Léargas: A Podcast by Gerry Adams

Irish Unity makes economic senseLast month a report by the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) caught the headlines with the claim that Irish Unity could cost the South up to €20 billion annually. The analysis was quickly challenged by other economists and last week those with different opinions had their opportunity to address the Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.We are running out of words to describe what is happening in Gaza.” United NationsTuesday was a special day. For the first time the Palestinian flag flew over Leinster House in Dublin following the announcement by the government to formally recognise the State of Palestine. Tuesday’s move was the next step in a process that will see the Palestinian Mission in Dublin upgraded to an Embassy. The representative office of the Irish government in Ramallah will be re-designated as an Embassy and its representative there will become an Ambassador.A Better World Is Needed. For decades now I have argued that the big central international struggle of our time is for people to have democratic control over the decisions which affect their lives. The absence of this basic right underpins conflict in the Middle East and Ukraine and other parts of the world. It poisons relations between Ireland and Britain and within Ireland although thankfully we have a process for dealing with that. Painfully slow though it is, it is better than war. And such an approach is clearly required in the Middle East and between Russia and Ukraine. That is what the United Nations should be advocating.

Dublin Needs To Say No To London.Last week Mr Justice Humphreys, sitting in the High Court in Belfast, in his summary of judgement ordered the “disapplication of provisions of the Illegal Migration Act 2023 in Northern Ireland and declared others to be incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.”Tips For Aging.I intend to include occasional Tips For The Aging in this column. If I can remember to do so. This one comes from Doctor Tom. If you get a mobile phone hang on to your land line. It will be very useful helping you to find where you left your mobile one.The second NakbaTwo small olive trees were planted in the grounds of the Rodaí McCorlaí Club in west Belfast last Saturday evening. One was in remembrance of the more than 15,000 children killed so far by Israel in its genocidal war against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the occupied west Bank. The second was to mark the Nakba – The Catastrophe – which saw the forcible expulsion of three quarters of a million Palestinians from their homes by Israeli forces in 1948. Fifteen thousand Palestinians were killed on that occasion and over 500 villages were ethnically cleansed.

Immigrants are not the enemy. Divide and conquer is an age old tactic. It is often utilised by conservative elements to advance their regressive agendas. This is true of the Irish as it is of any other nation. In fact historically some Irish people have acted against the interests of Ireland and supported imperialistic and other colonial or domestic adventurers. Nonetheless the vast majority of Irish people are fair minded, decent and progressive.Recognise the State of PalestineSinn Féin’s National Party Chairperson Declan Kearney MLA was in South Africa at the weekend where he spoke at the ‘Global Anti-Apartheid Conference on Palestine.’ The conference was attended by Palestinian groups. While there Declan met with South Africa’s foreign minister and ANC MP Naledi Pandor who has led the international condemnation of the Israeli state’s genocidal war against the Palestinian people. Declan also told Minister Pandor that Sinn Féin fully supports South Africa’s courageous case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Solidarity to Student ProtestersIn the late 1960s the major national and international issues of the day that helped shape my politics were the anti-Vietnam War movement, the anti-apartheid struggle against the racist South African government and the civil rights movement in the North. In all three the activism of students was central to raising public awareness and opposition to injustice.Today students are again at the heart of an ant-war movement. In the USA students at over 100 university campuses have taken a stand against the genocidal war of the Israeli government against the Palestinian people.Captive Columns – an untold account of prison lifeCumann na Meirleach Poblachtach Éireannach/ The Irish Republican Felons Association celebrated its 60th birthday last weekend.The first part of last Friday evening’s celebrations was given over to Danny Morrison who hosted two conversations. The first was with Síle Darragh and Mary Doyle and focussed on their experience in Armagh Women’s Prison. The second was with Colm Scullion, Jackie McMullan, and Jazz McCann. This centred on Bobby Sands, Joe McDonnell and Kieran Doherty who they knew well in the H-Blocks. The discussions were insightful, informative and inspiring.Rights in a New IrelandLast week the British government’s Legacy Act took effect and a group of international human rights experts published a major report accusing the British state of operating a “systematic” practice of impunity to protect state forces. In the same week people interested in human rights packed into St Comgall’s – Ionad Eileen Howell. The Conference was organised by Sinn Féin’s Commission on the Future of Ireland.

A successful conference in support of Moore St.Last week The Moore Street Preservation Trust and Uachtarán Shinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald organised a conference to support the development of a Historical 1916 Cultural Quarter in Dublin City centre with Moore Street at its heart.Mass graves an act of barbarismAt the weekend Leas Uachtarán Michelle O’Neill was in London to address a massive pro-Palestinian march. She described what is happening in Gaza as the “gravest human rights violation of our time.” Michelle called for "an immediate, unconditional and complete ceasefire. We need to see an end to genocide, ethnic cleansing, and collective punishment. All hostages should be released immediately and all aid for Gaza must be delivered immediately, and Israeli forces must withdraw from Gaza and the West Bank.”The FallsI love photographs. Especially old photos. Particularly black and white ones. Bill Kirk is a veteran photographer. The Falls is his most recent collection, some twenty years after Images of Belfast. It captures a time and a neighbourhood which has gone. As Robin Livingstone in the Foreword says, ‘It is a vital and compelling historical archive, describing in rich detail the people and places where the latest conflict in the shared and troubled history of Ireland and Britain took place.’

It time to recognise the State of PalestineIn 2014 Sinn Féin brought forward a Dáil motion calling on the government to “officially recognise the State of Palestine, on the basis of the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital …”I was part of this initiative. It got support from other TDs from other parties and none. It was not opposed by the Government at that time. Following a two day debate the motion was passed. This meant that ten years ago both Houses of the Oireachtas supported the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination - to a Palestinian state. This was a positive development. The Government should have acted on this imperative. It refused to do so. I raised this refusal regularly with successive Taoisigh. Every Taoiseach since then refused to deliver on the will and direction of the Oireachtas. They would not act on this imperative. Instead they argued that recognition of a Palestinian state remained contingent on a deal with Israel to a two state solution. In reality Enda Kenny, Micheál Martin, Leo Varadkar gave the state of Israel a veto over the right of the Palestinian people to a Palestinian state.Seán Mackel and the County Antrim Memorial. Following my tribute last week to Seán Mackel Dr Tom Hartley has written to me about Seán’s role in designing the County Antrim Memorial in Milltown Cemetery. This memorial is under the care of the National Graves Association, Belfast. There are thirty four IRA Volunteers buried in this plot. It was originally called the Tom Williams plot, because money raised by the Tom Williams Gaelic Athletic and Camogie club bought the plot. The club was founded by republican prisoners in A Wing, Crumlin Road Jail who wanted to reserve a grave in this plot for the remains of Tom Williams, a young republican hanged in Crumlin Road Jail in 1942. Rights in a New IrelandThe issue of rights is at the heart of the conversation on a new Ireland. Sinn Féin’s Commission on the Future of Ireland which has been holding successful Peoples Assemblies across the island over the last 18 months, will host ‘Rights in a New Ireland’ on Friday 3rdMay, in St Comgall’s – Ionad Eileen Howell, Divis Street, between 11.00am – 1.00pm

