11 December 1997 Edition

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Sinn Féin Youth growing in confidence

Young republicans from Dublin, South Down, Derry, Fermanagh and Belfast debated the peace process, Sinn Féin strategy and tactics at a conference in Dundalk Town Hall on Saturday.

One of the organisers Eoin O Broin spoke of the importance of young people voicing their opinions as they do not sit on decision making bodies and often do not have the confidence to speak in public.

An audio record of the proceedings was made which will be reproduced as a discussion document to stir further debate in the Party, and while much constructive criticism was levelled at both Sinn Féin and Sinn Féin Youth, there was confidence that the movement is moving in the right direction.

Questions of autonomy and responsibility were also discussed. As one delegate aptly put it: ``Sinn Féin Youth should see itself as having autonomy. That means that we have a space of our own where we can develop and mobilise politically, while at the same time working within the parameters set out by the Party.

``We are part of Sinn Féin and that means that we have to act responsibly and work in a way that suits Sinn Féin, but we also need room to move in a way that suits us as well.''

An interesting discussion on the meaning of independence brought out the many reasons why young people become republicans. The desire to control our own future, the need to demilitarise and questions of socio-economic justice drove home what independence means - living freely in a world without discrimination, exclusion or exploitation.

The conference ended with delegates setting themselves a number of tasks. Among these were plans for a major conference on equality in the New Year.

An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland