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national | miscellaneous | news report

Wednesday April 06, 2005 16:42

by Séamus Ó Cadhain

Adams Speech

The following is the text of the Gerry Adams speech, currently being delivered.

An address to the IRA

I want to speak directly to the men and women of Oglaigh na hEireann, the volunteer soldiers of the Irish Republican Army.

In time of great peril you stepped into the Bearna Baoil, the gap of danger. When others stood idly by, you and your families gave your all, in defence of a risen people and in pursuit of Irish freedom and unity.

Against mighty odds you held the line and faced down a huge military foe, the British crown forces and their surrogates in the unionist death squads.

Eleven years ago the Army leadership ordered a complete cessation of military operations. This courageous decision was in response to proposals put forward by the Sinn Fein leadership to construct a peace process, build democratic politics and achieve a lasting peace.

Since then despite many provocations and setbacks the cessation has endured.

And more than that, when elements within the British and Irish establishments and rejectionist unionism delayed progress, it was the IRA leadership which authorised a number of significant initiatives to enhance the peace process.

On a number of occasions commitments have been reneged on. These include commitments from the two governments.

The Irish Republican Army has kept every commitment made by its leadership. The most recent of these was last December when the IRA was prepared to support a comprehensive agreement. At that time the Army leadership said the implementation of this agreement would allow everyone, including the IRA, to take its political objectives forward by peaceful and democratic means.

That agreement perished on the rock of unionist intransigence. The shortsightedness of the two governments compounded the difficulties.

Since then there has been a vicious campaign of vilification against republicans, driven in the main by the Irish government. There are a number of reasons for this. The growing political influence of Sinn Fein is a primary factor. The unionists also for their part, want to minimise the potential for change, not only on the equality agenda but on the issues of sovereignty and ending the union.

The IRA is being used as the excuse by them all not to engage properly in the process of building peace with justice in Ireland.

For over thirty years the IRA showed that the British government could not rule Ireland on its own terms. You asserted the legitimacy of the right of the people of this island to freedom and independence. Many of your comrades made the ultimate sacrifice. Your determination, selflessness and courage have brought the freedom struggle towards its fulfillment. That struggle can now be taken forward by other means. I say this with the authority of my office as President of Sinn Fein.

In the past I have defended the right of the IRA to engage in armed struggle. I did so because there was no alternative for those who would not bend the knee, or turn a blind eye to oppression, or for those who wanted a national republic.

Now there is an alternative.

I have clearly set out my view of what that alternative is. The way forward is by building political support for republican and democratic objectives across Ireland and by winning support for these goals internationally.

I want to use this occasion therefore to appeal to the leadership of Oglaigh na hEireann to fully embrace and accept this alternative.

Can you take courageous initiatives which will achieve your aims by purely political and democratic activity?

I know full well that such truly historic decisions can only be taken in the aftermath of intense internal consultation. I ask that you initiate this as quickly as possible.

I understand fully that the IRAs most recent positive contribution to the peace process was in the context of a comprehensive agreement. But I also hold the very strong view that republicans need to lead by example. There is no greater demonstration of this than the IRA cessation in the summer of 1994.

Sinn Fein has demonstrated the ability to play a leadership role as part of a popular movement towards peace, equality and justice. We are totally commited to ending partition and to creating the conditions for unity and independence. Sinn Fein has the potential and capacity to become the vehicle for the attainment of republican objectives.

The Ireland we live in today is also very different place from 15 years ago. There is now an all-Ireland agenda with huge potential. ationalists and republicans have a confidence that will never again allow anyone to be treated as second class citizens. Equality is our watchword. The catalyst for much of this change is the growing support for republicanism.

Of course, those who oppose change are not going to simply roll over. It will always be a battle a day between those who want maximum change and those who want to maintain the status quo. But if republicans are to prevail, if the peace process is to be successfully concluded and Irish sovereignty and re-unification secured, then we have to set the agenda - no one else is going to do that.

So, I also want to make a personal appeal to all of you - the women and men volunteers who have remained undefeated in the face of tremendous odds.

Now is the time for you to step into the Bearna Baoil again; not as volunteers risking life and limb but as activists in a national movement towards independence and unity.

Such decisions will be far reaching and difficult. But you never lacked courage in the past. Your courage is now needed for the future.

It won’t be easy. There are many problems to be resolved by the people of Ireland in the time ahead. Your ability as republican volunteers, to rise to this challenge will mean that the two governments and others cannot easily hide from their obligations and their responsibility to resolve these problems.