Expanding the debate on UnityA recent report - "Northern Ireland Subvention: Possible Unification Effects" - published by the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) caught the headlines. It contained the startling claim that Irish Unity could cost the South up to €20 billion annually. It was grist to the mill of those who oppose unity.Before the day was out contrary and critical opinions of the report began to emerge with other senior economists criticising it for its failure to acknowledge that a united Ireland will not have responsibility for much of the subvention and that the amounts involved are significantly smaller. Whatever one’s view of the merits of the IIEA report it succeeded in creating a debate around the shape of a future economy for the island of Ireland and that is a good thing. It highlighted the absence of any planning by the Irish government and reinforced the call for a Citizens’ Assembly to discuss future constitutional arrangements. Celebrating 100 yearsLast week I travelled to South Armagh with a large bunch of flowers to join the family of Maisie Moley in celebrating her 100th birthday. Maisie is a fresh, sprightly centenarian – the matriarch of the large Moley family. She and they were in great form as we pushed back the furniture for the obligatory photographs and all joined in the singing of Lá Breithe Shona Duit.Keep supporting Palestinian peopleAs the world holds its breath waiting on the outcome of the current face-off between Iran and Israel and the potential for a regional war, the slaughter of innocents continues in the Gaza strip and on the west Bann. Two weeks ago Israel destroyed part of the Iranian consulate in the Syrian Capital of Damascus. Senior Iranian officials were killed. Last weekend, after giving a 72 hour warning of its intention to respond, several hundred drones and missiles were launched by Iran against military targets in Israel. Iran has said that it has now concluded its response. But has Israel?

Up Antrim! 24 years ago I wrote a short piece for Antrim 2000. I discovered it this week when I was clearingout three decades of accumulated books, newspaper clippings and assorted pamphlets. The 2000 reflection on Gaelic games is reproduced below. Since then much has changed in the Gaeldom. The most important change is probably the growth of womens football. Until recent times women were confined to Camogie. Now Ladies Football is the fastest growing Gaelic game. The Glory Of Gaelic 2000.“My first love is hurling. That includes Camogie. Although there are those who will argue that the camógs play a different game. I think they play a better game. Then comes football which is mainly a kind of sport to keep hurlers fit. Handball is much under-rated and I am too out of condition now to even think of competing, though I know some aged Belfast men who are still up to championship standard.Lá Breithe Shona Duit Abdullah ÓcalanThe Good Friday Agreement was 26 years old on Wednesday, 10 April. For almost all of that time Abdullah Öcalan, a founder of the Kurdistan Worker’s Party, has been in prison in Turkey. There is a mural to Abdullah on the international wall in Northumberland St. April 4 was his 75th birthday.Six months of HellThis week marks six months from the attack by Hamas on southern Israel and Israel’s vengeful genocidal response to that. October 7 was wrong but it didn’t happen in a vacuum.Since 1948 when Palestine was forcibly partitioned and three quarters of a million Palestinians were forced to flee their homes, the Israeli state has further occupied the west Bank, for a time the Gaza Strip, built illegal settlements on Palestinian land and imposed a brutal apartheid regime.

Special Rapporteur criticises Irish government on GazaFifteen years ago this month I led a Sinn Féin delegation on a visit to the occupied Palestinian territories. Our visit took place seven weeks after Israel’s assault on Gaza between 27 December 2008 and 18 January 2009. In that attack Israeli forces killed 1400 Palestinians, including more than 400 children and injured thousands more. Schools and hospitals and infrastructure were also targeted. Our delegation was impressed by the resilience of those we met and especially by the medical staff who were working hard to provide a health service, despite Israeli restrictions on medicines and spare parts for radiation and other medical equipment.Lá Breithe Áras Uí ChonghaileÁras Uí Chonghaile, the James Connolly Visitor Centre, on the Falls Road celebrated its fifth birthday at Easter. Located in the very heart of West Belfast’s Gaeltacht Quarter it was opened five years ago by Uachtarán na hÉireann Michael D Higgins and Labour and Trade Union leaders from Ireland, the USA, Canada, England, Wales and Scotland.I frequently visit the Áras, as it is affectionately known. It celebrates the life and times of Labour leader James Connolly who was executed by the British for his part in the 1916 Easter Rising. It commemorates the key role he played in the struggle for workers rights, the Labour movement and Irish freedom.

Leo finally made the right callLEO Varadkar’s resignation from the office of An Taoiseach and as leader of Fine Gael caught observers by surprise. On reflection, however, it is very much in keeping with his personality. A bit petulant. Awkward. Impulsive. He had done his best by his own lights. And his best had not been good enough, by his own admission. So in fairness he probably did the right thing. Better to get out on his own terms. The heartbreak of it all: THE million and a half Palestinians trapped in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, on the border with Egypt, are under sustained and ruthless attack by Israeli forces. Hundreds of women, children and men are being killed or severely wounded each day. Hospitals crammed full of desperate human beings continue to be the target of bomb and tank and sniper attack. Moore Street conference a huge step forward:UACHTARÁN Shinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald TD, in association with the Moore Street Preservation Trust, will hold a major international conference next month to discuss the future development of the Moore Street 1916 battlefield site. The main focus of the conference will be on the alternative plan prepared by the Trust to that of the proposals from the private developer Hammerson.

Wear An Easter LilyI did not think Easter is almost upon us. It was our oldest lad’s oldest lad who remarked to me that Easter was early this year. I was bemused that a nine - almost ten - year old would know this and describe it in these words. Of course he is probably thinking of Easter eggs. For many people Easter also marks an important date in their religious calendar. But for children especially – and for many adults – it is all about Easter Eggs. These come in all shapes and sizes and prices and despite the cost of living crisis confronting many families chocolate eggs will be devoured in most homes this Eastertide. For Irish republicans Easter holds a special significance. It is synonymous with the 1916 Easter Rising and the heroism over a century ago of those who rose up against the British Empire and declared for a RepublicMoore St. RaffleOn Easter Saturday the draw for the Moore St. 1916 Robert Ballagh print will take place. The print is one of a limited edition of 200 that was produced last September by the Moore St Preservation TrustClíodhna. It isn’t easy speaking in public and it can be very daunting when faced by a hostile audience who are not interested in what you have to say but simply want to shout you down. Belfast Councillor Clíodhna Nic Bhranair faced this challenge last weekend and demonstrated enormous strength of character when confronted by a section of people at the pro-Palestinian march in Belfast who chose to ignore what she had to say and tried to drown her out with whistles and boos.

