I seem to have upset a few people on your blog Jude. I would first of all like to apologise to anyone I have offended. I suppose I can be a little hot-headed and my temper has got the better of me.
I don’t know about anyone else, but recent events have certainly changed things for me. They are changes that I don’t yet fully understand however, so if I sound somewhat confused at the moment it is because I am.
Some have accused me of turning unionist. I certainly wouldn’t agree with that, I don’t think there is anything that could make me accept British rule anywhere on this island. And therein arises the first difference: a great many in the free part of this island have no problem with Britain imposing their rule on another part of the island so long as it isn’t at their back door.
But on consideration, I suppose I can see how different it is, living in the south where there is no bigotry, no sectarian marches, no issues over the flying of the union flag and you are just getting on with things and constantly reading about the mad people up north. You would just start ignoring it all, decide never to go there and let it fade into nonexistence.
I would like to say I would never do the same, but on reflection, I suppose it is human nature. I think of the starving people in Africa and the third world, yes it is terrible, but it is far away so it doesn’t take up much of my thoughts.
I see the killing and conflicts in Palestine, Syria, Iraq and many other nations and yes I feel empathy with them, but again, it is far away and doesn’t take up much of my thoughts.
There are many homeless people in Dublin, what am I doing to help them? Nothing.
There are probably more people struggling in the south where the recovery has not been distributed evenly. What am I doing to help them? Nothing.
What can anyone in the south do to help make things better in the north? I can’t think of anything.
I think the nastiness of the recent elections followed by the disappointment over the 2016 Rising commemoration and some thoughtless comments have disheartened me and I have simply lashed out which does no one any good.
There are certainly changes taking place and whether they be for the better or worse I do not know, but I would like to apologise for my overreaction.
It’s not like there is a lot we can do about it anyway.
No worries Jessica – it’s good to get some thoughts from Unionists such as yourself.
I am very happy to note your full delight at our President’s magnificent whole-hearted endorsement of the Rising and the biggest parade in the history of the independent State through Dublin City centre when the State put the Rising firmly centre-stage in the struggle for Independence. I can well imagine it must have been a huge disappointment to Unionists such as yourself.
Who knows, it may well be in a Re-United Ireland we might invite your Orange Order lads on March 17th to march down O’Connell St. in Dublin – but then again they may not agree to come as it seems they really are only interested in marching where they are not welcome by Nationalist Ireland. – but you know that already.
Anyway, cheer up Jessica – a Re-United Ireland is inevitable.
Have a good one.
Most republicans from the South understand your frustration Jessica, We have to win the argument by peaceful means now Jessica. Trying to disconnect republicans from the North and South is what some members of both establishments want and the mainstream media is one of their tools. However, as has happened in Scotland, we need to try and build up the alternative media and spread the word. Jude and many others are doing a great job and we must try and expand the interest in Republican sites.
Bullykiller,
Beidh Eire fos ag Cait Ni Dhuibhir.
agus Confound the Begrudgers, Jessica.
Don’t let the b……s grind you down.
Pádraig Pearse is under attack, again, this time from the Peace People. According to
Betty Williams, the Easter Rising was,
“morally and ethically wrong.”
There are calls for religious leaders,
“to theologically assess blood sacrifice in Irish history.”
It was not all negative though, the writer did give a fleeting mention to,
“forces of domination and control.”
“…we can feel a deep sadness for the suffering the men of l9l6 (and Irish people) endured at the cruelty and violent military/political occupation of their country by the British…”
“According to Betty Williams, the Easter Rising was,“morally and ethically wrong.””
From a British perspective perhaps Iolar, but it was the Irish thing to do and that’s what’s important.
We should only be true to ourselves.
There is too much brit opinion in Ireland. That’s part of the problem.
Gabh mo leithscéal ó chroí, It was Máiread Maguire of the Peace People who made the statements.
Jessica
I like it when you’re angry…and find myself in some sympathy with your views. Tou don’t need to apologise for anything.