Our struggle has reached a defining moment.

I am asking you to join me in seizing this moment, to intensify our efforts, to rebuild the peace process and decisively move our struggle forward.

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Comments (19 of 19)

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re- a previous comment

by hmmmmmmmm

Sat Apr 09, 2005 10:43

"there's no imperialism" (section).
cartoon in my local paper today - two people with telly boxes as heads on the sofa looking at "the box", (not the dvd or playstation the real thing good old original television) and the one "in control" (with the remote) turns to the other slightly (amazing what cartoons can communicate its quite an art) and says-
Well after the documentary on Prince Ranier, there's the Charles & Camilla wedding, and then a special on the conclave (and my mind filled in - thats what you do with cartoons you fill in the details) and the highlights of the papal funeral, and a biog of the prince of hanover who's in a coma, and a flashback to grace kelly, and then the news and then the movie- Star Wars.

there mightn't be a "imperialism" section here, but golly gosh there seems to be one on TV in the "real world".

100% agreement

by tomas o'cadhain

Sat Apr 09, 2005 04:53

"This is a strategy for winning votes and losing the war."

i agree with you 100%, and i believe that is actually why sinn fein exists today. they changed their own rules to be part of the situation that they tried to destroy for 30 years.

but hey, atleast now they have steady paychecks coming in from the british government, have british funded jobs to hand out to the "boys", and can afford really posh armani suits! so that's what our day will come really meant to the provos!!!!!!!!!!!

Barry's analysis depressingly accurate

Fri Apr 08, 2005 10:53

I'm afraid that I have to defer to Barry on this occasion. This latest and most Machiavellian round of choreography smack of cyncisim and opportunism. Moreover, for the 'back to war' brigade within republicanism - and many republicans who have stalled their lives to continue subterranean republican activities, some becoming jailed in doing so - this will seem like a plan hatched a long time ago, from the details of which they were kept in the dark.

They should feel like utter dupes, patsies, expendable men; people who have been used as leverage, part of a once august army that has now become an electoral expediency.

Adams shows himself as adept at calculating the public mood, skilled in manipulating even the most inhospitable of circumstances, but utterly inured to the ideological and moral implications of his actions. He plays, not to the discering politico or the media, but the lowest common denominator. This is a strategy for winning votes and losing the war.

What's next?

by raghailligh

Fri Apr 08, 2005 09:38

With the provo AC's imminent implosion, - and the magical transformation of the Volunteers into paid party 'activists' dedicated to insuring that Gerry Armani's parlimentary career track remains on course, what serious options actually exist now for regrouping and rebuilding a republican movement opposed to the GFA , and committed to core republican principles?

Let er' rip.

Adams statement

by Gunther

Fri Apr 08, 2005 04:23

I think I might agree with some of the things Barry said. The statement does semm to raise more questions than it answers. Why did Adams make this important announcement publicly and to look as though it is the first time that the 'ira' has ever heard of this suggestion from Adams? And yes, why would the 'ira' answer it publicly too? Anyway, I thought the 'ira' didnt even do anything these days except for issue statements from 'P O'Neill' and the odd killing and robbery. I thought this 'ira' an urban myth now anyway?

Seamus, please discuss new categories on the list

by Bzzzt...Dalek

Fri Apr 08, 2005 01:57

Indymedia exists as an internet community, a sort of virtual collaboration of interests to create the space. If you look at the list of topics already available - they reflect the interests and preoccupations of people who suggested the topics.

Mayday2004 is not an option for this post, I believe, but it is still a topic that receives reports, as does the ISF, the bin tax and EU. Maybe Workers Issues would fit? redjade has presented shots of republican demonstrations as elections or rights and freedoms recently. But you're probably right that there is no clean, non-judgemental category currently available.

If there is one to be found and agreed on I don't know - but may I suggest that this will not be found by debate on the newswire. It is an editorial decision and by Indymedia protocol this takes place on the editorial list - where the site is run. You are welcome to offer suggestions / discuss there. Here, some nasty editor will probably delete it.

On a non-dalek choice for the particular post - I would put the article in elections, but the debate in Ceasefire.

C.

surprise, surprise...IM commenting on this

by Barry

Thu Apr 07, 2005 22:10

Firstly we have to recognise the utterly false claim by Adams, that his statement is a personal appeal to the Provo Army Council.
Utter rubbish, since when did Adams begin communicating with an Army coucil through the medium of public statements and appeals ?

