Freedom of Cork, while the Union Jack flies high.

international | rights, freedoms and repression | press release Saturday June 21, 2008 17:44 by Seán Ó Murchú - Sinn Féin Poblachtach - Cork

21ú Meitheanh/June 2008

THREE LARGE Union Jacks flew from Cork City Hall yesterday over the busts of Lord Mayors McCurtain and McSwiney — a sign of how far Ireland has come, said former British prime minister John Major.

To us in Sinn Féin Poblachtach - Cork it showed just how far elected political representatives of a once proud Rebel County and City are willing to go to honour to appease our continued occupier. This decision to give the Freedom of the city was against the wishes of the majority of people and supported and condemned by a poll carried out by a local radio station where 85% of callers opposed the honour being bestowed on Major.

Sinn Féin Poblachtach members from Cork and Kerry supported by the 32CSM – Cork protested outside City Hall against this act of normalisation of relations with England while Ireland remains occupied.

As Major and Reynolds flanked by a large security detail were greeted by the Lord Mayor on the steps of the City Hall a chorus of ‘No’s', 'Shame', ‘Brits out’ and ‘Not welcome could be heard. Members of the public joined the protest while one said; “McCurtain and McSwiney must be rolling in their graves at the sight of the Butchers Apron over our City once again.”

A large presents of Special Branch and uniformed Gardai were as usual in situ, instead of dealing with the rising crime rate in the city and county.

As the Lord Mayor left down the steps of City Hall after the ceremony had concluded he was greeted with the words “Shame and Disgrace”.

Let those who try to bring normalisation of British rule remember that the proclamation of 1916 remains unfinished business and we in Sinn Féin Poblachtach will not stand idly by, we will protest and highlight this on going collusion at every opportunity.