International Women’s DayLast Friday was International Women’s Day – a day when around the world humankind celebrates the work of women who are active in their communities, in trade unions, voluntary organisations, business, politics, their families and across every facet of our society.Two formidable Belfast WomenOn International Women’s Day history was made when two statues were unveiled at the front of Belfast City Hall to two formidable Irish republican women - Mary Anne McCracken and Winifred Carney. Despite the cold hundreds of people gathered for the ceremony to applaud these two fearless women and this important initiative by Belfast City CouncilMacalla na mBan On Saturday evening as part of the events to mark International Women’s Day the garden in the Roddy McCorley Club in west Belfast was rededicated after major renovations. The garden was first opened in 2007. Carál Ní Chuilín gave the main address reminding those present of the sacrifice of republican women in the struggle for Irish freedom. I was asked to read my poem which I wrote in 2006 as a tribute to my friend and comrade Siobhan O’Hanlon.

The Commission on the Future of Ireland held successful public meetings in Fermanagh and West Tyrone on Irish Unity. Friends of Sinn Féin USA and various other Irish organisations held a successful summit in New York.Ireland’s Future released its ‘Ireland 2030’ proposals.Mary Lou McDonald & Pearse Doherty addressed the Irish Unity Summit in Cooper Union NYC. In my unity roundup hope and change are the pathway.Éire Aontaithe nua, náisiún ina bhaile do chách.

CasementI have spent many enjoyable afternoons in Casement Park watching countless football and hurling games and playing in some of them. I have lost count of my man of the match triumphs. Especially for St. Marys or Belfast Schools in hurling. Or on Sports Days. In the past the stand and terraces or raised mounds around the pitch provided a wonderful view of the contests. Some games attracted a few hundred spectators while others were watched by enthralled thousands. Casement Park was opened in June 1953 and was named after Roger Casement. He was one of the leaders of the Easter Rising of 1916 who was hanged in London by the British in August that year. The people of Belfast, but especially the west of the City, raised over one hundred thousand pounds to construct Casement Park.StarvationThere is now overwhelming evidence that the Israeli state has added a new weapon to its arsenal of genocide against the Palestinian people – hunger. The video and photographic images of starving children and desperate parents searching for food and water are heart rending. The UN says some 2.3 million people in Gaza are now on the brink of starvation.

RespectOn Sunday last I spoke at the 40th Anniversary Commemoration of the killing by the SAS of IRA Volunteers Henry Hogan and Declan Martin in Dunloy County Antrim. Declan was 18. Henry was 20.I was also the speaker at the funerals in February 1984. At that time hundreds of RUC and scores of landrovers surrounded Henry Hogans wake house and myself, Martin McGuinness, Danny Morisson and Owen Carron linked arms with other mourners to create a human barrier around the house and the funeral to shield them from the RUC. That is the way many republican funerals were conducted in those days.A Window on the PastAsk almost everyone you know about the date when internment was introduced and the 9 August 1971 will be the popular answer. .That was the day 342 men and boys were dragged from their homes in the early hours of the morning to be beaten, interrogated and interned. Fourteen were the victims of planned torture – the Hooded Men.Ceasefire NowThe European Union’s Foreign Policy chief Joseph Borrell took issue with US President Joe Biden and his remarks that the Israeli state’s offensive against the Palestinian people had been excessive. “If you believe that too many people are being killed maybe you should provide less arms,” Mr. Borrell said…”If the international community believes that this is a slaughter, that too many people are being killed, maybe they have to think about the provision of arms.”

An appeal for InformationIn the 1970s the IRA shot dead and secretly buried a number of people. This is a terrible legacy of that period of our history. The families of those killed have suffered a grievous injustice. Republicans, including the IRA, recognise and have acknowledged this fact. What happened was wrong and unjustifiable.Israel’s War Against ChildrenThe accounts of the Israeli genocide in the Gaza Strip against the Palestinian people have produced many difficult and heart wrenching moments. The destruction of homes and schools and hospitals; the deliberate killing of over 30,000 children, women and men; the mass murder of health workers, journalists and civilians; the destruction of cemeteries; the premeditated shepherding of civilians into killing zones by Israeli forces, and so much more have shocked and appalled millions around the world. The Israeli state’s war on Gaza will be remembered for all this. It will also be forever remembered as Israel’s war against childrenMoore St RaffleThe Moore Street Preservation Trust are raffling a framed, limited edition Moore Street Print by renowned Irish Artist Robert Ballagh. Tickets are €10/£9 and the draw will take place on Easter Sunday. Get your tickets here: http://msptshop.myshopify.com/

Historic Change The restoration last Saturday of the political institutions and the election of Michelle O'Neill as First Minister marks an extraordinary turning point in the process of constitutional change for the North and for the island of Ireland. It is a significant new chapter in the transitional process of change that began with the peace process. Last Saturday something fundamental happened.Alex MaskeyAlex has committed himself to continuing his activism and to the goal of Irish Unity and to the principles and objectives he has dedicated his life to. So, well done Alex and well done also to Liz, an activist in her own right. She has been by his side through all of these years. Ádh mor oraibh a chairde. Ivor BrowneIvor Browne died last week, aged ninety four. I admired him a lot. And I’m glad to say I met him a few times. He was one of the world’s leading and pioneering psychiatrists. As President Micheal D Higgins said he ‘…left a profound mark on the understanding and attitudes to mental health in Ireland’. A visionary and a doer Ivor dismantled mental institutions and developed community clinics. He was a revolutionary. Professor Brendan Kelly said his legacy was ‘the additional liberty enjoyed by thousands of people who avoided institutionalisation as a result of the reforms which Ivor came to represent’.

Comhghairdeas Kneecap Comhghairdeas Kneecap as an rath a bhí ar bhur scannán ag féile scannán Sundance. Last August I travelled over to a studio close to Queen’s University to meet with Kneecap. The three west Belfast lads were busy putting the final touches to their movie which recounts – mostly i nGaeilge - how they were formed. That night they were to do some work with Michael Fassbender but I was there to film a short segment. Irish government must join South Africa Many thanks and commendations to the government of South Africa for taking the case to the ICJ on behalf of the people of Palestine. There was widespread welcome for the decision of the International Court of Justice last week ordering Israel to:· Refrain from acts under the genocide convention· Prevent and punish the direct and public incitement to genocide· Take measures to ensure humanitarian assistance to civilians· Preserve evidence of genocide and submit a report to the Court · And submit a report to the ICJ in one month.Áras Uí Chonghaile – A world class visitor centre Áras Uí Chonghaile – the James Connolly Visitor Centre on the Falls Road – was formally opened by Uachtarán Michael D Higgins in April 2019. The Áras celebrates the life and times of James Connolly, the key role he played in Irish history, the struggle for freedom and the Labour Movement. It be a world class visitor centre exploring the life of Connolly; with a unique interactive exhibition; a library of writings by and about Connolly; historical objects relating to Connolly, and an all year round programme of engagement with communities, schools and visitors and a bialann.

