned

johngordon.jpg An Irish immigrant who was the last person to be hanged in Rhode Island in the US was this week pardoned more than 150 years after his death.

Published July 3, 2011



Charles Stuart Parnell

parnell.jpg The man known as the ‘Uncrowned King of Ireland’ was born on June 27th, 1846, 165 years ago today.

Published June 27, 2011



Address to ‘Unite Ireland’ conference in Dublin

adamsmedia.jpg The full text of an address by Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams to a conference in Dublin at the weekend on the theme of Uniting Ireland.

Published June 22, 2011



Bloody Sunday, the ongoing cover-up

sundayreportrelatives.jpg A year later, it should be possible to acknowledge that the Saville Report was far from flawless.

Published June 17, 2011



An independent international truth commission

peacedove.jpg The legacy of the past is one of the big issues which remains to be resolved in the outworking of the peace process.

Published June 17, 2011



Liam Kelly

liamkelly.jpg Liam Kelly, a pivotal figure in republican politics who uniquely held seats simultaneously in Belfast and Dublin parliaments, died this week.

Published June 12, 2011



Background to the hunger strikes

hungerstrike30.jpg An account by the Bobby Sands Trust of how the famous 1981 hunger strike, 30 years ago this year, came into being.

Published May 30, 2011



Oration at Lynagh/McKearney commemoration

breandanmaccionnaith.jpg The text of an oration delivered by eirigi chairperson Breandan Mac Cionnaith at a commemoration for Jim Lynagh and Padraig McKearney on 15 May 2011 at Drumfurrer, County Monaghan.

Published May 20, 2011



Perspectives on the royal visit

adamseirigi.jpg Two contrasting republican approaches and views on the Windsor visit to the 26-County state.

Published May 17, 2011



Assembly and local election results

electionresultboard.jpg The results of Thursday's Assembly election in the Six Counties, as well as a list of the Sinn Fein and republican candidates elected to local district councils.

Published May 12, 2011



Statement by republican prisoners

clenchedfist.jpg The following statement was issued at the weekend by the prisoners engaged in protest at Maghaberry jail.

Published May 12, 2011



Quotes by Bobby Sands

bobbysandsdrawing.jpg Today is the 30th anniversary of the heroic death of Irish patriot Bobby Sands on hunger-strike at Long Kesh prison. In his solemn memory, we publish a brief collection of quotes, some famous, some less well known.

Published May 5, 2011



Easter statements and speeches

realiracolour.jpg A round-up of the messages delivered at various Easter commemorations across Ireland.

Published April 30, 2011



Sinn Fein Assembly election manifesto

assemblymanifesto11.jpg Messages from Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness precede a list of the mnain points from Sinn Fein's manifesto for the 2011 Assembly election in the North.

Published April 18, 2011



The Garda ‘Rape Tape’

gardashell.jpg For almost a decade, simple acts of resistance by the community in Erris have met with bullying, threats, intimidation, vilification and casual violence at the hands of both Gardai and Shell’s private army IRMS.

Published April 13, 2011



Reflections on the H Block prison struggle

bobbysandselection.jpg Sinn Fein’s electoral strategy began 30 years ago during the 1981 hunger strikes, beginning with Bobby Sands’s historic win in Fermanagh/South Tyrone, 30 years ago this week.

Published April 8, 2011



Leadership across Ireland

mcguinnessassembly.jpg Last Wednesday, four years later, the Assembly at Parliament Buildings concluded its first ever complete four year term.

Published April 4, 2011



Loughinisland eyewitness speaks out

collusion.jpg A witness to the Loughinisland massacre was not only never called on to identify the killers, but she alleges that her details were later passed on to a relative of the suspected getaway driver.

Published March 29, 2011



Another war for oil

missile.jpg Declarations from western powers that the military strike against Libya is motivated solely by a desire to protect the civilian population cannot be taken seriously

Published March 25, 2011



Action alert for Gerry McGeough

gerrymcgeoughnobaby.jpg On February 18, 2011, after almost 4 years of a politically motivated arrest and trial, Gerry McGeough’s case ended with a “guilty” verdict handed down by a British diplock court

Published March 21, 2011



The Drumboe Martyrs

charliedalydrumboe.jpg In March 1923, six weeks before the end of the civil war, the execution of republican prisoners by the Free State regime reached its height.

Published March 16, 2011



Position paper by Maghaberry prisoners

maghaberry2011.jpg A document issued on the 25th February by a group of republican prisoners opposed to the criminalisation policy at Maghaberry jail in the North of Ireland.

Published March 10, 2011



Recalling the hunger strikes

mccartneyhunger.jpg On March 1 1981 Raymond McCartney was a republican prisoner in Long Kesh when the second hunger strike began.

Published March 6, 2011



List of TDs by constituency

newlabourtds.jpg Counting in the 26-County general election concluded this (Wednesday) morning following a second recount in Galway West. The following is a full and final list of members of the new Dublin parliament, in alphabetical order by constituency

Published March 2, 2011



Dail election 2011 - a constituency guide

constituencies.jpg A look at the key constituencies for republicans in the general election.

Published February 25, 2011



How Britain taught Arab police forces all they know

blairghadaffi.jpg There is growing anger over the enmeshed relationship between authoritarian Gulf governments and the British military and police after weeks of democracy protests across the Arab world that met with violent state repression.

Published February 21, 2011



Torture in Maghaberry

maghaberry.jpg A letter written this week by a republican prisoner, Damian (D.D.) McLaughlin, forcibly strip searched during a court appearance.

Published February 15, 2011



It’s the enormous debt, stupid

debt.jpg Rather than understand that the canard of paying back all the banks’ debts is futile and changing their minds, the establishment is trying to find more proof that the policy of keeping the banks alive is the right one.

Published February 15, 2011



There is a better way

sfmanifestodail11.jpg The introduction and executive summary of Sinn Fein’s election manifesto for the 26-County general election later this month.

Published February 11, 2011



Imagine this tonight

prisonerbars.jpg A political candidate stands as an Independent on issues of principle during elections in Zimbabwe. Every political dirty trick and smear in the book is used against him during the campaign.

Published February 7, 2011



We shall overcome

bloodysundayvindicated.jpg Sunday was about completing the journey begun in the Creggan in January 1972.

Published February 2, 2011



Egyptian people strike for freedom

egyptprotest.jpg So much has changed for the Arab nations in the few days since the flight of Ben Ali in Tunisia.

Published January 29, 2011



Two inspirations

francishughesdanmccann.jpg Often in life we come across people who leave a lasting impression on oneself and who inspire and influence a person by their passion and beliefs.

Published January 25, 2011



Inauguration of the First Dail

firstdail.jpg Many republicans watching this week’s shambolic events at the Dublin parliament would have been bitterly aware that they came on the 92nd anniversary of the inauguration of the First Dail. A look back at that historic day.

Published January 21, 2011



Butler to step down from Assembly

Sinn Fein’s Paul Butler is to quit the Six-County assembly after what he said had been a difficult decision.

Published January 18, 2011



Tommy Gorman - Recalling the Maidstone

Tommy Gorman was one of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ who escaped from the prison Ship Maidstone in 1972, 39 years ago this week. An interview by Anthony Neeson for the Andersonstown News.

Published January 18, 2011



Basque process ‘should heed the Irish lesson’

Gerry Adams responds to the announcement by the Basque armed group Eta, confirming that organisations’ commitment to “a permanent and general ceasefire which will be verifiable by the international community”.

Published January 13, 2011



eirigi New Year Statement

eirigi.jpg A statement issued by eirigi to mark the New Year.

Published January 9, 2011



2010 - Year in review

2010.jpg A look back at the main stories from the year past.

Published January 4, 2011



Much ruin and many regrets

cowendrinking.jpg The year 2010 will be remembered principally for two profound and far reaching developments in Irish politics.

Published December 29, 2010



The 1918 general strike

conscription.jpg With calls for a general strike and civil disobedience gaining ground in the face of the economic crisis, an example in Irish history when the tactic of the general strike was successfully employed by the Irish working class.

Published December 21, 2010



Minimum wage, maximum shame

minimumwage.jpg With last Friday’s passage of legislation to cut the minimum wage by 1 euro to 7.65 euro [£6.50], another shameful threshold was crossed by the Fianna Fáil-Green Party coalition; driving yet another section of society into poverty.

Published December 17, 2010



Political prisoners Christmas 2010

prisonerbars.jpg A list of republican prisoners and the addresses of their prisons.

Published December 14, 2010



Address to Dail on 2011 Budget

prearsedohertyindail.jpg The full text of the address by Sinn Fein Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty following Tuesday’s 26-County Budget for 2011

Published December 10, 2010



The International Monetary Fund

imf.jpg So what is the International Monetary Fund?

