Thousands take part in Dublin Pride

» Shaun Tracey

‘This is what Sinn Féin stands for: the republican ideals of freedom, equality and mutual support’

A ROW over political speeches at the Dublin Pride event at the weekend didn’t spoil what turned out to be an excellent event of which all of Dublin can be proud.

Up to 30,000 people – including a sizeable Sinn Féin contingent – marched through the streets of Dublin to Merrion Square where a carnival awaited the revellers, many carrying placards declaring that “Pride will always be political”.

Dublin Sinn Féin LGBT Officer Chris Curran (right) said:

“The celebration of our achievements is vital to our continued march to freedom. Pride has always been a protest since its inception and, while gaps exist in the law, to remove the element of protest would be naïve.”

And Dublin Sinn Féin activists turned out in huge numbers to support Pride.

Chris Curran said afterwards:

“I am proud – proud to walk with my Sinn Féin comrades in Dublin. The rainbow flag is flying over our bookshop today and it is symbolic of the party’s support for Pride but also its commitment to equality.

“This is what Sinn Féin stands for: the republican ideals of freedom, equality and mutual support.”