Time for Clarity. The question – will he or won’t he – has yet to be answered. Will Jeffrey Donaldson provide the leadership needed to persuade his party to go back into the Executive or, as Michelle O’Neill pondered at last week’s meeting of the Assembly, have we seen the final sitting of the Assembly?Irish government must recognise Palestinian StateThe Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out a post-war peace process that would lead to the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state. A statement released after he had spoken to President Joe Biden last weekend said: "In his conversation with President Biden, Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated his policy that after Hamas is destroyed Israel must retain security control over Gaza to ensure that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel, a requirement that contradicts the demand for Palestinian sovereignty."On the same day in a post on X – formerly Twitter Netanyahu said that Israel must retain "security control over the entire area west of [River] Jordan." This is an area which also includes the Israeli-occupied West Bank territory.

WCNSFs – Wounded Child No Surviving FamilyIsrael’s genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza and the west Bank passed the 100 day mark at the weekend. By the time this column is published the number of dead at the hands of Israel’s war machine is likely to have passed 25,000, mostly women and children. That’s almost equivalent to the entire population of Newry wiped out.Irish Unity Summit for New YorkThis week the tickets became available for a major public event on Irish Unity to be held in New York on 1st March. Billed as an ‘Irish Unity Summit’ the event is jointly sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Brehon Law Society, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Friends of Sinn Féin USA, Irish American Unity Conference, James Connolly Labor Coalition, Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians.The ‘Summit’ will be held in The Great Hall at Cooper Union. It will start at 1:00 pm on Friday 1st March and conclude at 6:00 pm. There will be keynote speakers, panel discussions, and cultural performances.The Fermanagh BlackbirdDónal O Connor and his family have made a long standing and continuing contribution to Irish traditional music and song. Dónal is a well known and respected musican, broadcaster and producer. We are all indebted to and enriched by the work of the O Connor and Ní Uallacháin clanns. Because of them and others like them the traditional music scene is alive and well. Many songs and tunes which might have been lost have been retained or recovered.

Death of a HeroJust before Christmas my colleague Greg O'Loughlin, the Executive Director of Friends of Sinn Féin in the USA , gave me the sad news that veteran American Civil Rights leader King Hollands had died. I had the honour of meeting King and his fellow activists Rip Patton and Richard Dinkins during a visit to Nashville in November 2018.Frank Kitson. Richard has insisted that I write a little bit about the death of Frank Kitson. Kitson, British Army general and leading advocate of counter-insurgency operations and collusion between state forces and death squads died last week. I have written about him many times. I am sure his death will be mourned by those within the British system whom he served over many decades in defence of the Empire. He was rewarded with medals, a knighthood, and military promotions. He was for a time Commander in Chief of the UK Land Forces and from 1982 to 1985 he was Aide-de-Camp General to the British Queen.Few if any of his many victims who were tortured, imprisoned, killed by his counter-gangs and collusion strategies, whether in the North or in Malaya, Kenya, Aden or Cyprus, will shed tears at his passing. Nollaig na mBanNollaig na mBan - Women’s Christmas or Little Christmas – was celebrated last Saturday. Traditionally, it’s the last day of the Christmas period when the role of women who did all the work preparing for and making Christmas a success for everyone else, was celebrated. January the 6th was the day when they had the opportunity to rest and celebrate.

This Land Is Your Land. I am a long time fan of Woody Guthrie. He is one of the worlds great song writers in the English language and many of his words are as relevant today as they were when he wrote them. He was also an American activist who agitated and educated and sang for social equality, immigration reform, peace and fairness. He stood against fascism, racism, war, corruption and for a clean environment. He sang about love, for workers rights and a better life for all.

So, 2023 was a very busy year. Lots of activism. 2024 is already shaping up to be even busier. So, join the campaigns for a Citizens’ Assembly and for the unity referendums. Have your say on the future and help shape the new Ireland.A New Year WishBbliain Úr Faoi Mhaise Daoibhse Go Leir.I received this verse in a Christmas card. Very appropriate.

A Boy named JayI did a book signing for Christmas at An Fhuiseog’s stand in the Kennedy Centre. It was a pleasant hour of banter and craic, meeting old friends and making new ones. Gerry Kelly was there just before me but he escaped when I arrived. So it was just me and the punters. And RG and Maggie who was selling all matter of gifts for An Fhuiseog. 2024 – Momentum toward Unity Polls set to increaseAfter weeks, months, of public and private negotiations it is still not clear as 2023 draws to a close what the future of the Executive and Assembly will be. The British government says it has delivered its final word on the issue. The various party positions remain as they were. We shall see what the New Year brings on this.

Shane:Last Friday I travelled to Nenagh for the funeral of Shane MacGowan. It was a sad and yet joyous event with family and friends lifting their voices and their hearts as a succession of musicians played some of Shane’s best known songs, including the exuberant Fairytale of New York, Cór Cúil Aodha, including Seán O’Sé and Seán O’Riada’s son Peadar also did what they do best.The de-humanising of the Palestinians:Last Sunday was the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It was a response to the horror of the Second World War, and in particular the holocaust of European Jews and murder of countless millions of trade unionists, gay people, socialists and others the Nazi regime regarded as inferior. Its first sentence encapsulation what many hoped would be the dawn of a new era – ‘All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.’Christmas Ceol:If you are looking for musical stocking fillers this column recommends two bits of ceol. First off is Fergus O Hare’s new CD – Deep in my Heart.

Slán ShaneShane MacGowan was a friend of West Belfast. Back in 1988 in the wake of the killings of IRA Volunteers Mairead Farrell, Dan McCann and Sean Savage in Gibraltar, and the killing of other citizens at their funerals and the killing also of IRA Volunteer Kevin McCracken in Turf Lodge this community was subjected to a vicious full frontal tsunami of vilification on the back of decades of demonisation and discrimination.Connolly House - End of an Era.Sinn Féin’ Connolly House in Andersonstown is now to close. A new constituency office has been opened for Órlaithí Flynn MLA in the row of shops just below Casement Park and opposite The White Fort. The lies of WarIsrael’s genocidal campaign against the Palestinian people recommenced last week. The deliberate murder of hundreds of Palestinian civilians and the industrial scale destruction of Palestinian homes, schools, hospitals and refugee camps is about the expulsion of the Palestinian people from Gaza.