Published December 7, 2010



‘Stand up and be counted’

kilmichael2008.jpg On Sunday, Sinn Fein’s Deputy First Minister addressed the Kilmichael Commemoration to mark the 90th anniversary of a famous battle during the War of Independence in County Cork on 28 November 1920.

Published November 29, 2010



Time to act

32csm.jpg A statement by the 32 County Sovereignty Committee on the crisis in the 26-County state.

Published November 29, 2010



Austerity programme must be met with civil disobedience

austerityprotest.jpg Many commentators in Ireland and beyond have asked why the Irish people have not taken to the streets.

Published November 29, 2010



RSF Ard Fheis Presidential Address

dasdalton.jpg Last weekend delegates and visitors assembled in Dublin for the Ard-Fheis of [Republican] Sinn Fein.

Published November 26, 2010



The economics of the madhouse

cowentongue.jpg It seems now that the cheapest bailout in the world has not only cost the Twenty-Six County state over 50 billion euro and rising, but has driven tens of thousands of workers onto dole queues, exposed its citizens to the vagaries of international financial markets and has now resulted in the state surrendering its sovereignty to the IMF.

Published November 22, 2010



The execution of Kevin Barry

kevinbarry.jpg Kevin Barry was hanged by the British in Mountjoy Jail at the age of eighteen, ninety years ago this month.

Published November 19, 2010



Doherty making his mark

dohertycanvas.jpg Not since the election of the late Bobby Sands to Westminster has a republican candidate been in such a fateful position to influence events

Published November 16, 2010



Seeking a consensus on the past

gerryadamsflat.jpg Dealing with the past and the issue of truth recovery arising from the conflict has become increasingly fraught.

Published November 12, 2010



God save their Queen

queenposter.jpg The image of the typical dissident republican protesting against the queen’s visit to Ireland next year is clearcut.

Published November 8, 2010



Interview with Oglaigh na hEireann

colour.jpg An interview with three representatives of Oglaigh na hEireann leadership -- one member of the organisation’s Army Council and two general headquarters staff -- conducted this week by Brian Rowan of the Belfast Telegraph.

Published November 5, 2010



There is a better way

sflogoflat.jpg A summary of Sinn Féin’s 26-County pre-budget submission and economic plan for recovery 2011, which was released in Dublin today.

Published November 1, 2010



Maire Drumm

mairedrumm.jpg A tribute to Maire Drumm, the vice president of Sinn Fein and a commander in Cumann na mBan, who was killed by loyalists while recovering in Belfast’s Mater Hospital. 34 years ago today.

Published October 28, 2010



Turf Lodge – a proud community

turflodgeposter.jpg Through many difficult years the people of Turf Lodge demonstrated time and time again a commitment to their families and to each other.

Published October 24, 2010



Raiders of the lost archives

archives.jpg Declassified official documents shed an interesting light on British government attitudes towards loyalist infiltration of the security forces and loyalist violence in the 1970s.

Published October 19, 2010



Sinn Fein proposals for the economy

sflogoflat.jpg An edited version of Sinn Fein’s proposals for the Six-County economy which were published today.

Published October 14, 2010



Inside Castlereagh

castlereagh.jpg Former RUC men who worked at Castlereagh torture centre in Belfast described for the Guardian newspaper what was expected of them.

Published October 12, 2010



‘Dissident revolt’ - the 2010 dirty protest

blanketman.jpg Gary Donnelly, a former prisoner in the North's high-security facility at Maghaberry, speaks about a shocking, largely unnoticed protest by republican dissidents that erupted inside the prison ealier this year.

Published October 8, 2010



Action alert for Gerry McGeough and Vincent McAnespie

actionalert.jpg What can we do to help support Gerry and Vincent at this time”?

Published October 4, 2010



See how the one percent live

onepercentwalkposter.jpg Just 1% of the population are estimated to own 34% of the wealth of the Twenty-Six Counties. The &lsquo1% Network’ is to hold a political walking tour through the heartland of the golden circle in Dublin.

Published October 1, 2010



The Murder of Volunteer Diarmuid O’Neill - 14 Years On

diarmuidoneill.jpg On September 23 1996, IRA volunteer Diarmuid O’Neill was shot dead during an arrest operation by armed members of the Metropolitan Police in Hammersmith, London, England.

Published September 27, 2010



Tom Williams

tomwilliams.jpg IRA Volunteer Tom Williams was hanged at age 19 by the British in September 1942, 68 years ago this month, for his part in a gun battle with the RUC which left one RUC man dead.

Published September 24, 2010



Sinn Fein plans 26-County strategy

sflogo.jpg The opening address to Sinn Fein’s ‘think-in’ ahead of the resumption of the Dublin parliament next month, by the Sinn Fein Dail leader Caoimhghin O Caolain.

Published September 20, 2010



The Inside Story: the INLA execution of “King Rat”

inlaflagsbanner.jpg An account of the Irish National Liberation Army operation to execute Loyalist Volunteer Force leader Wright on the morning of 27th of December 1997.

Published September 16, 2010



The speeches of the Manchester Martyrs

manchestermartyrs.jpg The rescue of Colonel Kelly and Captain Deasy while they were being conveyed to Salford gaol, near Manchester (September 18th, 1867), is one of the most stirring episodes of the Fenian movement.

Published September 14, 2010



Eta opens opportunity for armed struggle to end

basquecountrymap.jpg It will not come as a surprise to the leadership of Eta or the political leaders of the banned Herri Batasuna - the party closest to Eta - that the Spanish government’s response to the ceasefire announcement was insulting and offensive.

Published September 9, 2010



Blair is a lifer in the prison of his dark past

tonyblair.jpg Tony Blair's bloody legacy has made it impossible for him to go unguarded anywhere in the world.

Published September 6, 2010



Irish Republicans will not be purchased or intimidated

dasdalton.jpg An address to the party’s Hunger Strike commemoration in Bundoran on Saturday August 28th by the President of Republican Sinn Fein, Des Dalton.

Published September 2, 2010



Ombudsman’s claims must be challenged

edwarddaly.jpg Bishop Edward Daly speaks out about a 'less challenging style of journalism at work now'.

Published August 30, 2010



Saville report a job well done for victims’ families

sundayrelatives.jpg Many of the Bloody Sunday relatives have spoken publicly about their feelings since the publication of the Saville report for the first time at Belfast’s Feile an Phobal.

Published August 27, 2010



Interview with ‘Oglaigh na h-Eireann’

onh.jpg Extracts from the interview between the Irish News and a representative of ‘Oglaigh na h-Eireann’.

Published August 23, 2010



Michael Collins

michaelcollins.jpg An account of the life of Irish military leader Michael Collins, who died 88 years ago this week.

Published August 20, 2010



Hunger strike commemoration

hungercommemoration2010.jpg Some 10,000 people gathered in Bellaghy, County Derry for Sinn Fein’s annual hunger strike commemoration.

Published August 16, 2010



GARC ‘setting the record straight’

garcposter.jpg GARC (the Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective) has issued what it says is an attempt to set the record straight on the July 12th protests against an Orange Order march in north Belfast.

Published August 13, 2010



The politics of internment, 1971

internmentposter.jpg An extract from the book, Internment, by John McGuffin, on the thinking that went into the policy of internment without trial, implemented in the north of Ireland 39 years ago this week.

Published August 10, 2010



The Miami Showband massacre

miami.jpg The slaughter of three band members saw the unintentional exposure of the involvement of British military personnel in directing and assisting unionist death squads in their murder campaign.

Published August 6, 2010



Ghosts of a forgotten massacre

ballymurphyfamilies.jpg In August 1971, British soldiers went on a three-day killing rampage in Ballymurphy, murdering 11 innocent people. Now their families want justice for Belfast's Bloody Sunday.

Published August 2, 2010



Republican prisoners deserve support

paulduffy.jpg The prepared text of the address by Paul Duffy, a former republican prisoner and brother of Colin Duffy, to the ‘Families, friends and ex-PoWs march’ for republican prisoners in Lurgan on Sunday.

Published July 26, 2010



In my son’s name

patsyohara.jpg The message sent by Peggy O’Hara, mother of hunger-strike Patsy O’Hara, on the first Anniversary of the Hunger Strike deaths to Irish Solidarity activists in Scotland and England.

Published July 22, 2010



Reforming the Republic

mcguinness.jpg The full text of the Hume Lecture delivered by Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness at the McGill Summer School over the weekend.

Published July 19, 2010



The Battle of the Boyne

battleoftheboyne.jpg No year in Irish history is better known than 1690. No Irish battle is more famous than William III’s victory over James II at the River Boyne, a few miles west of Drogheda

Published July 16, 2010



Anthony McDowell

anthonymcdowell.jpg At the time of his death, Anthony McDowell (13), lived with his family in Duneden Park, Ardoyne. He was shot dead on 19th April 1973, by the British Army’s Parachute Regiment.

