I’d like to start by saying that my role model and unequivocal hero in life has always been Martin McGuinness. I’m assuming that this information comes as no shock to the readers of this blog, given that my only other contribution to Mr. Collins’ excellent site was a tribute I penned upon Martin’s death, however, I wanted to reiterate the point at the start of this piece for a number of reasons.
Firstly, I want to make it clear that I’m not presenting myself as some sort of impartial or unaffected observer. I am a Republican. Unashamed and unabashed.
Another reason I felt it pertinent to mention my admiration for Martin is that the words and actions of the former Deputy First Minister have played a significant role in forming many of my opinions on a wide range of issues, in particular, equality and respect for other cultures.
Out of all the countless speeches that Martin made throughout his career, the quote that endures most fervently is thus;
‘I am so confident in my Irishness that I have no desire to chip away at the Britishness of my neighbours’
When Martin addressed the 2013 Sinn Féin Ard Fheis, who would have known that we had but a few short years left with him. However, with these words, Martin created a legacy that will live on long after we’ve all gone. Barely a day goes by where, during a lazy trawl down my newsfeed, I don’t see a picture of Martin with this quote emblazoned alongside him. Clearly, it struck a chord.
It also reached out the hand of friendship; note the use of the word ’neighbours.’ But, more than anything else, it showed leadership. With these few words, Martin McGuinness spoke to his people and he let it be known that, in no uncertain terms, there was nothing to be gained and no support to be had by attacking the culture of others. The stark contrast between Martin’s clear and determined leadership and Unionism’s unwavering silence was never more clear.
As I went to bed on the 11th July, I said goodnight to a city engulfed in flames. Flames fuelled by my national flag, by emblems of my religion, by pictures of the representatives who I use my democratic right to vote for and even by an effigy of Martin McGuinness himself. It didn’t matter whether it was sporting, political or cultural, anything vaguely Irish qualified to be burnt. Make no mistake, this is no celebration. These bonfires are designed to do one thing and one thing only; to remind me, and all other Irish people, that they are not welcome here in their own home country. Not welcome and not safe. The initials KAT plastered all over the towering infernos left no doubt about that.
And, as with every other year, they succeeded. I felt intimidated, I felt scared and I felt unwelcome. Job done, mission complete, success.
Nobody, and I mean that literally, should be allowed to make any other person feel like that. I don’t see any difference between burning the Union flag or the Irish tricolour and I’m not bothered by whose face is on their sick effigies. They are all wrong. Where I do see a difference is leadership.
In the spirit of Martin, Sinn Féin and other nationalist representatives have been united in their condemnation of August bonfires. Yet, while racist slogans are daubed on the 11th night fires alongside the familiar sight of burning flags and effigies, Unionism remains staunchly silent.
Emma Little-Pengelly’s response to the damaged apartment block in South Belfast?
‘It’s insured.’
I’m sorry, Emma, but this just isn’t good enough. Neither is it good enough when your colleagues, upon being challenged on the behaviours of some of the PUL community during marching season, go to default mode and bring up the IRA. ‘Ah, but look what they did!’ is not a justification, it’s not a coherent argument and, frankly, it’s spineless. I certainly can’t see it jockeying with Martin’s quote above for space on my newsfeed.
Is fheàrr teine beag a gharas na teine mòr a loisgeas.
I’ve noticed a trend that seems to have started with Unionists, that whenever Nationalists or Republicans complain about flags and posters being burnt on bonfires they always bring up the IRA burning people. It seems to be the Unionist default setting.
I agree totally with your comments John and thanks for sharing them. As an aside, if anyone thinks that any buildings which are damaged as a consequence of 11th night bonfires will be covered by insurance they are not living in the real world. No insurance company in their right mind would pay out in such circumstances.
Grma, James.
Well done, and a great view from the republican community
I Don’t know of any other country in the world who’s people would not view this behaviour as a declaration of war. It could be argued that is the intention behind it.
This is bullying, and denigration of a people,and culture, on a massive scale.
And your comment is full of hyperbolic nonsense a la Bryson.
The 14-year-old that wrote that banner is not a spokesperson for Unionism nor Loyalism.
Ok, it’s fair enough to highlight the banner, but to project it as the feelings of a whole community is balls.
Can we have less of your heat, and more of your light please.