Where to for Loyalism?I have met many loyalists over a very long time. In prison. Out of prison. In secret or in private talks going back to the 1970s. And many times since then. I like to think that some of us became friends. Or at least we became friendly. Some loyalist leaders played a crucial role in the negotiations which led to the Good Friday Agreement. They deserve great credit for that. That was then. Unfortunately some of those involved have died or are no longer active. In other instances more progressive elements have been replaced by a younger cohort, with little interest in politics or experience of prison or conflict. Twenty five years after the Good Friday Agreement the main loyalist organisations remain in existence. Why?Peace requires respect for Palestinian rightsThe four day ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, including Emily Hand the nine year old Irish/Israeli child, was a welcome development. Every effort must now be made to ensure the release of all hostages. But this must include those Palestinian hostages – now numbering in their thousands and including many children – some of whom have been interned by Israel for years.The Far Right must be challengedThe horrifying stabbing in Dublin last week of three children and a woman from Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire and the subsequent street violence was shocking. And the bravery of those who tackled the attacker is to be commended. The burning of Garda cars and buses and the looting of shops must be condemned. But that is not enough. There are real questions about how these events were handled and about the lack of resources, policing capacity and intelligence.

strength to strength Regular readers will know that Ionad Eileen Howell/St. Comgall’s was formally opened in June by the US Economic Envoy Joe Kennedy. It came after many years of fundraising, planning and hard work by all involved – not least Eileen Howell who the centre is named after. The project is designed to promote economic, educational, social and cultural benefits for the people who live and work in the local area and to promote good relations between communities. Ionad Eileen Howell joins Conway Mill and other local projects in this important work. Seán Harte - a fior Gael, republican and decent manSeán Harte was a proud County Tyrone man – a native of Loughmacrory - a GAA stalwart and long standing republican activist in Canada where he was a board member of Friends of Sinn Féin. His death is a huge loss to the Irish Republican and GAA communities in Canada but especially to his family. First PrizeI rediscovered this certificate last week. I was awarded it fifty years ago. It celebrates me winning the Leeper category in the annual Long Kesh Cage Feis organised by the local Sinn Féin Cumann. In our cage the Cumann was called after big Mundo or Eddie O’Rawe. Eddie was an IRA Volunteer executed by the British Army after they captured him down the Falls in Belfast, in April 1973. Eddie was a patriot and a gentleman.Palestine.The awfulness of the Israeli State’s onslaught on Gaza continues to shock people in Ireland and throughout the world. The mobilisation of people everywhere is admirable. It is crucially important that we do not stop our demand for a Ceasefire.

Fr. Alec ReidNext Wednesday – 22 November – will mark the tenth anniversary of the death of Father Alec Reid. It is a matter of wonderment that a decade has passed since he left us. Students of the Irish peace process will know that Alec was a central figure in our search for peace. He and Fr. Des Wilson were key to the beginning of that process. I won’t deal in this column with all the twists and turns of those times or the stubborn refusal for decades of the establishments, British and Irish, to embrace dialogue. Fr Alec and Des helped to change that. And much more. This column reflects on some of Fr Alec’s qualities.Making magic at the Ard FheisThere have been Sinn Féin Ard Fheiseanna that have had their special, magical moment that remains in the memory years – even decades - later. Last weekend’s Ard Fheis in Athlone produced two such moments. The first came just before 1pm on Saturday. Matt Carthy TD - the party’s spokesperson on Foreign Affairs - introduced the Palestinian Ambassador Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid.

The Unity Debate Seven key Irish-American organisations have announced an ‘Irish Unity Summit – For a New and United Ireland’ to be held in New York on 1st March next year. This major initiative – coming as it will just before St. Patrick’s Day and the visit to the USA of political leaders from Ireland – is being organised by the Ancient Order of Hibernians; the Brehon Law Societies of NYC and Nassau; the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Long Island; Friends of Sinn Féin; Irish American Unity Conference; the James Connolly Irish American Labor Coalition, and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. More details on the format and speakers will be announced by the organisers later. Ethnic Cleansing By the time you read this column the numbers of people killed in Gaza will have exceeded 10,000. Almost half of these are children. Every minute, of every hour, of every day new and dreadful images emerge from Palestine that horrify and shock.This is not the first time that the Palestinian people have faced ethnic cleansing. In 1948 the Nakba or Catastrophe witnessed the ethnic cleansing of almost 80% of historic Palestine by the newly established Israeli state. In the decades since then an Israeli apartheid system has dehumanised and demonised the Palestinian people.Crann Na Saoirse. This is tree planting time. Again. Any month with an ‘R’ will do but it’s usually best between October and March. But plant your wee baby trees well before or well after the frost kicks in. I always try to do my planting in the Autumn so the tree will have time to settle in before Spring. Container grown trees can be planted at any time, though they too need protected from frost but I mostly use bare root or wee slips grown from seed.

Wolfe Tone’s Cordial Union Last week I attended an event in Parliament Buildings at Stormont, hosted by US Special Economic Envoy Joe Kennedy. There was a panel discussion on the impact of the Good Friday Agreement which involved myself, former DUP leader Peter Robinson; former Alliance Assembly Speaker Eileen Bell; Lady Daphne Trimble, President of the Ulster Unionist Party; and former SDLP leader Mark Durkan. First Minister designate Michelle O’Neill, DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson and UUP leader Doug Beattie were all present. Ceasefires NowNews from the Middle East continues to numb and outrage and anger most people. But we cannot give up. We have a duty to the people of Palestine to stay focussed on the demands to Stop the War - Support Humanitarian Initiatives - Start Peace Talks. The people of Israel and Palestine need the support of the international community. We are part of that community. Let us find ways to get our leaders to uphold international law. End the siege of Gaza. Free Palestine. PULSEMickey Coleman , his wife Erin and their sons Micheál and Riordan were in An Cultúrlann last week on Belfast’s Falls Road to launch Mickey’s new book PULSE. Peter Canavan was there also along with mé féin. I never thought I would be on a panel with Peter Canavan - one of my footballing heroes and all Ireland champion with Tyrone. Twice. But there we were telling yarns and sharing songs and funny stories. And a bunch of fine singers from Glassdrummond entertained us and moved everyone with their rendition of The Brantry Boy.