Hi Jessica. This things peak and trough. We are in a bit of a lull at the moment. A few breaking points must occur before things move on again eg a nationalist fm 2 of 3 meps. Also unionists by and large have a religious strength that drives them, we simply can’t match that on a continuous basis. The centenary celebrations showed there are allot of proud irish people out there. We just need to be given direction and positive leadership. Anyway Jessica I wish you well
“The centenary celebrations showed there are allot of proud irish people out there. We just need to be given direction and positive leadership.”
Ireland has been bereft of leadership for quite some time now.
I remember when Charlie Haughey was Taoiseach, he was also our Taoiseach in the north. The people here loved him. He was a good man.
He knew how to deal with the british.
I wonder what he would make of Fianna Fail today.
It is the responsibility of an Taoiseach to unite this country and remove the remaining British presence.
The British way is not the Irish way and it never will be.
I am from the north but live in Dublin & my belief is that northern nationalists were brought up to look south & unionists were brought up to look to England. The difference is that England has been largely loyal to the unionists, the south does not want to know and see nationalists as a problem they want little to do with.
“I am from the north but live in Dublin & my belief is that northern nationalists were brought up to look south & unionists were brought up to look to England. The difference is that England has been largely loyal to the unionists, the south does not want to know and see nationalists as a problem they want little to do with.”
Yes Bridget, I no longer feel we have the south to look to.
England’s main aims will be controlling what evidence of their past activities and their true participation in the conflict which they micro managed and not what’s best for the people here.
A real Taoiseach would be pressing for the truth to come out, to reveal to the world how Irish citizens were really treated in the north. Instead they seem to be complicit in this blatant cover up and have abandoned the Irish in the north for apparently growing their financial ties to England.
Can you imagine Charlie Haughey letting this go unchallenged?
We only need to look at the recent judgement backing the SOS decision to prevent the Kincora inquiry be handled within the Westminster team who would have the authority to release all evidence. Instead it must first go through the historical inquiries team which do not have any such authority and as we all know the involvement goes right to the cabinet through MI5 and MI6.
It is utterly deplorable that southern parties are content to allow this continue just to prevent the rise of Sinn Fein.
The impression I got Jessica was that you were despairing because of the attitude of the southern Government and the relentless attacks on Republicanism from the southern media, but none of this is nothing knew, its been happening for years but you are forgetting that the southern government and media don’t represent the views of the majority of citizens of the 26 counties, who poll after poll after poll, even during the heart of the troubles, were supportive of Irish Unity.
To be fair, Unionists have been exposed to much, much worse disheartening behaviour from the British Government. Look at the details of the Downing Street Declaration, where the British Government affirmed the right of the people of Ireland, North and South, to come together and resolve issues. The British Government accepted the “Irish dimension”, something Unionists aggressively opposed for decades. One senior British Government Minister confirmed in a speech that “We (Britain) have no selfish interest in Northern Ireland”. That was more or less disowning it but they wont leave until a majority wish for them to go. This was described at the time as “a knife through the heart of Unionism”.
Compare this to Britains attitude when it came to the Falklands and Gibraltar, where the UK wont even talk to Spain or Argentina about the territories.
Republicans should just keep pushing for Irish Unity. Sinn Fein has done very well in the Election in the South but there seems to be another one coming along soon enough so that provides another opportunity to do even better than before and hopefully Sinn Fein can double their previous set of TD’s to 28.
The issues that urgently needs addressed is low voter turnout amongst Republicans in the North and implementing equality.
Almost Ryan.
The fact is, Fianna Fail are no longer a republican party but a pro partition party.
The GFA has allowed them wash their hands off the north and as a result we have been forgotten.
Irish unification must be led by An Taoiseach, not by the only single all island republican party that we have.
If it weren’t for Sinn Fein, who would give a damn about re-unification?
It is not Sinn Feins efforts that are leading to voter apathy in the north, but the lack of interest and support coming from the south.
I think its time all of the people on this island made a choice, yes or no to unification so we know where we stand with one another.
A Reunited Ireland is inevitable Jessica.
The British do not want to know Unionists in the North – re-read Ryan’s post above.
