St Patrick's Day cancelled in Glasgow

As the rest of the Diaspora celebrated St Patrick's Day, the Irish community in Scotland's largest city were denied that opportunity. The planned march in Glasgow was cancelled by organisers, following repeated attempts by Strathclyde police and Glasgow City Council to impose unprecedented conditions and costs. This is just the latest in a long line of attacks on Irish rights in Scotland.

The planned parade, which was billed as a St Patrick's March Against Anti-Irish Racism and Sectarianism, was subjected to outrageous demands from the outset. The march applicant, Gary Cahill, told An Phoblacht: "We agreed to changes to the time, route and rally point. However, it became clear to us that no amount of changes would satisfy the police and Council; they were determined the Irish community in Glasgow was not going to celebrate St Pat's."

The event was to have included live music, Irish dancers and speakers from various anti-racist groups. The Irish community in Scotland was looking forward to this day of celebration, which would have been welcome respite for a community under constant attack. Earlier this year, loyalist and fascist mobs attacked a Bloody Sunday commemoration in Glasgow city centre. Over the last few months, Irish bars throughout Scotland have been under considerable pressure to stop playing Irish music and to remove any Irish memorabilia. Police harassment of people travelling to and from Ireland has increased at airports and ferry crossings.

March organisers Cairde na hÉireann have written to Charles Gordon, the Labour Party leader of the Glasgow City Council, accusing them of "discriminatory behaviour" and "institutional bias".

The group's campaign for equality for Scotland's Irish community will continue, says Gary Cahill. "It is impossible to imagine any other immigrant community being treated in this way. We are determined our rights, including the right to march, will be upheld."