18 December 1997 Edition
The task of moving the struggle forward in 1998
Republicans can look back to 1997 as a year of exceptional electoral gains and a year which saw all the parties to the conflict in the north finally sitting down at the negotiating table.
Essentially, republicans won the argument that the conflict can only be resolved by talking. The unionists entered the process kicking and screaming and have since failed to engage in genuine dialogue.
It has also been the year that witnessed increased militarisation and continued and repeated assaults on nationalist communities throughout the north by the Crown Forces in order to facilitate sectarian coat trailing exercise by the Orange Order; with loyalist killer gangs continuing to stalk the night looking for vulnerable nationalist victims.
In the face of a vibrant and dynamic republican movement, Unionism remains stale and fearful of change. But while they may try to block progress, it is patently clear that there can be no going backwards.
Entering into 1998 republicans should now be recommitting themselves to consolidating those gains made during 1997 and organising to remove the continuing vestiges of oppression.
Militarisation and the abuse of nationalist rights will continue to intensify unless thousands of marching feet send a clear message to the British that nationalist Ireland is no longer prepared to put up with second class status.
Recent gains have been built on the strength of a nationalist community which is growing in confidence. That same confidence will in the coming year witness further progress. Much is at stake in the talks at Stormont, but it is through political activism on the streets that our negotiators are given voice. Protests must become an unstoppable force for change in Ireland Let us not be found wanting in what is required.
THE centrality of the prisons issue in resolving the conflict in Ireland is emphasised by the fact that each December is highlighted as Prisoners Month by republicans
There remain 328 republican prisoners incarcarated in prisons throughout Ireland, England and the United States.
Problems with justice, extradition, provision of health care and repatriation remain core issues which need to be addressed by the governments now.
Ultimately if the peace process is to succeed, if there is to be peace, there can be no political prisoners. In the history of global conflict resolution, there is no case where peace has been established while prisoners remain incarcarated.
Saoirse has set itself the task of ensuring that this will be the last Christmas prisoners spend cut-off from their families and friends.
ALL the staff of An Phoblacht - journalists, drivers, production and administration (and me - F.) - wish all our readers and our sellers a very happy Christmas and the very best wishes for 1998.
Essentially, republicans won the argument that the conflict can only be resolved by talking. The unionists entered the process kicking and screaming and have since failed to engage in genuine dialogue.
It has also been the year that witnessed increased militarisation and continued and repeated assaults on nationalist communities throughout the north by the Crown Forces in order to facilitate sectarian coat trailing exercise by the Orange Order; with loyalist killer gangs continuing to stalk the night looking for vulnerable nationalist victims.
In the face of a vibrant and dynamic republican movement, Unionism remains stale and fearful of change. But while they may try to block progress, it is patently clear that there can be no going backwards.
Entering into 1998 republicans should now be recommitting themselves to consolidating those gains made during 1997 and organising to remove the continuing vestiges of oppression.
Militarisation and the abuse of nationalist rights will continue to intensify unless thousands of marching feet send a clear message to the British that nationalist Ireland is no longer prepared to put up with second class status.
Recent gains have been built on the strength of a nationalist community which is growing in confidence. That same confidence will in the coming year witness further progress. Much is at stake in the talks at Stormont, but it is through political activism on the streets that our negotiators are given voice. Protests must become an unstoppable force for change in Ireland Let us not be found wanting in what is required.
The centrality of prisoners
THE centrality of the prisons issue in resolving the conflict in Ireland is emphasised by the fact that each December is highlighted as Prisoners Month by republicans
There remain 328 republican prisoners incarcarated in prisons throughout Ireland, England and the United States.
Problems with justice, extradition, provision of health care and repatriation remain core issues which need to be addressed by the governments now.
Ultimately if the peace process is to succeed, if there is to be peace, there can be no political prisoners. In the history of global conflict resolution, there is no case where peace has been established while prisoners remain incarcarated.
Saoirse has set itself the task of ensuring that this will be the last Christmas prisoners spend cut-off from their families and friends.
Happy Christmas
ALL the staff of An Phoblacht - journalists, drivers, production and administration (and me - F.) - wish all our readers and our sellers a very happy Christmas and the very best wishes for 1998.