We are all PalestiniansAs I write this week’s column all of the scéal coming from the Israeli government and its international allies indicate that a ground invasion of Gaza is imminent. It will, according to some be a ‘surgical strike against Hamas’. From British government Ministers, to political pundits, to international allies of the Israeli government, to Israeli spokespersons the aim – they say - is to destroy Hamas.It’s all nonsense of course. The reality is that Israel can no more destroy Hamas than Hamas can destroy Israel.Peacemakers30 years ago on Monday an IRA bomb exploded on the Shankill Road killing nine people and IRA Volunteer Thomas Begley. It was a shocking event compounded a week later when eight people were shot dead in Greysteel. These were two of many atrocities which occurred during a quarter century of conflict in the North. Their impact on families and communities reverberates still today, as do the more than 3,000 other deaths and the thousands of injuries that resulted from those desperate years. The families of the dead and the injured have lived with the consequences ever since. Today we are in a much better place. Not least because many of those who suffered directly from the violence became peacemakers. Citizens willing to step beyond their own personal tragedies and provide support and comfort to the bereaved and injured and to become advocates for peace and for justice. We are mindful of their loss and grateful for their courage and dedication in breaking down barriers. Alan McBride - who lost his wife Sharon and her father Desmond in the IRA bomb - is one such person. He is an example to the rest of us, including this columnist. Tír Chonaill Thuaidh Bhuail mé le spéirbhean Ar bharr portaighI measc na sléibhte I dTír Chonaill Thuaidh.

Ireland Should Launch A Middle East Peace Initiative.Like many of you I have been shocked and distressed by the appalling events in the Middle East. The attack by Hamas fighters which targeted civilians cannot be defended. Mary Lou McDonald spoke for all of us when she unreservedly condemned these actions and called for the release of all hostages.Waterford Assembly votes for Citizens’ AssemblyExactly one year after the first Peoples Assembly on Irish Unity was held in Belfast the ninth such conference took place in Waterford. The Waterford event was held last Thursday 12 October in the Tower Hotel in Waterford. Other conversations have taken place in Belfast, Derry, on the border at Carrickcarnon, in Donegal, Dublin and now in Waterford. Another is planned for 27 November in the Galway Gaeltacht. There have also been online events attracting hundreds of participants. Moore Street 1916 Womens Tour. The Moore Street Preservation Trusts 1916 Women’s Tour was a great success. Hosted by renowned singer and actress Imelda May and narrated by Liz Gillis and Honor Ó Brolcháin every one on the tour learned a lot.

Peace Talks NowThe scale of the assault by Palestinian fighters into Israel last weekend is unparalleled. The scenes of death and destruction on both sides are heart breaking. But shock and despair at more violence in that region is not the answer.On Being Seventy Five. I published a version of this reflection when I was seventy two.Following my recent 75th birthday I think it deserves another slightly revised outing. I might rewrite and republish it again when I’m eighty. Who knows? The 1916 Women’s Tour. Robert Ballagh’s recent limited edition print for the Moore St. Preservation Trust is a timely reminder of the key role women played in the 1916 Rising. Too often in our history their contribution is either ignored or only found in the margins of the accounts.

David Ervine - The Man Who Swallowed A DictionaryAnyone who knew David Ervine or knows of him will appreciate the title of Bobby Niblock’s play - The Man Who Swallowed A Dictionary. In its humorous description of David’s style of speaking and wordiness it reminds us of a political leader who was an able and determined advocate for working class loyalism. His sudden death in January 2007 at the age of 53 left a political vacuum within loyalism and wider politics which has never been properly filled. The Progressive Unionist Party which David led has failed to garner the popular political support that it was once thought capable of under his leadership. Street Art.When I had the honour to represent the fine citizens of Louth and East Meath Richard and I spent a lot of time in Dublin. In between marathon shifts in Teach Laighean we used to walk the streets of the capital. Both of us were taken by the initiatives to paint utility fittings like electric boxes with images of local or national figures, pithy slogans, landscapes, iconic landmarks and abstract designs. Mól An Óige.If you are in Belfast between now and November 9 call into the Gerard Dillon Gallery in An Cultúrlan McAdam Ó Fiaich on the Falls Road and marvel at the brilliance of the young students of Coláiste Feirste

We must listen to each otherEfforts by the British government and the unionist parties to stymie the conversation on future constitutional change has actually brought a greater focus on the growing momentum around the upcoming unity referendum. The criticism of An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar by the British Secretary of State and a range of unionist voices for daring to suggest that a United Ireland will happen in his lifetime is the latest example of unionist and Tory efforts to delegitimize the goal of Irish Unity.My Big ToeJim Donnelly is a Springhallion. His mother, May Donnelly, was one of the indomitable warrior women from the Upper Springfield who faced down hordes of British soldiers and RUC officers for decades while also combatting poverty and discrimination and rearing a good family. These mighty women are to be found in communities everywhere. The local ones are too many to name but I remember them all and I am grateful for their friendship and protection and comradeship. And I am always uplifted by the tenacity and good humour of these working class heroines, mostly mothers of large families, including Mrs Donnelly.Tom Dunn – the Peasant PatriotWell done to the people of Rostrevor who last week invited former President Mary McAleese to unveil a bronze statue to Tom Dunn – the Peasant Patriot - a local hedge school master and United Irish leader who taught ‘The Rights of Man’ by Tom Paine and the writings of Wolfe Tone to local patriots.

Lough NeaghSeamus Heaney’s poem, published in 1969, captures much of what makes Lough Neagh unique. It has long been a place of myth and fable, where the palace of the Tuatha Dé Danann is supposed to lie beneath its waves. It is said that Lough Neagh was created by the giant Finn McCool who legend claims scooped out a huge chunk of earth and threw it after the Scottish giant Benandonner. He missed and thus created the Isle of Man. Richard believes that the Lough was created 400 million years ago as a result of massive tectonic events.Tory backing for PinochetMany of my generation will remember the military coup in Chile in September 1973 that overthrew the socialist President of Chile Salvador Allende. The images of the bombing of the Presidential Palace, of an armed and courageous Allende defending the building and the quickly emerging reports of brutality by the Chilean military, horrified many around the world.Siúlóid An Taoisigh.This column had a great day out in Derry last Sunday at The Chieftain’s Walk organised by The Martin McGuinness Peace Foundation and Martin’s family led by his wife Bernie. There was a similar event in New York. Well done to all involved. It was good to meet many of Martin’s old friends and to walk the ground he trod on many, many times. Despite the rain there was a great turn out.

Palestinian StateLast week the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin visited Israel, the West Bank and Jordan. It was an opportunity for the Irish government to take a firm stand against Israeli aggression and its apartheid system of governance. Instead Mr. Martin became little more than a commentator on the ongoing and worsening crisis in that region.SepsisThe month of September has been designated as Sepsis Awareness Month. Sepsis is not a condition that often attracts attention but across the island of Ireland annually there are an estimated twenty two thousand cases of sepsis. Of these, approximately three and half thousand victims die. In the South sepsis kills more people than breast cancer, prostate cancer and AIDS combined. Sepsis also is the number one killer in deaths in hospitals in the USA. Every year 350,000 people die from it.SláinteA friend of mine has told me that he is thinking of giving up the drink. He has been saying the same thing for the last ten years so you will understand if I dont take him too seriously. In the past his desire to be abstemious coincided with his hangovers. When the hangover retreated so did his desire to be teetotal. But this time he seems to be more serious.

