Irish Volunteers Commemorative Organisation endorses Sinn Féin for general election

THE Irish Volunteers Commemorative Organisation has endorsed Sinn Féin for the Dáil general election on the eve of the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis as it is “[the] only one that has proven itself dedicated to preserving our history”.

In a statement issued on Friday after a meeting of its Executive Council, the IVCO said:

“The 1916 Rising is owned by no one group or party or organisation. Many have paid lip service to the notion of it but it has to be said, and stated clearly – action speaks volumes.

“In our own small way, the Irish Volunteers Commemorative Organisation has for many years now promoted the history of the men and women of 1916-1923. We have done this at many times, it seems, in the wilderness. There are other organisations and societies who have played their part too, also in their own ways. However, when it comes to political parties, there is only one that has proven itself dedicated to preserving our history.

“Sinn Féin has consistently promoted the history of 1916. They have actively promoted the history, ideals, and the spirit of the men and women in the Irish War of Independence of 1919-1921 and beyond. Other parties and organisations have either completely disrespected it or just ignored it. Some have simply just jumped on the bandwagon in a cynical attempt to gain votes.”

The Irish Volunteers Commemorative Organisation says that what it calls “the debacle on Moore Street” sums up the situation.

“Here we are, 100 years on, and nothing has been done with Moore Street. It is a shambles and a disgrace.

“We have had Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Labour, all in government since the establishment of the 'Free State' in 1922 (that’s 94 years!!!) and they have never even attempted to rectify the outrageous neglect of this historical site. What little they are doing now, they do only under public pressure and it is simply not enough. Not only is it not enough, but they wish to demolish a good portion of the site!”

The IVCO emphasises that it is not a political party and up until now it has never become involved in party politics.

“However, at this point in time we feel we have to support the party that has always and will continue to promote the history of the Irish Volunteers, Cumann na mBan and Na Fianna Éireann.

“It is for this reason that the IVCO endorses Sinn Féin in the upcoming general election.”