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Worrying Times for Vulnerable Nationalist Communities

05/02/10

éirígí chairperson Brian Leeson has today [Friday] warned that vulnerable nationalist communities cannot be sacrificed to secure the transfer of limited justice and policing powers to Stormont.

Speaking following the announcement of a deal between the Six County establishment parties and the Dublin and London governments Leeson said: “While today’s announcement was heavy on spin, it was very light on detail. It is clear, however, that the DUP and Sinn Féin have agreed some form of trade-off on the issues of policing and sectarian marches.

“It is inconceivable that the DUP would have agreed to that trade-off without securing concessions on sectarian marches through nationalist areas. The position of those communities across the Six Counties which have steadfastly resisted sectarian marches must therefore be weaker today than it was yesterday.

“Sinn Féin, and to a lesser extent the SDLP, must now be asked what price have they have paid to the DUP and the British government. Have they agreed to sacrifice the people of the Garvaghy Road on the altar of British policing and justice?

“The document released at Stormont today outlines an 11 month process designed to address the issue of sectarian marches. Like many republicans and nationalists, I wonder if that process will not simply be a charade of consultation with the outcome already decided.

“We in éirígí unequivocally support the rights of all the people of Ireland to live their lives free from sectarian discrimination and harassment. To those communities who have bravely resisted sectarian marches in Portadown, on the Ormeau Road, in Dunloy, in Ardoyne and elsewhere, éirígí want to take this opportunity to extend our support, both moral and practical.”

On the issue of the limited transfer of powers to Stormont, Leeson continued: “I have no doubt that Sinn Féin and the SDLP will present today’s deal as some form of victory for nationalists and republicans. But instead of victory, today’s deal is nothing but the latest in a long line of defeats at the negotiation table.

“The most basic study of Irish history demonstrates that British governments have always been willing to allow loyal subjects to administer British rule in Ireland – once that loyalty has been established beyond question.

“Regardless of the so-called transfer of policing and justice, the PSNI will remain a British paramilitary force, administering British laws in support of the British legal and judicial system.

“Stormont can no more deliver on policing and justice than it can deliver on housing, healthcare, employment or education. Just like Leinster House in the Twenty-Six Counties, Stormont has failed and will continue to fail the people of Ireland.

“éirígí remains totally committed to building popular opposition to the PSNI and British rule in Ireland, an opposition which we intend to step up over the coming weeks and months.”

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