Unique Robert Ballagh Moore Street PrintAs regular readers of this column know I have been involved for a very long time in the campaign to protect and develop as a historic and cultural quarter the Moore St. Terrace and its environs in Dublin. The entire terrace 10-25 Moore Street was occupied by the evacuated GPO garrison at the end of Easter Week 1916. The developer - Hammerson - wants to demolish much of the terrace.You Are Never Alone With A Book. I’m glad to say I finished reading a few books over the last month so I will update you on them over the next couple of weeks.First off is The Ghost Limb by Claire Mitchell. This is an intriguing read and Ms Mitchell is a persuasive writer, gentle, witty and positive. She describes herself as an alternative Protestant and Ghost Limb has a sub-title ‘Alternative Protestants and the Spirit of 1798’. In this compelling book a group of these citizens retrace the steps of the United Irishmen - and women- who worked for the unity of Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter over two hundred years ago as a means to end the connection with England.Walking with my MotherOur mother Annie Hannaway – Annie Adams died on the 4th September 1992. Her spirit lives on in the memory of our family and those who knew her. Here’s a little poem I wrote a few years ago.

The Road To Cork. In 1986 I gave a talk at a Sinn Féin conference which became known by activists of my vintage as The Road to Cork or The Bus to Cork. More of that at another time. Suffice for now to say that I made the journey to Cork a metaphor for the journey to the new republic. I am minded of that now as our car speeds south and I sit in the back penning these words. The road to Cork is indeed a very long road. So too the road to the new republic. But barring accidents we will get there. The Power Of X.Before X there was Twitter. Apart from the ill mannered, ill informed and abusive, nasty and vulgar tirades that are the mark of some contributors I like these forms of communication. I joined Twitter in January 2011 on the direction of Shaun Tracy who was then one of our leading shadowy figures in Leinster House. He continues to lead but in other shadowy sites of struggle. It is Shaun who is to blame for my twitterings over the years. He made the mistake of letting me put up whatever came into my head. Once I even published My Little Book Of Tweets. In part of course I was having the craic. But I was also countering the demonizing propaganda of the establishment media, particularly the Dublin media. But that’s another story.Seamus Heaney.August 30 marks the 10th anniversary of the death of Seamus Heaney. I knew of Seamus before I knew him. He was a teacher in Saint Thomas’ School on the Whiterock Road along with another fine scribe Michael McLaverty. Some of my brothers were pupils there. I know Seamus’s poetry since Death of A Naturalist. His poems, and Patrick Kavanagh’s verses, have always moved me. My thoughts are with Seamus’s wife and family and with his friends at this anniversary time. A life of changeBernadette O’Hagan from Lurgan died last week. She was a strong republican woman. An activist. She was 95. For 52 years she was married to Joe B who was himself a hugely respected activist. Joe B is especially remembered for his part in the helicopter escape from Mountjoy prison in October 1973.

Visiting the Hunger StrikersThis column will be in Cork, le cuidiu Dia, to attend the National Hunger Strike Commemoration on Sunday. It’s the first time that this annual event will be held in Cork. It will remember the ten 1981 hunger strikers and Michael Gaughan and Frank Stagg who both died in English prisons and those Cork republicans - Terence MacSwiney, Michael Fitzgerald, Joseph Murphy, Denis Barry and Andy O’Sullivan - who also died on hunger strike during the Tan War and the Civil War. The commemoration will also remember those others who died on hunger strike in the intervening years.

John Joe McGirl – an unbreakable FenianIn the course of almost 60 years of activism I have been very lucky to meet many wonderful, committed, compassionate republicans. On Saturday, in Ballinamore in County Leitrim, Republicans from Leitrim and beyond will gather to celebrate the life of one of these – John Joe McGirl. The annual John Joe McGirl commemoration is one of the highlights of the Ballinamore Festival Week and the participants will walk from John McGahern Square to the monument to John Joe opposite Amharclann an Oileáin (the Island Theatre). The monument was designed by Robert Ballagh.A master class on campaigningFéile an Phobail was a resounding success and in particular it provided a wonderful range of debates and conversations on the many issues surrounding constitutional change. Well done to Harry and Kevin, Sam and all the Féile team. Maith sibh. The quality of the debates was excellent. All were packed out. The breadth of speakers – academics, journalists, political and community activists, sports people, - and the many shades of opinion, including a greater number than before of people from the broadly cultural Unionist/Protestant tradition, was uplifting.

Be An ActivistI had the privilege of attending many of the debates and discussions which are a unique and vital part of Féile an Phobail. Well done to all the participants and in particular to the organisers and the stewards who ensured that everything worked smoothly. Thanks also to the venues which welcomed us all.I want to touch briefly on the remarks made by Terry O'Sullivan and Jeremy Corbyn at separate events, particularly on the importance of organising civic society. Jeremy, a former leader of the British Labour Party and Terry the General Secretary Emeritus of The Laborers' International Union of North America are wonderful advocates for the imperative of organising social and political movements to bring about deep rooted and positive change. Rita O’Hare and Áras Uí ChonghaileÁras Uí Chonghaile on the Falls Road was formally opened by Uachtarán na hÉireann Michael D Higgins in April 2019. Through its historic artefacts, art work, innovative technology and story-telling it teaches us of the life and times of James Connolly – 1916 executed leader. Last Thursday a large number of family, friends and comrades of Rita O’Hare came together to unveil a plaque in Áras Uí Chonghaile in her memory. Without her unique contribution this important project might never have succeeded.Internment and mass incarcerationWednesday 9 August was the anniversary of one of the most disastrous decisions in recent Irish history. On the 9 August 1971 the Unionist Regime and British government introduced internment without trial. It was a watershed moment in the history of the northern state as hundreds were dragged from their homes, thousands of families were forced to flee to refugee camps, and many of those lifted in the early morning raids were beaten.

Dawn Doyle remembers her friend and comrade Rita O’Hare.Last week (Thursday August 2023) I launched my latest Léargas book An Bhean Dearg about Rita O’Hare. The main speaker at the event was Dawn Doyle who was a close friend and comrade of Rita’s for many years. These are her words of tribute.

Frederick Douglass takes pride of place in BelfastA great crowd turned out on Monday morning in Lombard St. in Belfast City Centre for the unveiling by Belfast City Ard Mheara Ryan Murphy of a very fine statue of Frederick Douglass, escaped slave and human rights campaigner. It is a striking image of Douglass who is an iconic figure for his work on campaigning for an end to slavery and for equality and justice for African Americans and for women. He visited Ireland in 1845-46 just before the worst years of The Great Hunger. National Hunger Strike March for CorkFor the first time the annual National Hunger Strike Commemoration will be held in Cork City on Sunday 27 August to remember the ten 1981 hunger strikers and Michael Gaughan and Frank Stagg. First Minister designate Michelle O’Neill will be the main speaker.Gino and the Pen Behind The Wire. Prisoners Day is an important date in the Féile an Phobail calendar. The event on August 11 in the Felon’s Club is an opportunity to look at exhibitions, hear talks on issues affecting former POWs, including this year an up-to-date on the CR Gas campaign.A few weeks ago I noted the upcoming launch at Prisoners Day of a wonderful book of poetry, The Pen Behind The Wire, by Eoghan ‘Gino’ MacCormaic. At the back of the book there is a list of family and friends and comrades who recorded some of Gino’s poems with QR codes for readers to listen to the spoken word. Among the many contributors are his wife and other family members, Christy Moore, Lucilita Bhreatnach, Rosie McCorley, Gerry Kelly, mé féin and many more.