Published July 12, 2010



The Falls Road curfew

fallsroadcurfewpaper.jpg The Falls Road curfew of the summer of 1970 is regarded as a major turning point in the early history of the conflict.

Published July 8, 2010



Connolly and the Irish Language

jamesconnolly.jpg Imposing English as the first language of Ireland was a pre-meditated project of the English invaders to attempt to condition the people they wished to oppress.

Published July 6, 2010



Remembering day in June helps build a better future

shortstrand.jpg The people of Belfast’s Ballymacarrett-Short Strand area have made a valuable contribution to the struggle for a united Ireland.

Published July 1, 2010



The battle of St Matthew’s

battleofstmatthewsbrits.jpg The geographical and symbolic position of St Matthew’s Church, facing on to the staunchly loyalist Newtownards Road, played a major factor in the events which were to unfold in June 1970.

Published June 28, 2010



New republic not possible without a united island

gerryadamsflat.jpg Both North and South have failed miserably as separate entities. The best way forward is to avoid the wastes and inequalities of partition, writes Gerry Adams.

Published June 24, 2010



Does the inquiry hide darker aspects of Bloody Sunday?

bloodysundayinquiry.jpg It would be a mistake to see Saville's report as supplying the definitive answers to what happened on January 30, 1972 in Derry.

Published June 21, 2010



How Saville reported the killings

sundayvictims.jpg How the Saville and Widgery reports differed in their findings for each of the Bloody Sunday victims.

Published June 17, 2010



Bloody Sunday - A personal reflection

bloodysundaydaly.jpg The British public has the right to know what has been done in their name and the fact that ordinary working class families, as well as all those wounded on the day, were left to carry the burden of injustice for almost 40 years.

Published June 14, 2010



Bloody Sunday - A long walk to justice

bloodysundaymarch.jpg They have fought so hard for so long, but in just a few days’ time, the families of those killed and injured on Bloody Sunday will gather in Derry’s Guildhall to see whether they’ve finally been given justice.

Published June 11, 2010



Did Israel deliberately kill civilians?

freedomflotilla.jpg There is clear evidence present that the State of Israeli may have deliberately and with forethought intended to provoke a conflict in order to assassinate civilians sailing aboard the Freedom Flotilla, and therefore violently discourage any further attempts to deliver humanitarian aid to the Palestinians of besieged Gaza.

Published June 4, 2010



Action alert over Israeli attack

flotillaprotestsf.jpg An action alert to hold Israel to account over the murder of international human rights activists and the hijacking of their aid flotilla.

Published May 31, 2010



The course towards convergence

martinmcguinness.jpg The address by Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness to a North South Consultative Conference in Farmleigh in Dublin on Wednesday.

Published May 27, 2010



Nora Connolly O’Brien

noraconnollyobrien.jpg In an excerpt from her memoirs, Nora Connolly O’Brien talks about her father’s final days and the courage and inspiration that James Connolly gave to her and continues to give today.

Published May 25, 2010



An appalling abuse of rights

prisonerbars.jpg There are 32 republican prisoners in Roe House in Maghaberry Prison living in appalling conditions and one prisoner, Liam Hannaway, has been on hunger strike in another part of the prison for the past month.

Published May 20, 2010



Parades proposals threaten all public assembly

sectarianmarch.jpg A long-term solution to the problem caused by sectarian parades can only be found in the implementation of a policy which includes a broad acceptance of the right of host communities not to have parades forced through against their will.

Published May 17, 2010



Slick operator: The BP I’ve known too well

bpoilspill.jpg Responding to an oil spill may be easy and simple, but not at all cheap. And BP is cheap. Deadly cheap.

Published May 14, 2010



Result could underpin the future of Stormont

empeyallister.jpg In Britain, the outcome of the Westminster general election has brought uncertainty and instability, with the possibility of a second election within a year.

Published May 10, 2010



Election results round-up

westminster2010cons.jpg The election results from all of the North's 18 Westminster constituencies.

Published May 8, 2010



Westminster 2010 constituency profiles

gildernewgokart.jpg A guide to this week’s political showdown in the North and what to watch for when the newsflashes come rolling in.

Published May 4, 2010



A message from Gerry Adams

gerryadamsflat.jpg The foreward by Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams to the party’s manifesto for next week’s Westminster election.

Published April 29, 2010



Unionists face new scenario in hung parliament

houseofcommons.jpg Regardless of who won in the debate between the British party leaders last Thursday, the outcome points to one clear conclusion: there will be a hung parliament in Britain.

Published April 26, 2010



Vote for a better future

sflogo.jpg Sinn Fein are asking the electorate to endorse our role in leading the way in significant political developments since the last Westminster election.

Published April 22, 2010



1,700 take on the British Empire

padraigpearse.jpg The story of Padraig Pearse and the rebellion of Easter 1916, 94 years ago this week.

Published April 19, 2010



Sinn Fein launches election campaign

sfelection.jpg Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams this morning launched the party’s election campaign for the Westminster election on May 6th.

Published April 15, 2010



Living record of proud republican resistance

hogansflyingcolumn.jpg The Felons’ Club on Belfast’s Falls Road in an exhibition of republican memorabilia organised by the National Graves Association.

Published April 12, 2010



Easter statements

adamseaster.jpg A number of statements were issued by the main republican organisations at the weekend.

Published April 8, 2010



Prosecutions of Shell to Sea campaigners collapse

shelltosea.jpg 25 out of 27 people prosecuted for resisting Shell’s experimental gas pipeline have cases withdrawn or dismissed.

Published April 2, 2010



Action alert - Gerry McGeough

gerrymcgeoughbw.jpg An action alert was issued by supporters of leading republican Gerry McGeough following a bizarre intervention in his trial by far-right Swedish operatives.

Published March 29, 2010



The Black and Tans

blackandtans.jpg On the 90th anniversary of the arrival in Ireland of one of England’s most notorious of militias, we present a brief history of the infamous Black and Tans.

Published March 25, 2010



Omagh - The search for the truth

gchq.jpg A reporter responds to the call by the ‘Northern Ireland Affairs Committee’ at the London parliament for a further investigation into the Omagh bomb.

Published March 22, 2010



The Irish Republican Brotherhood

irb.jpg On March 17, 1858, 152 years ago this week, James Stephens founded the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB) in Dublin at the same time as John O’Mahoney was founding the American branch of the revolutionary group.

Published March 15, 2010



Women freedom fighters

armaghprison.jpg To mark international women’s day, we carry the following article on the women hunger strikers of Armagh prison, by DM Daugherty.

Published March 8, 2010



Sam Marshall - A set up

sammarshall.jpg Twenty years ago, Sam Marshall was walking home with two other men when they were confronted by masked gunmen who opened up with automatic fire.

Published March 4, 2010



Irish peace process has lessons for Basques

basquecountrymap.jpg The impact of the peace process in Ireland is clearly evident in the language used in peace efforts in the Basque Country.

Published March 1, 2010



Roger Casement

rogercasement.jpg Roger Casement had returned to Ireland in 1916 to share his comrades’ fate. In 1965, 49 years later and 45 years ago this week, he was finally able to rejoin them one last time.

Published February 25, 2010



Save Newgrange

newgrange.jpg The unique prehistoric site of Newgrange in County Meath, Ireland is threatened by a planned bypass of Slane village; to preserve the site, the village should be closed to lorries, or the bypass should take a western route.

Published February 22, 2010



Irish unity conference in London

unityconference.jpg A conference on the prospects for Irish unity organised by Sinn Fein in London on Saturday heard that unification “within a meaningful time-scale” is both “realistic and feasible”.

Published February 22, 2010



Ryan’s madness and folly in Corrib row

eamonryan.jpg The Corrib saga has become so bitter and divisive, it can be hard to see the obvious.

Published February 18, 2010



Interview with Gerry Adams

gerryadamsflat.jpg A recent interview with Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams about sectarian parades, the policing and justice deal, and the controversy surrounding allegations against his brother Liam.

Published February 15, 2010



Mandela’s dark years

nelsonmandela.jpg This week marks the 20th anniversary of the release from captivity of Nelson Mandela. We carry an extract from his memoirs on his time at Robben Island prison.

Published February 11, 2010



Action alert - Maghaberry visitors strip-searched

maghaberry.jpg An action alert by families of republican prisoners being held at Maghaberry jail in county Antrim.

Published February 4, 2010



Bloody Sunday - the struggle continues

bloodysunday2.jpg As many victims of miscarriages of justice will testify, admissions of guilt by Britain take a long time to come to pass.

Published January 25, 2010



Inquiry must look at role of politics

banks.jpg Before deciding what form an inquiry should take, we must define what exactly we need to know.

Published January 21, 2010



Response to Sunday Tribune

adams.jpg Gerry Adams replies to allegations published by Suzanne Breen and the Sunday Tribune newspaper.

