THE IRISH government must lead the way to a border poll, and in creating a new Ireland that works everyone on the island, Fermanagh republicans were told on Sunday.
Speaking at the annual Easter commemorations, held this year in Lisnaskea, former Fermanagh South Tyrone (FST) MP Michelle Gildernew hit out at “cruel cuts” by the British government, telling the gathered crowd there was “a better way.”
Stressing that reunification was no inevitable, and must be worked for and built, Ms Gildernew said, “The conversations are already happening. Across every county, every community, in living rooms, workplaces, universities and sports clubs – people are talking about Irish unity.
“The onus is now on the Irish government to lead preparations for referenda – creating the space which enables us to build a new Ireland that truly belongs to everyone who lives here.
“Let’s establish a Citizens’ Assembly. Let’s begin the planning – for healthcare, for housing, for education, for a new constitutional framework that protects every tradition on this island.
“The British government has shown time and again what its priorities are – and the north isn’t one of them.
“We see the cuts. We see the neglect. We see the damage being done to services, workers, families and communities who are already struggling.
“There is a better way – and that lies in a united Ireland.
“Let us go forward together and build a new Ireland built on social justice, equality and respect for all.”
Ms Gildernew was the main speaker at the annual Easter event, with local MLA Áine Murphy chairing proceedings, which opened with MP Pat Cullen laying a wreath at the grave of former MP Frank Maguire.
Wreaths were also laid on the graves of Loretta and Kevin Gleeson, Tony Jackman, Francie McGoldrick and Paul Smyth.
Ms Gildernew opened her address by paying tribute to the men and women of 1916, and going on to highlight the Fermanagh natives who had carried on the cause to “achieve a 32 county Republic.”
Referring to Frank Maguire, she said, “His steadfastness, and courage, his willingness to stand up to the British army, his refusal to be broken or bound made him and extraordinary man.”
She went on to note that after Mr Maguire’s sudden passing in 1981, Loreta Gleeson signed the nomination papers for Bobby Sands, who successfully ran in the Westminster Election by-election to in his place.
Pointing to the ongoing heartbreak in Gaza, Ms Gildernew said, “I am sure if Frank Maguire and Booby Sands were with us here today, they would both support the Palestinian People.”
Elsewhere, the Robert Emmet 1916 Society and the Matt Fitzpatrick Society gathered at Derrykerrib, Newtownbutler on Saturday to lay wreaths and lilies, before travelling to Monaghan town and Bellaghy in Co Derry to join further commemorations.
To read more on this story see this week’s Fermanagh Herald. Can’t get to the shop to collect your copy? No problem! You can download a copy straight to your device by following this link… Subscribe to current edition
Related posts:
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere