There is a hypothesis in this world that leaders are born and not made. But the Irish people, through all their struggles and toils, have always been able to produce a proverbial “man of the moment” when required. Whatever you think of their politics, Michael Collins, DeValera and Sean Lemass were all authoritative figures who held ideas about what direction of travel in which to go.
Now I write this purely as a collection of personal thoughts on my own behalf. My first loyalty is always to the people of this country, not to any political party or ideology. But in saying that, I was born a Shinner and I’ll die a Shinner; it’s congenital – I couldn’t change it anymore than I could the colour of my eyes.
A century from now, all the history books worthy of that name will record the seismic contribution of one man in particular, who has seen down a host of British and Irish Prime Ministers, a list of American Presidents and countless world statesmen. Like all leaders, he isn’t without his flaws, but in his capacity and under his stewardship, this island has been transformed under his guidance of a critical movement of patriots. I’m referring of course to Gerry Adams. The man who once saved republicanism from the old Fianna Fáil error of shifting to the Nationalist Right. And the man who has grown Sinn Fein into an formidable election winning machine against all odds waged by the entire Free State and British Establishment.
People in their daily lives don’t often have the time to fully look back and think of what life was like during the conflict, of how frightened the Nationalist people were to go out at night – even to their local pub. They don’t recall that Catholics had next to nothing in terms of prospects, because now they occupy the dominant educational and socio-economic positions in the Northern economy. Nationalists are and will continue to be long into the future, the powerful demographic bloc within both the public and private sectors. Although much work has still to be done, that is the dividend of peace; no more a persecuted minority but a confident and buoyant class of people, with the wind at their backs and a real future in the stars. The essence of time will reveal, by any statistical measure, what some Unionist politicians know deep down – that Republicans, in the grander scheme of things, have undoubtedly won. For the question now is not will partition ever end, but when will it end.
So given those facts, I would support Gerry Adams’ leadership until his final breath on this Earth, whatever some detractors may snarl about him. And I hope he will continue to lead Sinn Fein to the point of occupying a dominant, if not the dominant, role in a 26 county, and all-Ireland government. No candidate is more qualified to shepherd the destiny of this nation when you observe those achievements. A family-man from the deprived streets of West Belfast playing a transformative role in our history then and now. Whether you like him or not, any analysis would conclude that he is a leader. Does anyone in People Before Profit have such a CV by way of polite comparison? Or for that matter, any of the other political parties?
In terms of the North, it is known that Martin McGuinness is not in the best of health. I won’t speculate on that issue out of respect because it is a personal matter and none of my business. But I personally quite like the idea of Connor Murphy as Joint First Minister and Mairtin O’Muilleoir continuing as Finance Minister. Therein would be the strong assurances to the republican heartlands, the working-class and to rural Ireland, under Murphy; And a gesture to the business community under Mairtin. I trust Connor Murphy, I shook his hand before at an event and he had a firm grip and reassurance in his eyes. Often, writers look for euphemisms to avoid being blunt but I have no qualms in saying that when it comes to his dealings with the Unionists or anyone else, Murph has “cojones” and remains a Republican to his finger-tips. Mairitin understands that the business of the Irish people must be business. That the task of Republicans in the North must be to help grow the economy so as to mitigate any financial obstacles to reunification, while creating an attractive economic appetite for ending partition among the people in the South.
I want to see the North possess the economic potential, living standards and developmental beauty which catches the eye and imagination of the population in the South. Put candidly, let whoever emerges as future leaders depict that we aren’t aiming to take part, we’re here to take over.
It’s up to Sinn Fein whom they choose as leaders and they, and Ireland, have been fortunate in having Gerry Adams, Martin McGuinness and others, who developed what had been a
movement of rebels with attitude into a formidable and mature political force.
It is not the movement’s history of armed resistance that horrifies Unionists, Fine Gael,
Fianna Fail and the ex-Stickies, all of whom shed blood in their time, but its proven ability
to widen its popular support.
Sinn Fein may not have a monopoly of wisdom, or even of virtue, but it seems to me that
it is the best party the country has.
I realise this is faint praise indeed.
“My first loyalty is always to the people of this country, not to any political party or ideology. But in saying that, I was born a Shinner and I’ll die a Shinner.” A mere contradiction – so your first loyalty is really to Sinn Fein and their ideology?
