Republicans mark Centenary at Stormont
Today, Republicans gathered in the grounds of Stormont to mark the centenary of partition. Carrying flags, posters and a large banner, they assembled at the feet of Carson, overlooking East Belfast.
Pól Torbóid, a spokesperson for Lasair Dhearg who had organised the event, said, “Today marks the centenary of partition. On this day, 100 Years ago, the government of Ireland Act came into force. As rebel forces waged a war for national liberation, the British state moved to secure its own interests. Supported by a counter-revolution and forces loyal to the crown, they cut our nation in two.”
“The state propagandists will attempt to white-wash that history, and speak of partition as though it is something to celebrate. As they do, we stand here today to say that supremacy is nothing to celebrate, neither is the denial of rights; nor poverty, or injustice or inequality. Instead, we remember those that died at the hands of state sponsored unionist death squads and those innocent victims of collusion. We remember those tortured in interrogation centres and those who were imprisoned without trial. We remember the women denied their healthcare rights, and we think of those discriminated against because of their language.”
“Our thoughts today are with the homeless, the houseless, and the jobless; and we think of those political prisoners locked up in its jails, including Brendan McConville and John-Paul Wootton – the Craigavon Two are innocent men, suitable scapegoats for the state militia.”
Pól said, “The centenary of partition isn’t something to be remembered fondly, it marks 100 years of oppression and discrimination; so today we mark it in a fitting manner, highlighting the inherent injustice at its foundation. To resolve that injustice, nothing less than a thirty-two County Socialist Republic will suffice.”
“Ar aghaidh linn le chéile – bígí linn.”
ENDS