I get the strong impression you have no clue about the people in this part of the country as if you did you would know of the overwhelming support for a Reunited Ireland.
“A Reunited Ireland is inevitable Jessica.
The British do not want to know Unionists in the North – re-read Ryan’s post above.
I get the strong impression you have no clue about the people in this part of the country as if you did you would know of the overwhelming support for a Reunited Ireland.”
Oh I enjoy Ryans posts kinvara, he is a highly intelligent and articulate young man and his parents should be very proud of him.
I also used to believe that a Reunited Ireland was inevitable, but I can assure you that in 2016, the majority of Irish citizens in the north feel like they have been forgotten about at best.
Fianna Fail are only interested in Fianna Fail and Fine Gael would support sinking the north beneath the waves, yet between them and their independent supporters must number over 70% of the southern electorate.
If there is the overwhelming support you suggest then there is a terrible complacency and tolerance for despicable behaviour in relation to reunification and that needs to be addressed.
I think a clear message needs to be sent to the Dail, stop pandering to unionism and the British and start putting Irish citizens first.
Your 100% correct Kinvara.
Irish Unity is inevitable. Sinn Fein is integrating things North and South. An all Ireland economy is the biggest prize to pursue and it makes good economic sense too, even the business community are backing an all island economy. Things like hospital services are on their way to being done cross border, things like Heart surgery, treatment for children are being done cross border. There’s many other examples like All Ireland electricity, all Ireland Gas, etc.
Jessica does make one valid point and that is we need an Taoiseach who will actively pursue Irish Unity and that we don’t have at present and haven’t had for decades. But it will come as no surprise to many if Gerry Adams or Mary Lou McDonald is An Taoiseach this time in 5 or 10 years time, I think that’s something Jessica isn’t thinking about. Even Alan Shatter, the former Fine Gael TD (he lost his seat last month) said if Sinn Fein become the official opposition in the South then they will be the Irish Government in 2021. But even if Sinn Fein never become An Taoiseach, the current political set up is sliding us into a United Ireland anyway, the border will just fade away….
Another economic crisis is on its way, on the same scale as the one in 2008. This will provide massive opportunities for Sinn Fein and one they will snatch at, just like they did in 2011.
I think Jessica is very pessimistic. I’m certainly not trying to insult you Jessica, I’m just saying your mind set, like many peoples, is pessimistic. In many ways I couldn’t blame you but I don’t think you understand how far Republicanism has come and what we have achieved, we are much closer to Irish Unity today than we ever were in the past but pessimism can be extremely self destructive, Unionism is a perfect example…..
“90% of all Battles are won by the enemy defeating themselves, not by your own actions” – Sun Tzu, Ancient Chinese General.
“You can never be defeated if you refuse to give up, never” – Bruce Lee
“Defeat is not when your enemy outwits you or beats you into submission. Defeat is when you choose to give up” – Bruce Lee
Ryan, I assure you, that I do not mean to be pessimistic and I would never forgive myself if I dampened your enthusiasm in any way.
You are a shining light.
Let me give you a crap analogy.
Lets say unity is a marriage, and like all marriages, when one partner loses interest and stops trying, it puts a strain on the relationship. Sometimes the other partner takes up the slack and gets on with things, other times it becomes too much and leads to separation or divorce.
In relation to Irish unity, lets say one partner has been taking up the slack for far too long now and it is time the other partner shipped up or shipped out.
It looks like there could well be a rerun of the election in May.
After the recent criticism of sinn fein not doing enough to help form a government in the dail, it will be I hope more difficult for the vilification process to continue from where it left off.
A grand coalition would see Fianna Fail members leave the party, some would move into Sinn Fein who would control the opposition and be in government in the next election.
A minority FG government might not be acceptable to FG but if it was would be a blatant attempt by Fianna Fail to control the opposition benches and be seen as denying the will of the people in removing FG and putting the party first which would allow Sinn Fein to criticise both parties from the opposition benches and eventually collapse the government with potentially a gradual disillusionment within Fianna Fail.
I expect there will need to be another election which I would hope post 1916 commemorations, unification would have at least some discussion in.