“I was born a Shinner and I’ll die a Shinner” – A politically naïve statement to make, Donal. Are you one of these people, who regardless of what Sinn Fein do or say, remain loyal to the party? Why?
“but a confident and buoyant class of people, with the wind at their backs and a real future in the stars.” Absolute and utter rubbish. Have you any fact or figures to back this claim up? I’d say those Nationalists who live their lives on the brink of poverty, those whose benefits have been cut (remember Sinn Fein handed the powers to the Tories to make these cuts), would challenge your comment. And what’s “real future in the stars” mean?
“The essence of time will reveal, by any statistical measure, what some Unionist politicians know deep down – that Republicans, in the grander scheme of things, have undoubtedly won.” How have they? What Unionist politicians know this? Last I noticed there was still British rule in the six counties and we are living in a Unionist dominated power sharing arrangement – the evidence thus far is that Unionists have won.
“For the question now is not will partition ever end, but when will it end.” Where’s the evidence Partition will end? And don’t hit my with demographic change.
There are a lot of different loyalties held by the people of this country.
I am not loyal to all, and to some not in the slightest, but I do prefer the future Sinn Fein espouse above all others.
I do not like where Sinn Fein have been, too far to the left, but I do like where they are going and Donal is correct, a strong economy will be essential in the north to reunify this island. It will always be ruled from Dublin however, so the north will not take over Ireland, Dublin must take control over Sinn Fein.
Since Donal was born and will die a shinner, he wont mind though.
“I’d say those Nationalists who live their lives on the brink of poverty, those whose benefits have been cut (remember Sinn Fein handed the powers to the Tories to make these cuts), would challenge your comment.”
That is a bit crass TH.
The north as you say remains unionist dominated and only demographics will change that.
Sinn Fein have bent over backwards to show tolerance towards the protestant / unionist community and was threw back in their faces.
What more can they do to speed it up other than try the same failed unionist tactic of mass pogroms and street burning?
We are in the end stages, over the unionist majority who are on the downhill slope to political irrelevance.
Now is the time to build our economy not trash it.
I don’t want a walk out hissy fit or petty no confidence motion against Arlene. I want a judicial review and either a declaration of incompetence, or criminal charges over negligence or fraud depending on the outcome.
I also want the DUP to take back the money and break the promise Arlene made to the bank and to them, to guarantee the profit margins.
Walking away wont get back the money and will do nothing for those on the brink of poverty which is not only on the nationalist community.
Tribal politics is over, we cant look after the poor based on religion or politics no matter how pissed off some nationalists get.
And I recall as Catholics we had to work twice as hard to get half as much and the majority of us did,
The days when donning an orange sash guaranteed you the job or a poppy on the windscreen got you through a checkpoint unhindered are long gone.
But yes, british rule remains in Ireland.
Sinn Fein are doing more than any other group to remove it, only Dublin can make any real change in the timeframe beyond the slow change in demographics.
I too got angry with them for DUP arrogance, but I now see past that.
The battle for change is not in Stormont or even in the north, it is in Dublin.
Jessica, “north as you say remains unionist dominated and only demographics will change that” Can you explain to me how demographics will change political ideology? This used to be the Sinn Fein argument that changing demographics would make a United Ireland inevitable – they have somewhat had a rethink of this and realised how simplistic a thought it is.
“Sinn Fein have bent over backwards to show tolerance towards the protestant / unionist community and was threw back in their faces.” I agree, but Donal’s idol, Gerry Adams, has certainly undid some of this progressive work through comments he made – “break the b*******” and “Trojan Horse” et al.
“unionist majority who are on the downhill slope to political irrelevance.” How are they? Where’s the evidence of Unionism on a downhill slope? Unionism is as politically relevant today as it has been in the past. Still in control of the Northern Ireland State, like they have always been, albeit, with a partner who is in essence a lapdog and willing to appease them at every opportunity.
“Tribal politics is over” You are the one making the link between demographics and voting patterns. And, again where is the evidence Tribal politics is over?
“Sinn Fein are doing more than any other group to remove it.” What are Sinn Fein doing to remove it?
“The battle for change is not in Stormont or even in the north, it is in Dublin.” And when’s Dublin going to take an active role in this “battle for change”?
Demographics will never change political ideology TH and only Dublin can reunite this country.
Until Dublin is courting the north with the aim of uniting the country for the benefit of all of our people, it simply isn’t going to happen, period.