Rubbish. Even more nonsensical is the Provo AC "reply" to Adams . Since when did they begin communicating with him in the form of public statements ?

So why the pretence. Why this fraulent attempt to portray this to the Irish people as a 2 way, highly public conversation ?

Its patently clear that these statements are a choreographed exercise to prepare the base ahead of what was decided upon over a decade ago. Maybe even 2 decades ago. Sinn Feins total absorption into the colonial system. That is the real issue , not arms.

Having finally disposed of the last pretence that they will ever resort to revolutionary methods in the future the way is now clear for sinn fein and others to be asked to explain exactly what they intend to do about the core cause of conflict on this island - the denial of Irish sovereignty.

This current process is based upon the Hume Adams document. Hume remember does not even believe in the concept of a sovereign Irish nation defining himself as a post-nationalist.

While Sinn Fein continue to make the bizarre claim that unionism is in disarray and they are on course for Irish unity, the reverse is true.

Unionism is confident and entrenched behind Paisley. They will have stormont back and their undemocratic veto on unity is enshrined within the GFA.

Sinn Fein have only now, 11 years into their peace process, called on the free-state govt to issue a green paper on unity , whilst the SDLP has issued their own paper calling for Dublin to assist.

Laughably, the Dublin response was firstly to attend the launch of the SDLPs document, and then scupper it hours later declaring it a red herring. Dublin maintains the GFA is the only basis for unity available. As the GFA enshrines the unionist veto, It is now totally clear that none of them have any strategy whatsoever for Irish unity and the restoration of Irish sovereignty..

It is nationalism which is in utter disarray, republicanism is criminalised in the eyes of many ordinary people, and the British remain in total control of this nations destiny.

Statement

Thu Apr 07, 2005 18:27

As regards the heading, I realise that "Adams calls on IRA to embrace peace" might have been more appropriate, by I have to admit a fit of, well, not quite pique, at seeing that there is no Imperialism/(or to be less biased) British-Irish relations heading in the categories section. Surely Indymedia needs to be a little more plural in this regard.

As regards the statement, I think it is significant, but that it raises a lot more questions for the republican movement and what it has been doing for a number of years and whether the IRA is just now an electoral expediency.

Surprised Barry hasn't said more. ;-)

IRA 'considering Adams arms plea'

by repost - BBC

Thu Apr 07, 2005 14:13

The IRA is giving "due consideration" to an appeal by Gerry Adams for it to embrace politics and abandon the armed struggle.
The Sinn Fein leader said the climate was now right for the IRA to "fully embrace and accept" democratic means

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/4419839.stm

its not misc., nor is it theological or Kontra-theological...ITS OTHER PRESS! BASQUE Reaction:-

by iosaf - ( LOL )

Thu Apr 07, 2005 11:53

but its interesting! & all over "other press".

my God man, why didn't you give a "clear and meaningful title"? and the "its not miscellanous as the subtitle?

Anyways, the Lehandakari, (Basque taoiseach) has described Gerry Adam's move as politically couragous to the radio SER and has called on the leader of ETA's political wing Ortegi to follow suit.

And all the spanish media have picked up on this statement with the words "sincere", "couragous" "timely" et cetera. Even some right wing media is linking to good old fashioned catholicke values and democracy (¿?) but one title has alledged that SF are "power hungry for the UK elections".
--- (you can never get some people to understand ireland or the uk i assure ye)

The Basque is currently in the lead up to its regional parliament election, (in case you've forgotten) which most soundings indicated will see the current tripartite re-elected. The lead up has not been without further ETA arrests throughout Spain or a diminished threat of terrorist violence.
HB has been ilegalised since Aznar's days as ye know, and the remaining deputies in the parliament such as Ortegi - may not stand again, for "having certain links to a terrorist organisation", so another party was recently formed but was almost immediately rejected by the judiciary and policeandthus dissallowed fielding candidates.

