A Comrádaithe,

On behalf of Lasair Dhearg I send solidarity and hope that you and your family are keeping well.

The Covid-19 crisis has exposed the true nature of capitalism and its inability to look after the health and well-being of the general population along with the failure of free market economics.

I hope that you have been following our activities on social media and have noticed that Lasair Dhearg and it’s various networks have been very busy this past week. Facing an onslaught by the ruling classes, amidst a global pandemic, we engaged in a series of activities aimed at raising awareness of our cause and safeguarding our community and class. I have listed some of these activities below.

Supporting health workers. 

VICTORY TO THE WORKERS – VICTORY TO THE NHS: Lasair Dhearg activists sprayed slogans along the Falls Road boundary of the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.

Targeting Businesses 
 Lasair Dhearg activists spray painted slogans on Sean Grahams bookmakers that has laid off all its staff without pay.

Targeting Businesses 
 Lasair Dhearg activists spray painted slogans on Sean Grahams bookmakers that has laid off all its staff without pay.

Randox Health has been profiteering from the crisis by selling Covid-19 home test kits for upwards of £140.

Lasair Dhearg has also been compiling a list of businesses that have been involved in exploitation or malpractice and we have been highlighting this through our social media channels.

Community Defence Committees

Lasair Dhearg moved to establish CDCs within Belfast and quickly created a network of Republicans, Socialists, Communists, Community,Youth Workers and Trade Unionists with three aims: 
  1. To identify key supplies and resources for distribution to those in need
  2. To tackle businesses involved in price gouging and exploitation
  3. The prevention of evictions
Having identified food supplies, the main activities of the Community Defence Committees thus far has been the distribution of food parcels and essential items. Those that have benefited from the programme have been families in isolation, with older members unable to leave the home, children that are normally in receipt of free school meals and those who are now in financial difficulties as a result of losing their main source of income.

None of this work would be possible if it wasn’t for the dedication and commitment of our activists on the ground, our wider support networks and for your continued support, and for that we are forever grateful.

Post Covid-19 will present new challenges for our class and it is essential that we are prepared and organised for the road ahead. It is the duty of all of us to promote the Socialist Republican message, to get active and identify supporters to our cause.

Adh mór oraibh agus bí sabháilte,

Éamonn Ó Cleirigh

Runaí Lasair Dhearg