Do you seriously think the SOS can call a border poll without Dublin giving him the ok?
While Michael Noonan doesn’t consider the Irish citizens in the north worth it, what are the chances of that happening any time soon?
” I agree, but Donal’s idol, Gerry Adams, has certainly undid some of this progressive work through comments he made – “break the b*******” and “Trojan Horse” et al. ”
So, on the one hand you are claiming Sinn Fein are too weak, then you criticise Gerry Adams for speaking out even though the words are completely true and accurate?
I can think of a few bastards up in Stormont who still need to be broken and equality is exactly what will break any bigotry and therefore his remarks remain accurate in my eyes. The DUP and their supporters will never change and Sinn Fein have proven it beyond any doubt.
Not by squabbling in Stormont but by making a genuine and undeniable effort at reconciliation.
” How are they? Where’s the evidence of Unionism on a downhill slope? Unionism is as politically relevant today as it has been in the past. Still in control of the Northern Ireland State, like they have always been, albeit, with a partner who is in essence a lapdog and willing to appease them at every opportunity. ”
I am in no doubt that the unionist electorate has already crossed their electoral peak and is on the downward slope.
It will accelerate over time in a gradually steeper decline.
Everyone will need to make their mind up though.
“Tribal politics is over” You are the one making the link between demographics and voting patterns. And, again where is the evidence Tribal politics is over?”
I have no longer any interest in northern politics, or unionist / nationalist squabbles in Stormont, only in Sinn Feins success in Dublin.
The 6 county state is finished and the conflict with britain is over..
Any future conflict could well be fought over all 32 counties.
“Sinn Fein are doing more than any other group to remove it.” What are Sinn Fein doing to remove it?”
They are building the party over the remaining constituencies around Ireland where they had no presence or therefore votes in the last election, they are bringing in the best of the young talented politicians in Ireland, they have the majority support of the youth of Ireland, they are working hard over 32 counties to show leadership and challenge the real opposition to Irish unity which is not unionism but the southern establishment. They have already guaranteed further growth and it is only a matter of time before they control Dublin.
My question to you, who is doing more than Sinn Fein for the whole of Ireland?
“The battle for change is not in Stormont or even in the north, it is in Dublin.” And when’s Dublin going to take an active role in this “battle for change”?”
When Sinn Fein are elected to lead from the Dail and unlikely before then.
Exactly why the Stormont and the north should be considered less important to northern nationalists than what happens in Dublin.
“Demographics will never change political ideology” – What’s your argument on demographics, then? What will demographics change?
” then you criticise Gerry Adams for speaking out even though the words are completely true and accurate.” I am criticising Adams for the manner in which he deliver his analysis of Unionism – His way of expressing his views doesn’t really fed into the Sinn Fein agenda of embracing Unionism with open arms, instead it feds into their fear mentality that they thrive upon.
“The DUP and their supporters will never change and Sinn Fein have proven it beyond any doubt.” Why do they continue to work alongside and appease the DUP?
“I am in no doubt that the unionist electorate has already crossed their electoral peak and is on the downward slope.” I ask again, where’s the evidence to substantiate this claim?
“The 6 county state is finished.” How is it?
“They are building the party over the remaining constituencies around Ireland where they had no presence or therefore votes in the last election, they are bringing in the best of the young talented politicians in Ireland, they have the majority support of the youth of Ireland, they are working hard over 32 counties to show leadership and challenge the real opposition to Irish unity which is not unionism but the southern establishment. They have already guaranteed further growth and it is only a matter of time before they control Dublin.” How is this removing the British presence in the North?
“My question to you, who is doing more than Sinn Fein for the whole of Ireland.” Doing more what?
“When Sinn Fein are elected to lead from the Dail.” When will that be? Is it ever likely possible? They had high hopes in the 2016 General election and, in my opinion, their result didn’t live up to expectation or what opinion polls were predicting.
“What’s your argument on demographics, then? What will demographics change? ”
The opinions of the older population will be replaced with that of the younger generation. Support for Fine Gael and Fianna Fail is declining and support among the younger generation of Irish for Sinn Fein is on the increase all over this island – most importantly in the south.
“I am criticising Adams for the manner in which he deliver his analysis of Unionism – His way of expressing his views doesn’t really fed into the Sinn Fein agenda of embracing Unionism with open arms, instead it feds into their fear mentality that they thrive upon.”