The Lehandakari said that was a PP/PSOE joint decision to block a "pan-nationalist front" in the Basque, and then surprise surprise the Euskadi commies said they'd take the candidates on their lists and posters. This has foxed the "pan-spanish front" coz the communist party has absolutely no links with ETA in fact its a very very small communist party. (even considering how small communist parties can get - which is pretty small) (sure you could fill a snug in a cosy pub and call it a communist party and people would have no trouble believing you). But lets see how big this new communist no links with ETA but fielding outright independence sympathasizers with ETA party will do in the election.

in spanish:-
http://www.cadenaser.com/articulo.html?d_date=&xref=20050407csrcsrnac_6&type=Tes&anchor=csrcsrpor
http://www.lavanguardia.es/web/20050407/51181120520.html

Out of Reach

by Il papa

Thu Apr 07, 2005 11:34

Janet: gerrymandered jogging machines?. .
Its obviously a British plot to kill off republicans through obesity and lack of proper sauna facilities.

His speeches always remind me of something you'd hear at a 1930's political rally in Berlin.

These guys are dangerous, and this latest propaganda piece is, as pedro so rightly said, just to lure fools back out to vote for Sinn Fein.

Something occurred to me today actually regarding the language used when talking (or NOT as is more often the case) about IRA arms.
it is never "Disarmament, Disarming" etc, Instead they use the nicely ambiguous 'putting their weapons out of reach'. OUT OF REACH
what is that supposed to mean?. Is that like "keep medicines OUT OF REACH of children"
The top shelf, In the attic, at the end of the garden? Out of reach of Whom? Dublin , London, PSNI, ? out of reach of IRA Loose cannons who like to police their neghbourhood with IRA weapons theyre supposed to be looking after.

Imagine the headline "Reagan gorbachev agree to put Nuclear Arsenal Out of reach" would Hardly have been reassuring.

I cant understand why so many people WANT to believe Gerry Adams. He is a liar and a propagandist - a good one incidentally. But he lies , blatantly, and continually, . Or even worse; he has no appropriate measure of control over the IRA, either way -he's either lying or you just cant trust him.

leisure facilities

by barry

Thu Apr 07, 2005 10:57

yep, the next time any of us are in marbella or bulgaria we are welcome to have a dip in the jaccuzzi

Creative fund raising

by Janet

Thu Apr 07, 2005 00:24

The british government were going to hand over £70 million to loyalist paramilitary groups to regenerate their areas, yet no money was earmarked for desolate republican areas.

Deprived loyalist areas are served by the Ballysillan, Avoniel, Shankill, Valley, Robinson, and Grove leisure centres.

Just this week Doctors were recommending exercise to combat, depression, anxiety and stress, as a substitute for anti-depressants and valium.

Yet sprawling republican areas only have Andytown, and Beechmount leisure centres.

Is it any wonder republicans may have been forced to resort to creative fund raising activities to ensure their communities may eventually have equality of access to leisure facilities.

Beware

by pedro

Wed Apr 06, 2005 20:37

I still wouldn't get into a bar room brawl with any of them for at least another few years - especially where the locals, maybe up to seventy appear to be deaf and dumb and blind. Why didn't Gerry ask them to hand back the Northern bank cash, it woud be a start. Feeling it may be an election ploy was'nt there one announced yesterday - it might just tempt the floating foolish voter to be foolish once more. I Think Gerry might know what the IRA's reply will be as his face appears on the other side of the coin as well.

new campaign

by o'cadhain

Wed Apr 06, 2005 17:39

blahblahblah is correct, maybe we should start posting gerry pancakes and waffles.

IRA TO SURRENDER

by Tomas

Wed Apr 06, 2005 17:37

sinn fein is no longer a radical/revolutionary/alternative political party option in ireland. after turning in weapons, joining stormont, receiving the crown's paycheck, criminalizing republican prisoner status, beating and killing republicans who dare not follow sinn fein's leadership....they now ask the ira to surrender. mark my words, one day soon sinn fein will ask their grassroots to join the new ruc and will then help stop, arrest, and jail any republican resistance that does not follow sinn fein's leadership. just because people vote sinn fein, does not make them all republicans!!!! so much for the sinn fein slogan of "brits out"! sinn fein will never mention that there are more british troops in northern ireland than in iraq.

Waffle for the riff-RAff

by blahblah

Wed Apr 06, 2005 17:27

You have to admit though, even if he is selling his comrades and principles down the Swanee, Gerry is still one of the greatest wafflers of all time.

What topic?

by Badman

Wed Apr 06, 2005 17:13

Hmm, good question. I think indymedia needs a new topic, something like "empty high-faluting rhetoric from power hungry politicians who have sold their principles for armani suits".

gerry forgot one thing

Wed Apr 06, 2005 17:12

gerry forgot to say, hand in yer weapons and prepare to join the new RUC.

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