Fly Me To The Moon.I am a longtime fan of Tony Bennett. News of his death at the fine age of ninety six brings an end to an amazing life and a wonderful singing career lasting over sixty years. In more recent times this column reviewed an album he did with Lady GaGa. Cheek to Cheek is an envigorating stroll through some old favourites like Anything Goes alongside more modern melodies. “I stand with the people of Ireland” Jessie JacksonReverend Jesse Jackson has been a long-standing friend of Ireland and an advocate for equality and peace. He has visited here many times and I have been fortunate to have also had the opportunity to meet him in the USA. During a visit to the North in 2011 Rev. Jackson said: “The pattern of communities struggling for freedom, justice and democracy is essentially the same … Where there is no justice, there can be no peace. As Dr. King often reminded us, peace is not the absence of noise but the presence of justice.”The partitionist mindset of RTEThe recent controversies surrounding RTE – problematic payments, a lack of transparency, questionable management, deeply flawed oversight, the blocking of GAA matches to the North, the GAAGO saga and the geo-blocking of the Women’s FIFA World Cup into the North– and much more, will have surprised few who have watched the unacceptable behaviour of governments and RTE Executives and management over many decades.

Slán Irish Voice Two weeks ago Niall O’Dowd, founder of the Irish American newspaper The Irish Voice announced that it was to close after 36 years. The New York based Irish Voice and the Irish Echo were the principle sources of news for decades of Irish Americans and new Irish immigrants moving to the USA. Now the Irish Voice is gone. But a far sighted Niall O’Dowd realised some years ago the direction of travel for newspapers competing against the huge growth in online media services and founded the online Irish Central. Today IrishCentral.com gets over two million visitors monthly.Every Brilliant ThingListening, as I usually do on Sunday mornings, to Sunday with Miriam on RTE Radio after Sunday Miscellany I really enjoyed Altan’s tunes and Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh’s craic. I was also very taken by the preview of Every Brilliant Thing which is being staged at The Galway Arts Festival.Theatre Director Andrew Flynn gave us an insight into this play by Duncan Macmillan. Essentially this is about a young man who starts, at the age of seven, to compile a list of those things which make his life worth living. This is while he is battling with the challenges of the different stages of his life, including his mother’s attempt at suicide. War Crimes in JeninThe Israeli Government’s assault on Jenin, the Palestinian refugee camp, in the occupied west Bank left 12 people dead and scores more injured. Using bombs, Apache helicopters, drones, bulldozers and hundreds of troops Israel’s apartheid regime imposed a reign of terror on the 14,000 people who live in Jenin. More than 3,000 civilians were displaced from their homes.

Britannia waives the rules – againInternment was introduced 52 years ago next month on 9 August 1971. In the early hours of that morning 342 men and boys from nationalist homes across the North were dragged from their homes. Many were badly beaten and forced to run a gauntlet of battle wielding British soldiers. 14 – The Hooded Men - were subjected to days of sustained torture. It was a traumatic moment for society in the North. In Ballymurphy ten local people were shot to death by the British Army. Another man died of a heart attack when accosted by them. The TwelfthBy the time you get to read this The Twelfth will be over. Peacefully we all hope. It is clearly a big day out for those who march to celebrate the Battle of the Boyne and others who line the routes to support them. The vast majority of those involved, especially in rural areas, clearly see The Twelfth as a family day out. They love the pageantry, the banners, flags and street arches. They also love the marching bands, the uniforms, the fifes and drums, bagpipes and flutes. I like those musical instruments also. So there are issues we have in common.

Debate on Irish Unity steps upTwo successful events on the future of Ireland were held in Belfast and Dublin last week. The atmosphere and enthusiasm at both events was mighty. The two events were part of the work of Sinn Fein’s Commission on the Future of Ireland which was established two years ago by the party to encourage dialogue. It’s about people having their say about the kind of Ireland we want. Teach your dog IrishI’m pleased to say our dogs were reared in Irish.But not all dogs are so lucky. So I was delighted to come across a lovely little book TEACH YOUR DOG IRISH aimed at these mutts and their humans. Féile an Phobail Launches biggest Programme EverWell done and comhgairdheas to all of those involved in planning and participating in the launch of this year’s Féile 35 – Welcoming the World.The Pen Behind The Wire: Eoghan 'Gino' Mac Cormaic from Derry served fifteen years in jail and was on the blanket protest for five years at a time when ten of his comrades died on hunger strike. Eoghan began writing poems on toilet paper and cigarette papers and smuggled them out to his family who kept them safe from British Army raids. He will soon be launching his book: The Pen Behind the Wire

Threat to Neutrality must be challengedLast June Micheál Martin, the then Taoiseach attacked the decades long neutrality policy of the Irish state. He claimed that; “We need to reflect on military non-alignment in Ireland and our military neutrality. We are not politically neutral …,”And Martin cast aside any pretence that the people should have a say in this when he said: “We don’t need a referendum to join NATO. That’s a policy decision of government.”Double standardsFor a brief time two weeks ago the horror of our 21st century coffin ships in the Mediterranean Sea caught the media headlines. A trawler filled to overflowing with desperate people sank off the coast of Greece. Over 500 people drowned. Many were trapped in the hold of the ship.It was the latest tragedy in a Sea that has become the most dangerous route for refugees fleeing violence, hunger and destitution in their own places. Then the story disappeared.Well Done Special OlympiansTeam Ireland has won 24 gold, 22 silver and 29 bronze medals at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin. The Games were a great experience for all the athletes who competed. They included 73 sportspeople from Ireland who participated in 12 sports with outstanding successes. Well done to them all, to their supporters and families and to Special Olympics Ireland.An Ode to DogsOur oldest lad’s oldest lad loves dogs. So do his sisters especially the youngest one. She has a way with her when she is with her canine. Fiadh is her name. The dog that is, not the oldest lad’s oldest lad’s youngest sister.His dog is called Finn, although when they wrote his name out for his collar and some official forms they spelt it Fionn. The dog can’t read or write so he doesn’t know any difference. I prefer Fionn although I call him Finn, same as everyone else.