Sinn Fein do not need to embrace Unionism with open arms, or even give a hoot about unionism whatsoever – it is irrelevant.
They do need to build stronger relations with the british state, Irelands largest trade partner and get their buy in to a united Ireland with a new relationship between both islands and they do need to act responsibly and be seen to be acting responsibly internationally. These are extremely important.
The DUP can behave as irresponsibly as they like, they do not have anyone’s interests other than their own to consider, but this will help turn the british people against them I believe.
Sinn Fein are giving them all the rope they want and taking a lot on the chin but have not deviated from their overall objective.
Nationalists being pissed off with unionism or even Sinn Feins strategy is hardly going to be an obstacle for Irish unity.
It will damage them electorally and prolong the period of unionist majority as nationalists stop voting for Stormont.
They will lose the support of far left socialists which I also think will be a good thing.
As I said, tribal politics is ending which means Sinn Feins future electorate will be of both religions and take in more of the middle and working class all across Ireland.
If they are to lead a united Ireland then they will need to have good working relationships with global leaders all over the world which Stormont was helping them achieve at the UK tax payers expense.
“Why do they continue to work alongside and appease the DUP? ”
No other choice.
Stormont needs to fall, it is only a matter of timing.
It looks to me as though the DUP want to milk its last few years to line the pockets of their supporters.
Sinn Fein in my view are using it to grow Irelands economy as a whole and to communicate Irelands future plans with world leaders.
What harm is the DUP doing towards moving to a united Ireland?
“How is this removing the British presence in the North?”
British presence in the North will never be removed until Dublin wants it removed.
Until you accept this reality, you may as well beat your head off a brick wall.
At the moment ONLY Sinn Fein support removing the british presence from Ireland and are arguing that we CAN afford it, and demonstrating they CAN build our economy through unity.
What better way is there?
“My question to you, who is doing more than Sinn Fein for the whole of Ireland.” Doing more what?”
Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have no interest in the north.
They follow a partitionist agenda and will for as long as they can as it is easier for them, same as London try to distance themselves also.
Same also with the northern parties such as the SDLP who have not yet prepared for 32 county politics. I don’t know how far along they are in establishing themselves in the 26 counties as I have heard nothing about it. Therefore, the only party promoting a 32 county Ireland and putting forward policies based on the whole of Ireland is Sinn Fein.
I ask you again, what party is doing more to promote the best interests of ALL of the people of Ireland.
“When Sinn Fein are elected to lead from the Dail.” When will that be? Is it ever likely possible? They had high hopes in the 2016 General election and, in my opinion, their result didn’t live up to expectation or what opinion polls were predicting.”
It wasn’t possible with the number of constituencies they had zero presence in and they faced a media bias onslaught I am still recovering from.
It also divided the country more than expected and hurt the media. I have detected I believe a softening in RTE since and while there will undoubtedly still be more attacks in future I doubt there will be the same stigma against voting Sinn Fein.
They are growing and the evidence is there that the younger generation support Sinn Fein in greater numbers.
My opinion is that they will.
I have no evidence, these are only my opinions.
I would be very interested in hearing yours as I do see where you are coming from and there is no guarantee that my views are right?
I would agree with Conor as Joint FM but I think the next Presedent of Sinn Fein after Gerry Adams should be Pearse Doherty. He has an appeal to those traditional FF and FG supporters who are disenfranchised with the current set ups in both parties.
A family man?
His niece Aine might disagree.
When Gerry Adams became aware of what was going on, the offences had already occurred. They were not on going. How do you wind back the clock? Granted Gerry could have kicked the lining out of his brother, but what would have been the point? His obvious resort would be to involve the RUC but how many nationalists would, given their record. Btw her name might be Áine.
“When Gerry Adams became aware of what was going on, the offences had already occurred. They were not on going. How do you wind back the clock? Granted Gerry could have kicked the lining out of his brother, but what would have been the point? His obvious resort would be to involve the RUC but how many nationalists would, given their record. Btw her name might be Áine.”
What could he have done and what would have been the point??
He could have told the police and helped put his brother in gaol in order to protect children from.the potential of child abuse.
One man’s police is another man’s terrorist. Why should Irish people have to involve themselves with British policemen when they are not on British soil nor when they are not British people.
fiosrach
Of course.
Better to just let Liam go about his business and hope he doesn’t do it again!
