Letter to the Taoiseach By Barry McElduff

Barry McElduff

 

Philip McGuigan (a GAA man) was a bit miffed at Dermot, your Ministerial colleague, during the week.  He reckons that it is all very well calling for an all-Ireland soccer team when Dermot has no real power to do anything about it.  But why does he not act on matters over which he has some degree of competence and a real say.  Like helping to set up that ever-elusive Joint Committee of the Oireachtas on the question of Irish Unity.

Moving swiftly on, our President visited the O’Neill County last Thursday.  No, not him, although Gerry was in Galbally on the Saturday, as you know.  Uachtarán na hÉireann, I’m referring to.

No room for cynicism, here, because it was a great day.  Historic in the eyes of the people of Carrickmore, Killyclogher, Fintona and Cookstown.  President Mary McAleese has a great way with her and she made many connections on the day.

There was a mighty emphasis in Carrickmore and Killyclogher on Gaelic culture and our Irish national identity.  I wouldn’t eat a flag but I wouldn’t be adverse to flying one occasionally.  In the right place and at the right time, of course.

Dún Uladh Cultural and Heritage Centre is a credit to Comhaltas (CCE).  Here the paistí from the newly-recognised Gaelscoil na gCrann joined with the Killyclogher GAA fraternity and a host of top drawer traditional musicians for a wonderful celebration.

In Carrickmore, our President was reminded that local Irish republican, Dr Patrick McCartan once contested the Presidential election against de Valera.  Not having a vote himself didn’t deter him from standing just as it didn’t deter Mary, herself.

I’m not parochial, Taoiseach.  I swear.  But we’re very proud of our sense of local and national history in Carrickmore, sometimes known as Carmen or An Tearmann, the Sanctuary.  Joseph McGarrity helped to fund the 1916 Rising.  Republican leaders have come here at crucial times.  We like to think that the British writ has never run here.  Michael Davitt addressed a large meeting, here.  Maggie Thatcher and Panorama became exercised by the place in 1979.  Look it up, Taoiseach.  Otherwise, I could be accused of loose talk.

When the local people didn’t like the intervention of a vote-splitting candidate who ran against Tom Mitchell in the 1950’s, the solitary dog in Main Street was taken in rather than concede him a welcome.

The RUC built a Barracks in Carrickmore at the direct request of Ian Paisley.  It is not there now.  No need to elaborate.  And GAA provides the backbone of the local community.  We even have the Nally Stand which once sat proudly in Croke Park.

The reason I tell you all of this is to offer you an invitation.  Stop off for a while if you are on your way to Castlederg or Castlefin sometime.  Our President dropped by and she was made very welcome.  So would you, Taoiseach.

We do look to Dublin, you see.  We play our football there and we want to practise our politics, there, as well.  I told this to Jimmy Deenihan once.

Whatever Sinn Féin does or does not do, this weekend, Taoiseach, remember that Carrickmore is as Irish as Cahirciveen.  Dispense with any notions of ‘Northern Ireland PLC.’  As I said previously, I am not parochial.  I do not care who beats England.

Is mise le meas

Barry McElduff

NB - Bertie Ahern can be contacted on (00353) 1 6194020 or email [email protected].  Address: Office of the Taoiseach, Government Buildings, Dublin 2