Unification is multifaceted.
Yes, the process has already begun and certain elements are well underway as you have highlighted.
Sinn Fein are being very careful not to push too far too fast to avoid causing knee jerk reactions within unionism which they are prone to.
At the same time, too much pandering and nothing to show for it will frustrate northern republicans who grow impatient with lack of progress, apathy must be at an all time high.
Almost 20 years on from the GFA and we have got as far as it was all republicans fault, veto veto veto and unionism must hold the post of first minister to continue our superiority complex.
But can we blame them, the southern media have supported this agenda, their fear of the rise of Sinn Fein more to do with controlling and clinging on to the corruption within the Irish state that Sinn Fein would bring to an end.
Sooner or later, a truth and reconciliation process needs to begin. This will include dropping the national security agenda the British are using to protect their name and many individuals within the establishment and their state forces.
It is disgusting that any Taoiseach would not pursue this but the current political set up is far from sliding us into a United Ireland, they are trying to put the genie back in the bottle to delay this as much as possible.
Why?
It makes their life easier. The north is a poison chalice which is why the British don’t want to know about it either.
I would be disappointed if it took 5 to 10 years for us to get a Taoiseach prepared to put Ireland first.
US citizens are entitled to vote for who leads the American nation from anywhere on the planet.
Irish citizens in the north are not entitled to vote for who leads the Irish nation from within the territory defined within the Irish constitution as being a part of the Irish nation.
Talk about back of the bus
I wouldn’t be too despondent Jessica. Don’t confuse the state and its media as examples that the people in the south don’t want unification. There’s a reason why issues like same sex marriage and abortion are held aloft by media/state as of vital importance. No matter how or how not these may be important to some people I would confidently predict that to the majority of people they are not. These type of campaigns are used as a distraction from tackling and indeed hiding much more pressing matters such as the rights of hundreds of thousands of Irish people in the north.
If a free state govt along with its cosy media decided to bombard its readers with the unification issue then I can guarantee that a lot of people would be talking about it. Alas it’s as fickle as that that some folk still take their lead from state and its media.
As I have said before win lose or draw a poll on unification will put these charlatans in an awkward place home and abroad. For far too long they have hinted that they are all for unification but erred on the side of caution by blaming militant republicans for stopping them campaigning for it. They made excuses. Now they have no excuse and so an outright yes from them is to be expected or else it will expose them as liars and frauds. Can you imagine how laughable it would be if Kenny and Martin decided to sit on the fence for such an important issue? Jaw dropping disbelief would resonate around the world at the ‘fighting irish’ who opposed uniting their country finally.
Personally speaking I have met lots of my country folk from the south and they know which side their bread is buttered. But one things for sure no matter if there is an outright rejection of unification I still have the right to demand that the six counties are afforded the same governance as that of the 26 counties. In fact the 26 counties really has no rhyme nor reason to block my demand.
“As I have said before win lose or draw a poll on unification will put these charlatans in an awkward place home and abroad. For far too long they have hinted that they are all for unification but erred on the side of caution by blaming militant republicans for stopping them campaigning for it. They made excuses. Now they have no excuse and so an outright yes from them is to be expected or else it will expose them as liars and frauds. ”
I agree WT
It is time to choose
If reunification is not what they want then I will still want Britain out of Ireland, its not like we haven’t been left to do it on our own anyway already.
Britain out is my first priority, reunification would be my preference, but not if they don’t want us.
Jessica
Anyone who accuses you of being a unionist is simply too far gone to be worthy of consideration, they’re the mirror image of the extremists within unionism who dub anyone who disagrees with their stance as a ‘Lundy’.
So, don’t apologise.
I was apologising for some of the language I used to make a point.
I did not mean to offend anyone but the words had the potential, but rightly or wrongly I felt needed to be said.
I do understand you have been given grief in relation to ‘lundy’ I still think you are a reasonable and likable person AG, it would be great if we could find some way to accommodate one another as equals in a new Ireland without Britain.
I don’t expect to have that problem from Irish republicans though. We fall out, fight and then make up. That is just the way we are.