Must never sully ourselves with the SSRUC, unless our car has been nicked but that is more important than mere rape victims.
“One man’s police is another man’s terrorist. Why should Irish people have to involve themselves with British policemen when they are not on British soil nor when they are not British people.”
Well, in this particular case, it would be to protect children from a paedophile. More generally, it is a public duty to help keep society safe and bring criminals to justice.
I find it strange that you compare PBP and Sinn Féin. Rather than being fixated on PBP Sinn Féin must focus on winning back votes in their traditional strongholds and on attracting the votes of young people. This means candidates that will represent and policies that are going to improve people’s lives. The party needs to reconnect, listen to people’s concerns and focus of addressing some of those concerns.
Superb post Donal, your comments, in my humble opinion, reflect the feelings of most right-thinking nationalists and republicans throughout Ireland. Time is on our side. By the way MT, any chance you could give us a break from the cut-and-paste form of debate? it does become tiresome after a while and I feel adds little or nothing to the discussion.
It’s nice to be able to trust and rely on your police force, isn’t it? I wonder why they were disbanded. The reason people involve the police in car thefts etc is because they have configured the law to oblige people to get their imprimatur in civil affairs. Eventually you will be punished if you don’t.
Now children, the reason we couldn’t do anything about Uncle Liam abusing you was because erm..unionists are bad,or something.
Anyway family man Gerry has been for a nice walk and a chat with him and Liam says he will try not to do it again! So fingers crossed eh!
“It’s nice to be able to trust and rely on your police force, isn’t it? I wonder why they were disbanded.”
They weren’t disbanded.
Yes,they were. We now have a shiny new police service – don’t we?
“Yes,they were. We now have a shiny new police service – don’t we?”
The police service was renamed and given a new badge.
Interesting article on state papers – Future top judge was critical of RUC and UDR
http://www.irishnews.com/news/2016/12/30/news/future-top-judge-was-highly-critical-of-ruc-and-udr-1986-document-claims-856637/
“your comments, in my humble opinion, reflect the feelings of most right-thinking nationalists and republicans throughout Ireland.”
What comments? “Most right thinking” – how many?how do you know the feelings of most right thinking Nationalists and Republicans throughout Ireland?
Ok, MT so if they weren’t disbanded, are you suggesting what we have now is the continuity RUC? Only askin like.
Freddie, I think that MT has finally committed himself. All nationalists knew it was a rebranding and now we have MT in agreement. Just as the A Specials were reprimanded as the RUC in the twenties. Same team same target.
Sorry. Rebranded
GB maybe you could clarify if you are condemning Adams from a British legal point of view or from your moral point of view.
fiosrach
Is that the best you can do?
Everyone has a duty of care towards children whether it is under British law. Irish law or even IRA law.
So to reiterate I don’t think Aine would consider Uncle Gerry to be much of a family man, do you?
I was looking to know what your complaint was. Has Adams broken any law? I must have missed his conviction.
Some hard facts. The DUP, at least until “cash for Ash, was running rings round Sinn Fein who now look old and tired. Gerry Adams served the party well but is no longer fit for purpose. (At least the DUP got rid of Paisley and Robinson when they became electoral liabilities; in spite of protestations of loyalty they will likely do the same with Foster) There is no one in the north with a scintilla of charisma as a public spokesperson except perhaps Michelle Gildernew who is largely sidelined and Michelle O’Neill. Mairtin O’Muilleoir and Conor Murphy have bought into the neo-liberal package. The apotheosis of SF’s electoral ambitions in the republic seems to be a grubby alliance with the DUP’s southern sister-party Fianna Fail’
who will not have anything to do with them while Adams is leader. If they do coalesce with FF after Adams’ demise they will lose most of their working class and intellectual radical support. They will subsequently follow Labour into near oblivion and irrelevancy. The ragbag of dissident confusionarios, mostly mired in criminality,, riddled with informers and with no coherent strategy offer nothing but brutal,pointless, elitist assassinations, internecine feuds and young lives wasted in the Maghabery hell-hole. I am a life-long secular socialist republican. I am nearly 70 years old and am realistic enough to sadly acknowledge that there will be no is the united Ireland in my day. The best I can hope for is an Independent Scotland and the disintegration of the United Kingdom.
“The best I can hope for is an Independent Scotland and the disintegration of the United Kingdom.”
Why do you hope for that?
I would say that most people would consider FG as the DUP’s southern sister-party