Published January 18, 2010



The UDA and the pay-off

udaguns.jpg The basis of the UDA decommissioning settlement was set out back in 2007.

Published January 14, 2010



Liam Mellows’s escape

liammellows.jpg How Liam Mellows escaped from exile in England to return to Ireland in time for the 1916 Rising.

Published January 11, 2010



New Year statements

2010.jpg The annual New Year statements issued by the main nationalist and republican organisations

Published January 2, 2010



1979 papers

secret.jpg A review of the declassified documents released in Dublin, London and Belfast under the 30 years rule.

Published January 2, 2010



Marie Moore

mariemoore.jpg Another old stalwart of the conflict to leave us this year was the veteran Sinn Fein activist Marie Moore who died in hospital after a long illness

Published December 28, 2009



Maud Gonne - Yeats’s Caitlin ni Houlihan

maudgonne.jpg Born during an age when women were expected to be nothing more than handsome window-dressing for their husbands, when women were expected to leave the rough and tumble world of politics to men, Maud Gonne rose above that prejudice to leave her mark on Ireland’s history.

Published December 21, 2009



Action alert for republican prisoners

prisonerbars.jpg Prisoner support groups have urged those interested to send a card or letter this holiday season to those republican prisoners currently behind bars.

Published December 17, 2009



Expanding the McBride agenda

inezmccormack.jpg An appeal to Americans to continue the MacBride agenda of change in the north of Ireland by investing twice: once for jobs, once for justice.

Published December 14, 2009



War declared on workers and the poor

workersinstruggle.jpg The Fianna Fail/Green Party budget represents a savage attack on the working class of the Twenty-Six Counties.

Published December 10, 2009



Nuclear threat from British reactors

sellafield.jpg The proposed designs for seven new British nuclear power stations, which will be built along the Irish Sea coast, have potentially lethal flaws.

Published December 7, 2009



Escape from Athlone barracks

tommaguire.jpg An account of Volunteer Tom Maguire’s escape from Athlone Barracks in 1923.

Published December 3, 2009



Address to Hogan/Martin commemoration

declankearney.jpg The full text of the keynote address by Sinn Fein strategist Declan Kearney to the commemoration this weekend in village of Dunloy to mark the 20th anniversary of the deaths of Volunteers Declan Martin and Henry Hogan.

Published November 30, 2009



Help bring the Manchester Martyrs home

manchestermartyrs.jpg Help the campaign for the Manchester Martyrs to be returned home to Ireland.

Published November 26, 2009



Johnny Walker - A terrible injustice

johnnywalker.jpg Thirty five years ago, six Irishmen were jailed for crimes they did not commit, and spent 16 years in jail before their convictions were quashed.

Published November 23, 2009



Sinn Fein pre-budget submission

sflogo.jpg The executive summary of Sinn Fein’s pre-budget submission for the 2010 calendar year.

Published November 19, 2009



The return of securocrats?

seanhughes.jpg A member of Sinn Fein in south Armagh has blamed unionists and British state security agencies for a major investigation into his finances.

Published November 16, 2009



Republican Sinn Fein elects new President

dasdalton.jpg Des Dalton became the new president of Republican Sinn Fein at its Ard-Fheis [annual conference] on Sunday.

Published November 16, 2009



The political road

inlaflagsbanner.jpg Prominent socialist republican Gerry Ruddy looks at the recent recent decision by the INLA to renounce armed struggle.

Published November 12, 2009



Address to annual SF Edentubber Commemoration

edentubber.jpg Sinn Fein’s Annual Edentubber Commemoration on Sunday was addressed by Conor Murphy, the Six County Minister for Regional Development.

Published November 9, 2009



Chairman’s Address to 32CSM AGM

franciemackey.jpg The 32 County Sovereignty Movement held its Annual General Meeting in Derry on Saturday.

Published November 9, 2009



It’s time to act

getupstandup2.jpg As the Twenty-Six County budget looms ever nearer and Britain’s Stormont administration considers cut backs, there is much uncertainty and fear in working class communities throughout Ireland.

Published November 5, 2009



Colin Duffy - a victim of state persecution

colinduffy2.jpg For two decades Colin Duffy has been the target of an unrelenting campaign of persecution and victimisation by state forces within the Six Counties.

Published November 2, 2009



Daniel Hegarty

danielhegarty.jpg Relatives for Justice has campaigned on behalf of the Hegarty family in connection with the killing of their son, Daniel. The following is their profile on the case.

Published October 29, 2009



The Black Irish of Jamaica: ‘One Love’

jamaicairish.jpg The Irish are alive and well in Jamaica, writes Rob Mullally. The third and final part of a three-part series.

Published October 26, 2009



McCord addresses US Congressional hearing

raymondmccord.jpg The testimony of Raymond McCord Sr. before the US Congressional Committee on Foreign Affairs’ Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight, on the subject of collusion.

Published October 22, 2009



Interview with Ruairi O Bradaigh

ruairiobradaigh3.jpg The President of Republican Sinn Fein, who recently announced he is stepping down from the position, is interviewed.

Published October 19, 2009



Red shanks, bogtrotters and pirates

montserratcrest.jpg The second part of a three-part series by Rob Mullally, from the Wild Geese, about the black Irish of Jamaica.

Published October 16, 2009



‘John didn’t kill himself’

bradygraffiti.jpg Republican prisoner John Brady had a row with his brother-in-law while on weekend parole. He ended up hanging from his laces in a PSNI cell. His family don’t believe it was suicide. A report by Suzanne Breen for the Sunday Tribune.

Published October 13, 2009



Truth can’t be the final Bloody Sunday victim

bloodysundayinquiry.jpg One of the reasons for hostility to the Bloody Sunday Inquiry is to be found in a judgement delivered in the High Court in London last Friday in the case of Khunder al-Sweady.

Published October 8, 2009



The Black Irish of Jamaica

jamaicairish.jpg A three part series on the history of the Irish settlers in Jamaica.

Published October 5, 2009



Talking about a ‘Lost Revolution’

thelostrevolution.jpg An interview with the authors of ‘The Lost Revolution’, Brian Hanley and Scott Millar. It also includes some analysis from the authors on key events covered in the book on the Official Republicans/The Workers’ Party.

Published October 1, 2009



The Lisbon Treaty is unchanged

lisboncover.jpg On Friday you have an opportunity to shape the future of Europe. The question you have to ask yourself is whether the Lisbon Treaty is a good deal for Ireland and whether it takes the European Union in the direction you want it to go

Published September 28, 2009



Lisbon hides ticking time bomb of EU defence body

euarmy.jpg The Lisbon Treaty proposes to incorporate the European Defence Agency within the institutional structure of the European Union.

Published September 24, 2009



The surrender of our fishing waters: A continental coup

fishingboat.jpg It is worth remembering when vested intersts remind you yet again of the structural funds we received from the European Union what we ourselves as a nation have given to the EU. Namely, our entire fishing waters, which was the admission price for entry.

Published September 21, 2009



The sorry saga of Shell

shellhell.jpg Maura Harrington is a spokesperson for the Shell to Sea campaign, from County Mayo, who has now been jailed four times for her opposition to the Shell Corrib gas project in north Mayo. Here she looks back at a decade of resistance by the local community and its supporters against an unwanted, dangerous and apparently corrupt exploitation of a sensitive environment.

Published September 17, 2009



Time for the transfer of powers

stormontstatue.jpg Policing has again reached a critical juncture but with a fresh opportunity to accelerate the process of change.

Published September 14, 2009



Stand together for our own good

unitedirelandribbon.jpg Nationalists and republicans should have a united policy about one most important issue: Our right to make our own political, economic and cultural decisions.

Published September 10, 2009



The killing of Loughlin Maginn

loughlinmaginn.jpg The killing of Loughlin Maginn was to spark a chain reaction of events that would finally lift the lid on Crown force collusion.

Published September 7, 2009



Pro-Lisbon factions get desperate

bollocksposter.jpg With just five weeks to go to the referendum on Lisbon 2, the Yes side grows ever more desperate and its advocates more bizarre.

Published September 3, 2009



Bailing out the rich and powerful

fatcat.jpg In the course of the current crisis, the only state intervention into the market has been to secure the interests and profits of a tiny wealthy elite.

Published August 31, 2009



Nama a good deal only for the banks’ shareholders

namaodds.jpg UCD lecturer Karl Whelan on the implications of the Dublin government’s proposed bailout for Irish property speculators and their bankers through the National Asset Management Agency (Nama).

Published August 27, 2009



The Battle of the Bogside

bogsidegasmask.jpg The scene for the Battle of the Bogside was set long before August 1969.

Published August 20, 2009



The stone that broke the North’s dam of violence

battleofthebogside.jpg Forty years ago this weekend, the dam broke and the generational political failure that had deepened since partition washed over all the Irish political institutions.

