Even though Sinn Fein has now achieved much electoral strength in the 6 counties, their power is still limited – thanks to the Orange Order, the Masons and the other secret societies that have held sway in the north since Partition.

These Secret Societies still hold a lot of power and influence politically and economically – and will continue to have much power and influence as long as Partition lasts. One leading Orange man in Fermanagh is buying up property in order to maintain the Orange influence in the county. There are signs of desperation and insecurity as the Orange now see the way the wind is blowing and how the demographics are changing in favour of an overall Nationalist majority in the 6 counties.

 

For 50 years, the Unionist party was closely connected to the secret societies. Their tactic was to deprive not only Catholics of power but also to deprive the Protestant working class of economic power. This party was made up of big landowners who inherited the property and wealthy businessmen. They gave the Protestant working class some marginal benefits in return for their vote. They were sure of jobs in the local constabulary and militia.  They organised a big day out every year on the Twelfth of July, giving them a platform for their bands and the displays of Orange regalia. Working class loyalists had some advantages when it came to jobs and housing – but the advantages were limited and were given in return for votes. This is how anti-Catholic sectarianism was promoted.

 

Authoritarian government has been a reality throughout history and it is very much a reality in the world today. You only have to mention Trump, Putin, Netanyahu, Orban, Xi Jinping,  Kim Jong Um –to name but a few. They too have their secret societies keeping them in power and determined to hold on to power and wealth at the expense of the poor.

According to Sarah Kendzior (We’re Heading into Dark Times):

 “Authoritarianism is not just a matter of state control; it is something that eats away at who you are. It makes you afraid…It compels you to conform and to comply and accept things you would never accept, to do things you never thought you would do.

“We are heading into dark times, and you need to be your own light. Do not accept brutality and cruelty as normal even if it is sanctioned. Protect the vulnerable and encourage the afraid. If you are brave, stand up for others. If you cannot be brave -and it is often hard to be brave – be kind. But most of all never lose sight of who you are and what you value.”

Resistance to authoritarian rule by ‘people who did not lose sight of who they are’ has also always been a fact throughout Irish history. Standing up to authoritarianism has cost many Irish people their lives.

The desire for freedom is the desire to be free from authoritarianism in any shape or form. Authoritarianism is deadly. It attempts to kill the spirit in people –to make them into zombies who follow the rules of the State. 

Freedom becomes very important to people when they are denied their rights to live as human beings in dignity and equality, to speak their own native language and create their own system of government. Some people are prepared to make huge sacrifices in order to achieve what they consider to be a fundamental human right –their political and cultural freedom. It is considered absolutely necessary for human development and for a real sense of identity. 

Since the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 many progressive political activists are working to achieve justice and democracy in a New Ireland-so that all people living on this island can enjoy equality and freedom. Only a New Ireland without the influence of Secret societies and British interference will provide the opportunity for justice and true democracy for all. 

In a New Ireland power will reside with those who are elected by the people -not with some shady unelected individuals or secret societies. At present even though Sinn Fein has strong electoral support their power is curtailed by the Secret societies.  

Freedom from British interference and from the influence of secret societies has yet to be achieved in Ireland. That struggle continues. The next step in bringing that about is the holding of a Border Referendum on the political future. A vote in favour of ending partition will create a new political dispensation in Ireland which would mean the end of Secret societies and an end of British involvement in Irish politics. 

 

To achieve justice, freedom and real peace, the government in Dublin will have to show decisive leadership and political nous by preparing for the Border referendum provided for in the Good Friday Agreement. Dublin will demand that the British government sets a date for a Border poll within a defined timescale. When the Dublin government does this, it will be clear to those of us who support the Good Friday Agreement that they are serious about creating a New Ireland. So far, there are no signs that Micheál Martin and his FF/FG coalition government are serious about bringing about a new democratic Ireland where everyone is treated equally.