Sinn Féin United Campaign against EirGrid/ NIE Pylons continues

The Sinn Féin “Working Group on the North South Inter-connector” is continuing to meet regular and is reporting that their campaign will build in the coming months as the planning processes both north and south move to a critical stage. A public hearing into the Armagh and Tyrone element of the proposal will take place in March 2012 while it is expected that EirGrid will re-submit a planning application to An Bord Pleanála imminently.

On Saturday last a sub committee of the working group comprising of Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, Cathal Boylan MLA (Armagh) along with Councillors Matt Carthy (Monaghan) and Gerard Paul White (Armagh) met to discuss upcoming priorities. The Sinn Féin group have also arranged to meet the Anti Monaghan Anti Pylon committee and SEAT (Safe Electricity in Armagh and Tyrone). It is expected that they will also meet with the Meath based NEPP in the coming weeks.

Sinn Féin have outlined as their immediate priorities:
- Placing pressure on Fine Gael to live up to the pre-election commitments to compensate local communities for their costs associated with the first An Bord Pleanála hearing.
- Trying to secure a united all-party front in opposition to the ‘over-grounding’ of the inter-connector at the public hearings in the six counties.
- Outlining the case for undergrounding to the Northern Minister for Environment, Alex Attwood, who will have ultimate say in the planning process in the six counties.
- Pressing the Fine Gael/ Labour government to follow the lead of other states who have determined that all future high-voltage power lines be under-grounded.

The working group have outlined that Sinn Féin remains the only party, North or South, that has adopted as official policy, the position that the North South Inter-connector can only proceed if it is under-grounded and they have called on other parties to follow suit.

Republicans hold dignified vigil to mark anniversary of Dublin/ Monaghan bombings

Coinciding with the visit to Dublin of the English Queen, over 70 Republicans gathered at the Diamond, Monaghan on Tuesday evening in a dignified vigil marking the 37th anniversary of the bombings in Dublin and Monaghan in 1974. Among those in attendance were the Mayor of County Monaghan, Jackie Crowe, and several Sinn Féin elected representatives.

34 members of the demonstration held black flags symbolising the thirty-four people (including an unborn child) who were killed when loyalist bombs detonated in Monaghan and Dublin. Others held placards highlighting the fact that the Irish government has withdrawn funding for the victims group ‘Justice for the Forgotten’ while spending an estimated €40million on hosting the English queen who is also the commander-in-chief of the British Armed Forces. It is widely believed that those forces were behind the bomb attacks 37 years ago. The British government continue to refuse to hand over their files relating to the bombings which would assist the families get to the full truth behind the happenings of that day.

Tuesday’s vigil was held between 5 and 6pm and received widespread signals of support from passers-by.

Seamus McElwain 25th Anniversary Commemoration

Republicans from across Counties Monaghan, Fermanagh and further afield are expected to be in attendance at Knockatallon this coming Easter Saturday evening to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of IRA Volunteer Seamus McElwain who was killed in an undercover ambush by the British SAS in 1986.

The commemoration in Knockatallon will commence at 6.30pm, assembling at the monument dedicated to Seamus. Gerry Kelly is the main speaker.

This will be followed by the launch of a special book produced to mark the anniversary and an exhibition in the Sliabh Beagh Hotel after. The events will conclude with an Irish night with music by Paddywagon.

Fermanagh man, Seán Lynch, was with Seamus McElwain when they were attacked. Seán was seriously injured in the ambush, unfortunately Seamus’ young life was taken.

Encouraging people to come along to the commemoration, Seamus's good friend and comrade Sean Lynch said:

“I am extremely proud to call myself a close friend and comrade of Seamus McElwain. I would encourage everyone to join with us in remembering a revolutionary freedom fighter. Seamus McElwain was a dauntless and brave IRA volunteer who struck fear into the British War Machine in the 6 Counties and even though he was momentarily captured, he was an integral part of the 1983 Great Escape when he alongside 37 IRA political prisoners escaped from Long Kesh.

“At his funeral Gerry Adams spoke passionately about Seamus describing him ‘a brave intelligent soldier, a young man who gave up his youth to fight for the freedom of his country, an Irish freedom fighter murdered by British terrorists.’”

Seán continued: “Seamus gave his all to bring about necessary change and freedom to our country. He dedicated his whole life and gave the ultimate sacrifice so that young people of the future could live in a free and equal Ireland. Seamus was a revolutionary through and through, he was inherently political in fact he stood himself in the 1982 General Election in Cavan/Monaghan receiving almost 4000 votes.”

All are welcome to attend these special anniversary events.