Published August 14, 2009



Secret go-between shines a light on history makers

brendanduddy.jpg Brendan Duddy is slowly emerging as another important name to add to that list of names most publicly associated with the Irish peace process

Published August 7, 2009



Making Sinn Fein’s message relevant

sflogo.jpg Sinn Fein is not in crisis and its continued role in and relevance to the future of political life in Ireland is not in doubt, according to Eoin O Broin.

Published July 31, 2009



Death of Frank McCourt

frankmccourt.jpg The death took place during the week of Frank McCourt, one of Ireland’s greatest and most popular writers and a major literary figure in his native New York. We publish an extract from his novel, ‘Angela’s Ashes’.

Published July 24, 2009



A united Ireland is possible

unitedireland.jpg The single most important issue facing the people of Ireland and Britain is the achievement of Irish unity and the construction of a new relationship between Ireland and Britain based on equality.

Published July 17, 2009



Twenty-Six County’s week of shame in Mayo

shellgarda.jpg In addition to the three hundred Gardai, the two Navy ships, the planes and the helicopters the Twenty-Six County government have also brought their ‘justice’ system out to bat for Shell.

Published July 10, 2009



Ireland agenda for Americans

irishusflags.jpg A senior Irish-American suggests the areas where U.S. support might be most welcome and productive.

Published July 3, 2009



A victory to savour

breenwig.jpg Last week’s judgment in Belfast was a triumph for press freedom across Europe, according to Sunday Tribune Northern Editor Suzanne Breen.

Published June 26, 2009



‘Don’t Extradite the Basques’

basques.jpg The official launch of the Don’t Extradite the Basques Campaign took place last Wednesday [June 10] in Culturlann MacAdam-O Fiaich in Belfast.

Published June 19, 2009



Shell to Sea Action Alert

shellout.jpg Mayo man Pat O’Donnell has had his boat, the ‘Iona Isle’ boarded last night by armed, masked men and sunk in the latest act of aggression by Shell OIl & Gas in their attempt to construct a controversial onshore gas refinery in Belmullet.

Published June 12, 2009



SAS slaughter at Coagh

coagh.jpg Three IRA Volunteers were shot dead by undercover British forces fourteen years ago this week

Published June 4, 2009



‘The old ways are gone’

martinmcguinness.jpg A keynote speech delivered by Sinn Féin’s Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at the Kevin Lynch commemoration at Park, County Derry last weekend.

Published May 29, 2009



Sinn Féin launch local election manifesto

sflocalmanifesto09.jpg Sinn Féin launched the party’s campaign for the local government elections in the 26 Counties this week.

Published May 22, 2009



Elizabeth Windsor

queenrugby.jpg She came, she saw, she left again and, in between, the usual crowd of hangers on and supposedly intelligent people reduced themselves to the babblings of fools and morons.

Published May 15, 2009



Hunger strike was ‘pivotal’

bobbysands.jpg Sinn Féin MEP for the Six Counties, Bairbre de Brun this week delivered the annual Bobby Sands Memorial Lecture, the theme of which was ‘Countess Markievicz and the 100th anniversary of Na Fianna Eireann.

Published May 8, 2009



Long Kesh could be a ‘must see’ attraction

Belfast’s Crumlin Road Prison is not only an impressive, indeed, imposing, example of Victorian prison architecture it is also a museum, an artefact, in its own right.

Published April 24, 2009



Adams address to Easter commemoration

easter09sf.jpg The full text of the address by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams to his party’s Easter Rising commemoration in west Belfast.

Published April 17, 2009



Murdered priests remembered

mass.jpg Two Catholic priests shot dead by the British Army during the conflict were remembered this week at St Peter’s Cathedral in Belfast.

Published April 10, 2009



SF owes debt of gratitude to Marie Moore

mariemoore.jpg To me, Marie Moore, who passed away a few weeks ago, belonged to a heroic generation.

Published April 3, 2009



A debt of gratitude owed to women activists

irishwoman.jpg More work needs to be done to ensure that women are at the centre of decision making, especially in government and parliament

Published March 27, 2009



Eirigi condemns ‘trial by media’

eirigi.jpg eirigi chairperson Brian Leeson issued the following statement on Monday, clarifying that no member of the group has been arrested in connection with last week’s attacks.

Published March 19, 2009



The only way to go is forward

flowers.jpg The political institutions, the peace process and Sinn Fein are as much a target of the perpetrators of Saturday night's attack as those they killed or injured.

Published March 13, 2009



Time for a Rising

ictumarch.jpg We need a Rising! That thought came into my head as I listened to RTE radio’s report of last Saturday’s mass trade union rally in Dublin.

Published February 27, 2009



A Valentine’s Day tragedy

ontherun.jpg Four Derry men remember with pain and dread a Valentines Day thirty years ago when their lives and the lives of their families were turned upside down.

Published February 20, 2009



The Burnings 1920

burningsbook.jpg Pearse Lawlor has penned the first published account of the events of July to September 1920 in which more than 1,000 Catholic families lost their homes in county Down.

Published February 13, 2009



Internment 1971 - 2009: A case of injustice

internmentold.jpg The following address was given by Tony Catney of the Republican Network for Unity at Derry’s Gasyard Centre as part of this year’s annual Bloody Sunday commemoration.

Published February 6, 2009



A defining point in Irish history

firstdailadams.jpg The keynote address by Sinn Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams at the Mansion House in Dublin to his party’s 90th anniversary commemoration of the First Dail.

Published January 30, 2009



Long Kesh - Scenes from the inside

blanketman.jpg Can an incident-packed and prolonged time span be adequately explored in the form of a play?

Published January 30, 2009



Address to First Dail Eireann commemoration

firstdailcrop.jpg Caoimhghin O Caolain TD told the official commemoration this week that the work of the First Dail remains unfinished. We publish the full text of his address.

Published January 23, 2009



Setting the ‘free Derry’ record straight

freederry.jpg The famous ‘Free Derry’ wall was painted forty years ago this month. Eamon McCann corrects the record of the day when the inspiring international landmark was born.

Published January 16, 2009



The Burntollet attack

burntollet.jpg The People’s Democracy march, forty years ago this week, is seen by historians as marking a significant turning point in the recent conflict.

Published January 9, 2009



New Year messages

2009.jpg The full text of the New Year statements issued by Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams and republican organisations in Ireland.

Published January 2, 2009



Time to write a new chapter in Pol Brennan’s life

polbrennan2.jpg Let Christmas 2008 be the last Pol Brennan ever spends behind bars.

Published December 19, 2008



The Sinn Féin election

1918const.jpg A look at the electoral facts surrounding Sinn Féin’s historic victory at the 1918 General Election, ninety years ago this week.

Published December 12, 2008



De Menezes murder - the cover-up

demenezes.jpg A cousin recalls the murder of Jean Charles de Menezes and how the British system has struggled to admit London’s own shoot-to-kill policy.

Published December 5, 2008



Republican Sinn Féin Ard Fheis

ruairiobradaigh.jpg The Presidential Address delivered by Republican Sinn Féin President Ruairi O Bradaigh in Dublin to RSF's annual conference earlier this month.

Published November 28, 2008



The father of Irish democracy

wolfetone.jpg Wolfe Tone died on November 19, 1798 - 310 years ago this week - from a stab wound to his neck which he inflicted upon himself.

Published November 21, 2008



Women in Struggle

saoirsenamban.jpg The theme of Sinn Fein's Edentubber Commemoration this year was the role of women in the struggle for Irish freedom.

Published November 13, 2008



Helicopter escape from Mountjoy

escape.jpg At Halloween 1973 in Dublin, one of the most audacious, cleverly planned jail escapes in Irish history occurred.

Published November 7, 2008



The first casualty

censorship.jpg It is twenty years to the day, since the British Government imposed the media ban as part of another review of security in the North of Ireland.

Published October 31, 2008



Epic tale of human endurance

hunger.jpg Hunger is a true-to-life film, not propaganda, as claimed by its unionist critics.

Published October 24, 2008



Nationalising the risks, not the assets

banks.jpg Brian Leeson, eirigi chairperson, presents his analysis of the crisis in the Irish financial system, of those who created it, and the choices facing Irish citizens for the future.

Published October 17, 2008



The day the RUC appeared on TV

dukestreetruc.jpg Events in Derry’s Duke Street forty years ago were magnified by the arrival of a new witness to Irish history: the television news camera.

Published October 10, 2008



Memories of Duke Street

dukestreet.jpg Recollections by civil rights activist Fionnbarra O Dochartaigh regarding the event which some historians characterise as the day the ‘Troubles’ began.

Published October 3, 2008



Breakout

On the 25th anniversary of the mass escape from the H-Blocks of Long Kesh, some of those who took part have revealed the dramatic events surrounding the escape for a new documentary.

Published September 26, 2008



Omagh - The bomb to end all bombs?

Did a British agent first flout Omagh as a potential target for a bomb attack? Was the carnage of August 15 the product of his labour?