Don’t see the leaders of unionism objecting or protesting about the behaviour of the so called 14-year olds huge Celt. Their silence speaks for itself. I have to agree with you when you say ”Can we have less of your heat, and more of your light please”, I presume you are speaking to the bonfire builders.
I think you’ll find Snarlene condemned it herself.
Great piece John. Like you I saw Martin McGuinness as a hero, my hero. Let’s not beat about the bush here, Martin went from being a soldier to a politician and that is something that struck a cord with me. Martin McGuinness preached peace and became a man who stood tall with some of the greatest freedom fighters in history such as Nelson Mandela for example.
If Unionists are so insecure in their nationality that they feel the need to burn our national flag, religious statues and symbols, effigies of elected representitives not to mention various international flags then let them be. It just shows their hate filled, sectarian attitude toward their Nationalist neighbours.
A very poiniant reminder of this disrespect came in form of a poster on a bonfire stating “F**K YOUR SHARED FUTURE”.
A thoughtful posting, John. As long as these hate filled infernos continue to be burned each year, as long as they continue to be unregulated in that everything and anything is put onto those fires, as long as Unionist political representatives turn a blind eye to them, as long at the police (or Assembly passing legislation to give them adequate powers) fail to deal adequately with them, we as a society, are stuck in a time warp. Any notion of a “shared future” will remain as a “dividied future.” The “culture” card to justify these infernos infuriates me. It is one that is used too often with little justification as to how this actually fits into a culture. How have we actually evolved from beacons to mass bonfires to commemorate the victory of William of Orange at the Battle of the Boyne? Culture most certainly is not a weapon to beat others with. Culture should not be about supremacy. Culture should not be about attacking other cultures. Culture should be welcoming with a spirit of reaching out and accepting other cultures as well as advocating the positive aspects of one’s cultural identity. In some or perhaps many instances these bonfires only serve to indoctrinate and further alienate young people and make them intolerant of everything and anything outside of their own little bubble. In the past, I have made pleas with Unionist political representatives and historians of the Unionist persuasion to contemplate replacing bonfires with a Feile type programme of events (I am assuming you are familiar with the Feile?) that could focus on the unionist / loyalist identity / culture and historical narrative. This has fallen on deaf ears. It’s a shame though.
If Martin McGuinnrss was your hero presumably you thought it was OK to bomb and kill? It strikes me as a bit hypocritical therefore to get upset about flags and posters being set alight on bonfires.
Your feelings are obviously hurt by this, which is understandable, but families and lives were destroyed by your heroes, and many still suffer, surely that is far worse.
I see you continue with this “If Martin McGuinness did then you must be” attitude but neglect tonmention that those in political Unionism have just as much blood on their hands as political Nationalism if not more.
Political Unionism after all seems to be fine meeting with Loyalist terrorist leaders mere days after they shot dead a father who was holding his 3 year old son but let’s not mention that just as it wasn’t brought up at the meeting between Arlene Foster and Stitt.
I may not be fine with Martin McGuinness’s membership of the IRA but hey, at least he admitted to being part of that organisation which is more than can be said for many members of political Unionism who although it can be proven were members of illegal organisations refuse to admit it.
I’m not sure what is meant by Political Unionism but assuming it means unionist politicians then clearly they don’t have as much blood on their hands as Martin McGuinness’s movement, which carries out hundreds of murders.
As for loyalists, I’m sure John doesn’t support them. He has only expressed support for violent republicanism.
I’m not sure how any of this is relevant. My point was about John’s hypocrisy.
One could be forgiven Hirst for believing unionist sectarianism and hate has steadily increased since the signing of the GFA.
Not remotely.
It has consolidated into two contesting, and competing, but ultimately peaceful camps for the narratives of History and Truth.
The guns remain silent.
A Future can be built on that shaky ground.
But we are going to have to catch ourselves on soon.
The guns remain silent? In Larne and Carrickfergus?
No even remotely silent especially not in Larne. The PSNI can seize paramilitary paraphernalia including UDA and UFF flags along with balaclavas but refuse to label it as ‘paramilitary paraphernalia’. Makes sense right?
The only answer is zero tolerance of all terrorist trappings. Parades, flags, murals. Ban them.
Sadly neither DUP nor SF would ever support such a move.
You’re not wrong there, MT. I assume that the Union Flag would come under your definition of ‘terrorist trappings’. After all, far more killings have been committed under that banner than those of every local paramilitary group combined.