Save The GPO! Éirígí And The 1916 Societies Take A Stand Against Cultural Vandalism
Activists from Éirígí and the 1916 Societies gathered outside the GPO in Dublin City Centre on Saturday, the 19th of July, to voice their opposition to the proposal of turning this historic building into a mixed-use, retail focused development.
The Twenty-Six County government recently signed off on the proposal, which is projected to include offices and numerous retail units. This proposal is just the latest example of the erosion of Ireland's revolutionary heritage in the face of modern commercialisation, cheer leaded by the Irish political establishment.
Éirígí activists and members of the 1916 Societies outside the GPO.
Large posters spelling out the message ‘Save the GPO’ were held outside that famous building, which served as the Republican headquarters during the 1916 Rising.
Those who fought and died during the revolutionary period did so in the name of a free Ireland founded on the core Republican principles of Liberty, Equality, Community, Justice and Democracy. This proposed plan for the GPO is an absolute insult to this powerful legacy.
SAVE THE GPO
The fight against this proposal is not only about protecting this historic site, it is also about protecting the legacy and vision of Easter week 1916, it is about remembering the past and imagining a better future. The political establishment have no interest in protecting that vision!
Their vision is one of an Ireland where the needs and wants of big business, corrupt bankers, dodgy landlords and other parasitic profiteers are placed ahead of the needs of ordinary citizens. Those who believe in a better society must take a stand against this act of cultural vandalism!
Éirígí activists and members of the 1916 Societies joined the IPSC organised demonstration passing by the GPO afterwards.
Éirígí is serious about not only defending the legacy of 1916, but also working to build a New Republic, like the one envisioned by the men and women who were stationed in the GPO on Easter Week 1916. If you are too, then join with us and play your part in the fight back!