Published September 19, 2008



Hunger strike by Shell to Sea activist

Shell to Sea campaigner Maura Harrington has begun a Hunger Strike to coincide with the arrival of the Solitaire, Shell’s pipe-laying vessel in Broadhaven Bay.

Published September 12, 2008



Modernisation of the Orange Order?

The final installment of a three-part series looking at the malign influence of the Orange Order in the north of Ireland, from its inception to the present day.

Published September 5, 2008



March to overcome injustice

Austin Currie reflects on the huge and peaceful Coalisland to Dungannon March of August 24th, 1968, which marked a turning point for the Irish civil rights movement.

Published August 29, 2008



Bloody Sunday paras linked to Belfast massacre

Truth campaigners now say that Bloody Sunday might never have happened had the British Army been brought to book for the Ballymurphy slaughter.

Published August 22, 2008



Was the Omagh bomb allowed to happen?

The families of the victims have called for a full cross-order public inquiry into the Omagh bomb, which took place ten years ago this week.

Published August 15, 2008



The dignity of mothers

Without them there would not have been an IRA, a Sinn Fein, war or peace or the new Ireland we have today.

Published August 8, 2008



Glory Days of the Orange Order

The second part in a multi-part series examining the history and current context of the Protestant marching orders, this week looking at the Orange Order during the first Stormont administration, 1921-1972.

Published August 1, 2008



The Famine - A shared tragedy

One hundred and sixty years after one of the most traumatic events in the history of this island, the Dublin Government are to officially commemorate An Gorta Mor, the Great Hunger, which claimed the lives of an estimated one million Irish people and reduced the population of the country by half.

Published July 25, 2008



‘For God and Ulster’

The Loyal Orders stress the cultural and religious aspects of their organisations. The reality of their involvement over the past 200 years tells a different story.

Published July 18, 2008



Bodenstown oration

The oration by Marion Price at the grave of Wolfe Tone in the Republican Unity Initiative’s Bodenstown commemoration.

Published July 11, 2008



Cypriot solidarity recalled

A bond of friendship and solidarity lasting over 50 years was celebrated in Dublin last month.

Published July 4, 2008



Towards a united Ireland

Sinn Féin is embarking on a more active engagement with those in Britain who support Irish unity and is seeking to produce “a renewed strategy able to advance republican goals”.

Published June 27, 2008



Europe’s Plan B

The people have spoken. The Lisbon Treaty is dead. Now it’s time for Plan B.

Published June 19, 2008



‘The Battle of Caledon’

Forty years ago a family’s decision to make a stand over housing set in motion a chain of events that would give rise to the civil rights movement.

Published June 12, 2008



Belfast’s consummate politician

Belfast City Council took an enlightened step forward in the politics of reconciliation on Monday night when it elected Sinn Féin councillor Tom Hartley as its mayor.

Published June 6, 2008



Oration for Brian Keenan

Thousands turned out for the funeral of IRA commander Brian Keenan in Belfast on Saturday.

Published May 30, 2008



Irish slaves in the Caribbean

If Queen Elizabeth I had lived in the 20th Century, she would have been viewed with the same horror as Hitler and Stalin.

Published May 23, 2008



An alternative guide to the Lisbon Treaty

The Lisbon Treaty is a bad deal for Ireland. It gives the EU too much power and reduces our ability to stop decisions that are not in Ireland's interests. Ireland deserves better.

Published May 16, 2008



US action alert - Free Pol Brennan

Irish political refugee Pol Brennan needs our help and support.

Published May 8, 2008



Bertie Ahern addresses US Congress

The outgoing 26-County Taoiseach Bertie Ahern made a landmark address to a joint session of the US Congress this week.

Published May 2, 2008



The unanswered questions

The text of an address by Ruairi O Bradaigh, President of Republican Sinn Féin at the Ireland Institute, Pearse Centre, Dublin on April 17.

Published April 25, 2008



The cause of Tibet

This is the most critical time for the Tibetan people.

Published April 18, 2008



Community must stand together

The following is the full text of remarks made by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams to a local activist meeting in Belfast this week.

Published April 11, 2008



Agreement has delivered change

The Belfast Agreement marks an historic and defining point of change in the history and development of this island, writes Gerry Adams.

Published April 4, 2008



Good Friday Agreement - Ten years on

Over 250 republican prisoners were released as a result of a key element of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. A look at what happened to two of those prisoners, ten years on from the agreement.

Published March 28, 2008



US Presidential Campaign

Statements by the Clinton and Obama campaigns on Ireland.

Published March 21, 2008



Ian Paisley

Ian Paisley helped to radicalise my generation. But his lasting legacy will be helping secure peace, writes Gerry Adams.

Published March 14, 2008



The casualties of Gibraltar

On this date 20 years ago shortly after teatime an ashen-faced and clearly distressed Danny Morrison rushed into Tom Hartley’s living room where I was sitting.

Published March 7, 2008



Confidence for transfer of powers exists now

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams argues that failure by the DUP to agree the transfer of policing and justice powers risks eroding confidence in the political institutions.

Published February 29, 2008



Brendan Hughes

Brendan ‘Darkie’ reflects on a lifetime of struggle and the current political situation in Ireland.

Published February 21, 2008



What exactly are we reforming in this treaty?

An attempt to find out what the Lisbon Reform Treaty means.

Published February 15, 2008



Interview with the ‘Real IRA’

The first interview in five years with the ‘Real IRA’ was published this week. The following is an edited version of that interview.

Published February 8, 2008



The tide turns at Tara

Our country has barely known a taste of freedom yet already we are actively complicit in the destruction of the one central, world-renowned and undiluted symbol of our unity and strength.

Published January 31, 2008



The pain of the past

If the British government are sincere about addressing the legacy of the past they could start by publishing Stevens report.

Published January 24, 2008



Edmund Burke - The Conscience of a Nation

Edmund Burke was one of the most famous political thinkers of the 18th century.

Published January 17, 2008



What a difference a year makes

Ireland January 2008 is a much better place than Ireland January 2007. What a difference a year can make in the life of a nation.

Published January 9, 2008



2007 - Year in Review

A look back at the main news events of the year that was.

Published January 3, 2008



A blow against educational inequality

The education system is being opened up for the first time to ensure equality of access and equality of educational opportunity irrespective of class or creed.

Published December 20, 2007



Engaging Modern Ireland

Gerry Adams’s keynote address at the special Sinn Féin conference in Dublin last weekend.

Published December 12, 2007



Budget 2008

A look at the fourth Budget delivered today by the 26-County Minister for Finance Brian Cowen.

Published December 5, 2007



Remembering the Manchester Martyrs

On 23 November 1867, three Irishmen, Michael O’Brien, William Philip Allen and Michael Larkin, were hanged in public in Salford, England, for the murder of a police sergeant during the rescue of two Fenian leaders.

Published November 28, 2007



Making Shell feel the heat

A report by eirigi activists on the latest action against the development of a dangerous onshore gas refinery in County Mayo.

Published November 22, 2007



Presidential Address at RSF Ard Fheis

The full prepared text of the Presidential address delivered to the 103u Ard Fheis of Republican Sinn Fein on November 11 by Ruairi O Bradaigh.

Published November 15, 2007



Comrades will sorely miss faithful stalwart

In times of war he was a man of war. In times of peace he was a man of peace.

Published November 8, 2007



Exploring different routes to peace

The text of a keynote address by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams delivered at a special event on Wednesday night organised in aid of the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace.

Published November 1, 2007



Defend Ireland's Natural Resources

The people of Ballinaboy and Rossport and the surrounding areas are asking people to join them in a day of protest at the site of Shell's proposed refinery on November 9th.

Published October 24, 2007



Thomas Ashe

‘If I die, I die in a good cause’, the haunting words of Thomas Ashe, spoken just prior to his death on hunger strike in 1917, ninety years ago this month.

Published October 17, 2007



Oration at funeral of Dan Keating

Oration delivered by Ruairi O Bradaigh, President Republican Sinn Fein at the funeral of Republican Veteran Dan Keating in County Kerry on Friday October 5.

Published October 10, 2007



The Great Peace Process Swindle?

Should the Good Friday Agreement be a model for other conflicts?

Published October 3, 2007



US Urgent Action Appeal

An action alert issued on behalf of the McAllister family, which is facing deportation from the US.

Published September 27, 2007



The Flight of the Earls

This year marks the 400th anniversary of the ‘Flight of the Earls’. We conclude our series of historical articles on a major event in Irish history.

Published September 20, 2007



Nairac commanded Miami massacre

He was a guitar player in one of Ireland’s biggest bands but after their tour bus was stopped at a checkpoint on a lonely country road near Newry on July 31 1975, nothing would ever be the same for Stephen Travers.

Published September 12, 2007



German charade

Like a cruel joke, the German demand for Roisin McAliskey’s extradition was delivered 10 years to the day after she gave birth to Loinnir, under armed guard, in a London hospital.

Published September 5, 2007



The SSSS Experience

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams recalls his experiences over the years at the hands of US security officials (from the Guardian newspaper).

Published August 30, 2007



Feile a credit to its organisers

A vicious massacre of defenceless people, written out of history, is now being written back in by the relatives of those so cruelly cut down.

Published August 22, 2007



No turning back for truth campaign

The full text of the address by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams at the ‘March for Truth’ rally at Belfast City Hall on Sunday.

Published August 16, 2007



Plans for Love Ulster Parade cancelled

The organisers of a highly controversial sectarian parade in Dublin, which had to be abandoned after heavy rioting last year, have said they have cancelled plans to hold another similar march through the capital later this year.

Published August 8, 2007



The wrong force in the wrong place for 38 years

The behaviour of British soldiers in the North was a recruiting sergeant for the IRA.

Published August 8, 2007



Consultation fails to meet needs of Irish speakers

Gerry Adams urges the DUP to copper- fasten the rights of citizens and to implement the agreement on the Irish language made at St Andrews.

Published July 31, 2007



The Siege of Kinsale

This year marks the 400th anniversary of the ‘Flight of the Earls’. We examine the background to that major event in Irish history with a series of historical articles.

Published July 25, 2007



Past will dictate plans to update Orange Order

For most of its more than 200-year history the Orange Order and the British government have been inextricably linked.

Published July 18, 2007



éirígí - Rise Up

éirígí [meaning ‘rise up’] is a new Irish, Socialist Republican, political organisation committed to ending the British occupation of the six counties and the establishment of a thirty-two county Democratic Socialist Republic.

Published July 11, 2007



Immigrants’ American Dream ends in tragedy

175 years ago this month, a group of Irish immigrants left for the New World to help build a pioneering railroad. Six weeks later all were dead. Now a search is underway to trace their history and find their bodies.

Published July 4, 2007



Orations at Bodenstown

Three orations were made collectively at the graveside of Theobald Wolfe Tone in Bodenstown on the 17th June, 2007, by three traditionalist republican groups.

Published June 27, 2007



We need to remember why Saville was set up

Hayes, Hutchinson and Patten are undermining the argument promoted by relatives’ organisations that the British Crown forces should be held to account for the killing of civilians during the conflict.

Published June 18, 2007



Action Alert for Roisin McAliskey

An action request from the Irish Freedom Committee in response to the British attempts to once again extradite Roisin McAliskey

Published June 11, 2007



Censorship complementing cover-up

Despite progress in the peace process, British forces in Ireland are still stifling freedom of information, writes Anthony McIntyre.

Published June 4, 2007



The anguish of Roisin McAliskey

An article by Nell McCafferty, originally published in December 1996, recalls the campaign to free Roisin McAliskey following British attempts to extradite her to Germany.

Published May 29, 2007



Key constituency profiles

A look at the constituencies where republican candidates could make gains in Thursday’s 26-County election.

Published May 21, 2007



Election 2007: Sinn Féin Election Manifesto

The Executive Summary of Sinn Fein's General Election Manifesto, preceded by a message from Gerry Adams.

Published May 16, 2007



Republican Unity?

Republican traditionalists met in Derry at the weekend to attempt to build a united opposition to the new political order in the North and the “continuing British occupation”.

Published May 15, 2007



The Wedding Cake

A look back at the history of Stormont -- the site of many failed Six-County political initiatives in the past -- but today the focus of renewed political hope.

Published May 8, 2007



The East Tyrone Brigade & the Loughgall Ambush

Next Tuesday, May 8th, marks the 20th anniversary of the Loughgall ambush, in which 8 IRA Volunteers and a civilian were killed in an SAS attack.

Published May 2, 2007



The Battle of Moyry Pass

This year marks the 400th anniversary of the ‘Flight of the Earls’. We examine the background to that major event in Irish history with a series of historical articles.

Published April 27, 2007



Women’s heroic work

It was women like Emma Groves and Annsie Wilkinson in many districts across the north who provided grass-roots leadership, who helped their besieged communities learn the skills they needed to survive.

Published April 21, 2007



Action Alert for Maghaberry prisoners

An action request from the US-based Irish Freedom Committee on behalf of republican prisoners at Maghaberry prison.

Published April 15, 2007



The Women of 1916

The “forgotten women” of Irish history who participated in the 1916 Rising were remembered at the weekend.

Published April 10, 2007



The arrest of Gerry McGeough

Prominent republican and election candidate Gerry McGeough has been released by the PSNI police on bail following a campaign to being attention to his controversial arrest and detention earlier this month. Martin Galvin looks at the case.

Published April 5, 2007



North needs a new political vocabulary

A sea change occurred on Monday when you watched Gerry Adams and Ian Paisley sitting nearly beside each other at Stormont.

Published March 30, 2007



A ‘yes’ from ‘Dr No’ could usher in a new era

In a few days time the people of this country will know the answer to one of the most pressing political questions which has dogged the peace process for the best part of the last 10 years

Published March 24, 2007



Minister strangles Irish act

The dream that new legislation would enshrine the rights of the thousands of Irish-speakers has been shattered.

Published March 18, 2007



Election round-up

A constituency-by-constituency look at the Assembly election result.

Published March 13, 2007



History: Election campaign fifty years ago

Four Sinn Féin candidates were elected in the general election which took place on March 5, 1957, fifty years ago this week.

Published March 7, 2007



SF Ard Fheis - Presidential Address 2007

The full text of the keynote Presidential address by Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams to the party’s annual conference, which is taking place this weeekend at the RDS in Dublin.

Published March 3, 2007



Good election for SF will spur party

A good election result for Sinn Féin in the north will spur party activists on in their efforts to achieve the long-worked-for breakthrough in the elections in the south in a few months time.

Published March 1, 2007



The first Bloody Sunday

A historical account of the background and context of the Bloody Sunday massacre at Croke Park in 1920.

Published February 25, 2007



Statement by US Senator Barack Obama

US Presidential candidate Barack Obama has issued a statement outlining his position the Irish peace process. We carry the full text of the statement, which has been welcomed by a number of Irish-American groups.

Published February 20, 2007



Assembly election candidates

The full list of candidates in the Belfast Assembly election on 7 March.

Published February 15, 2007



The first Long Kesh escape

The escape from Long Kesh of Francis McGuigan, 35 years ago this wee, was an important morale booster for the nationalist population throughout the Six Counties.

Published February 10, 2007



Policing - a Republican Socialist view

Leading IRSP member Liam O Ruairc takes a critical look at the historic decision by Sinn Féin to support the PSNI and the political context which led to it.

Published February 5, 2007



Who will pay for mass murder?

As a response to armed insurrection in the North, the British government down through the years initiated a campaign of mass murder and a wider supporting criminality.

Published February 1, 2007



PSNI agent’s catalog of murder

Ten murders which, according to the Police Ombudsman’s report, are so far confirmed to have involved PSNI/UVF agent Mark Haddock.

Published January 27, 2007



Operation Ballast

A public statement issued today by police Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan into collusion between the RUC/PSNI Special Branch and the north Belfast UVF.

Published January 22, 2007



Sinn Féin Ard Fheis motion on policing

The text of the key motion to go before the forthcoming special Sinn Fein conference.

Published January 17, 2007



Save Tara petition

Supporters of the 'Sava Tara' campaign are being asked to sign the online ‘National Monument of Ireland’ petition.

Published January 12, 2007



Telling moment at Toome

In Toome last week, the same pledge, principles and patriotism which had always inspired him, moved Laurence O’Neill to defy a new attempt to silence him.

Published January 8, 2007



IRA men’s deaths that caught whole country’s imagination

Sean South and Fergal O’Hanlon entered the realms of history and song when an IRA raid on a County Fermanagh RUC barracks went dramatically wrong 50 years ago this week.

Published January 4, 2007



Review of the Year 2006

A look back at the major events in Irish politics and the peace process over the past twelve months.

Published December 29, 2006



Christmas Eve - Escape from Long Kesh

Gerry Adams recounts a Christmas Eve plan to escape Long Kesh.

Published December 23, 2006



Families deserve judicial inquiry into collusion

There are many files in many filing cabinets in government offices in Dublin, Belfast and London, containing reports into collusion arising from enquiries.

Published December 18, 2006



US Action Alert

An action alert was issued by the IAUC on the issue of collusion following the publication of the report of the Cassel panel on the issue.

Published December 13, 2006



Forensic framework unravels

There is a great deal at stake in the dock of the Belfast Diplock courtroom.

Published December 7, 2006



Policing debate

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams and Willie Gallagher of the Irish Republican Socialist Party this week presented their differing views on the policing issue.

Published December 1, 2006



Adams address to transitional Assembly

The text of the address by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP speaking at Friday’s meeting of the transitional Assembly, when he nominated Martin McGuinness for the position of Deputy First Minister.

Published November 25, 2006



Some republicans sowing seeds of confusion

The news at the start of this week that a tiny number of disaffected former IRA personnel, members of the INLA and other micro groups, are threatening the lives of Sinn Féin’s leadership is causing great anger among republicans, disbelief among nationalists and is a source of deep concern.

Published November 19, 2006



Address to RSF Ard Fheis

The full text of the President Address by Republican Sinn Féin leader Ruairi O Bradaigh to his party’s annual Ard-Fheis in Dublin at the weekend.

Published November 14, 2006



A question which won’t go away

A question haunts reports into collusion -- how high up the chain did knowledge of and complicity in these atrocities go?

Published November 9, 2006



The Burning of Long Kesh

The first in a series of articles looking back at the history of Long Kesh prison.

Published November 4, 2006



Negotiating war and peace

An extract from Lives Entangled, an essay by Bernadette McAliskey included in Britain & Ireland: Lives Entwined II.

Published October 30, 2006



Noel Maguire appeal

An action alert on behalf of the Irish Political Status Coalition.

Published October 25, 2006



History of Whitewash Continues

The British have a long history of setting-up what are variously named inquiries, commissions or tribunals as part of a blatant strategy of whitewash or cover-up.

Published October 20, 2006



Much work to be done - Adams

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has said “bringing rejectionist unionism into the peace process would be an enormous achievement”.

Published October 16, 2006



A great loss to cause of Ireland’s freedom

Michael Ferguson's death is a great loss not only to his family but to Sinn Féin and to the cause of Ireland’s freedom.

Published October 10, 2006



Current prisoner list

A partial list of republican prisoners published earlier this month.

Published October 5, 2006



DNA and Diplock: A Recipe for Injustice

Fears are being voiced that “Birmingham Six” style justice is about to be meted out to South Armagh Republican Sean Hoey, with suspect DNA evidence being the lynchpin of the framework.

Published September 30, 2006



Hunger strike message echoes down the years

The prisoners died but a generation later as one contributor describes it, “....they shine a light that is purer than ever and that points a steady beam to our future”.

Published September 25, 2006



Equality - the rhetoric and the reality

A new report by the Belfast-based civil liberties group, the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ), has criticised the British government's sectarian approach to targeting social need.

Published September 19, 2006



Healthcare is a right

A summary of Sinn Féin’s new all-Ireland policy document on healthcare.

Published September 15, 2006



Irish process is template for peace worldwide

Gerry Adams has brought a message of hope to the Israeli and Palestinian people.

Published September 10, 2006



Relatives of bomb victims need to know truth

Even if the involvement of British intelligence is proven in the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, it may still be kept secret.

Published September 5, 2006



US ‘Fax Blitz’

An urgent action alert is being distributed by a number of Irish-American organisations.

Published August 31, 2006



Border lines

Partition is alive and well in Ireland.

Published August 27, 2006



Mickey Devine

The tenth and final hunger striker to die in the 1981 hunger strike was Mickey Devine. He died 25 years ago on Sunday.

Published August 22, 2006



Famine tale uncovers common Irish ancestry

A little known shipping disaster which claimed the lives of almost 50 people from south Armagh during the Famine has inspired a new book.

Published August 18, 2006



Alert - US/UK Extradition Treaty

An action alert for US readers from the IAUC.

Published August 13, 2006



Thomas McElwee

The story of the ninth hunger strike to die in the 1981 hunger strike. He passed away on August 8th, 1981.

Published August 10, 2006



A dedicated republican and an outstanding soldier

The story of Kieran Doherty, the eighth hunger striker to die in 1981, who passed away 25 years ago on Wednesday.

Published August 5, 2006



Kevin Lynch

The story of INLA Volunteer Kevin Lynch, who died on hunger strike in Long Kesh prison 25 years ago on Tuesday.

Published July 31, 2006



Reconciling Orange and Green

The full text of a wide-ranging address delivered by Martin McGuinness to the MacGill Summer School at the weekend.

Published July 25, 2006



The original con trick

There is a historical precedent of “sexing up” a document, one that had major implications for subsequent relations between Ireland and England.

Published July 20, 2006



Founded on and fuelled by bigotry

There are at least three ways of looking at last week’s Twelfth celebrations.

Published July 17, 2006



Joe McDonnell and Martin Hurson

This week marks the 25th anniversary of the death of two IRA Volunteers on hunger strike in Long Kesh jail.

Published July 12, 2006



An experiment in human despair

Jonathan Cook on the real reasons for Israel’s invasion of Gaza.

Published July 7, 2006



Observe the true amnesiacs marching towards the Somme

The first 26-County commemoration of the Battle of the Somme was held in Dublin at the weekend, with representatives from all the major political parties in the North in attendance.

Published July 2, 2006



The Framing of Michael McKevitt

The Framing of Michael McKevitt, a booklet written by Marcella Sands, sister-in-law of Michael and sister of Bobby Sands, raises serious questions about the activities of MI5 in Ireland, collusion by senior Garda police and a judiciary swayed by political rather than legal argument.

Published June 27, 2006



SF Bodenstown address

The text of Sinn Fein’s annual address over the grave of Wolfe Tone at Bodenstown. County Kildare. It was delivered at the weekend by north belfast representative Gerry Kelly.

Published June 22, 2006



‘The Wind That Shakes The Barley’

There is a very simple yet powerful and time honoured message in Ken Loach’s new film about the Irish people’s struggle for independence.

Published June 22, 2006



Rural decline is a national crisis

The following is the full text of the Michael Davitt Centenary Lecture, given by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams in Castlebar, County Mayo on Thursday.

Published June 17, 2006



Hunger strike deal didn’t exist

Richard O'Rawe's own words show clearly there was no deal during the 1981 hunger strike.

Published June 11, 2006



Memorial for an island at peace

Long Kesh is a place apart. Inside and outside its walls it generated great pain, loss and heroism.

Published June 6, 2006



Out of the H-blocks came determination

The hunger strike changed the nationalist community forever.

Published May 30, 2006



Raymond McCreesh and Patsy O’Hara

mccreeshohara2.jpg This week marked the anniversary of the deaths of the third and fourth of the 1981 hunger strikers to die, Raymond McCreesh and Patsy O'Hara.

Published May 27, 2006



Making politics work

Ian Paisley will be conscious of the irony involved in Sinn Fein going to Stormont to have him elected as First Minister.

Published May 23, 2006



Bombing victims’ relatives need answers now

Today is a day many people recall with feelings of sadness and anger as well as a strong desire for the truth.

Published May 17, 2006



Francis Hughes - a fearless soldier

Twenty five years ago on Friday, Francis Hughes, one of the most fearless and courageous IRA Volunteers to emerge out of the current phase in the Republican Struggle, lost his life after 59 days on Hunger Strike in Long Kesh.

Published May 13, 2006



US action alerts

Action alerts on behalf the mcAllister family and the Rossport Five

Published May 8, 2006



Bobby Sands - 1981-2006

Bobby Sands died 25 years ago today, the first of ten to die while on hunger strike against the British policy of criminalising the republican struggle. It is a day of mourning for all Irish republicans.

Published May 5, 2006



The Truth

The victims group An Fhirinne is appealing to the families of people who were victims of British state killings or collusion to help complete its database.

Published May 3, 2006



Michael Davitt

May 2006 marks the centenary of the death of Michael Davitt, nationalist, trade unionist, agrarian agitator and founder of the National Land League.

Published April 28, 2006



Remembering Tom Barry

Gerry Kelly spoke on Sunday at the annual Crossbarry commemoration, remembering the British Army operation of 1921 which set out to eliminate Tom Barry’s famous Third West Cork Flying column.

Published April 24, 2006



Siobhan O’Hanlon - a tribute

We shall benefit from the work Siobhan O'Hanlon did in her life - in the freedom struggle, in the peace process, in the bridges she built.

Published April 21, 2006



Proclamation at ‘heart and soul’ of republic

An edited version of the address by Sinn Féin’s Gerry Adams at the annual Easter commemoration in Belfast.

Published April 18, 2006



Easter 1916

Just before noon on Easter Monday, April 24th, a group of 150 men strode out of Liberty Hall in Dublin, then marched toward Sackville Street (now O’Connell Street) a few hundred yards away.

Published April 14, 2006



A possible end to the political impasse

For the first time this week the notion of a ‘Plan B’ emerged.

Published April 9, 2006



Uncanny parallel to Tan War

A review of the new book, 'The Origins and Organisation of British Propaganda in Ireland 1920', by Brian P Murphy.

Published April 5, 2006



A republican who could not be bought

A historian is aiming to rediscover the story of an Irishwoman whose courage saved the leaders of a rebellion in 1803.

Published April 3, 2006