18 March 1999 Edition
Ogra Shinn Féin to launch `radical' campaign
Ogra Shinn Féin are to launch their most imaginative campaign to date this weekend. Hundreds of Ogra activists are to decend on Tralee, County Kerry to debate the final points of the ``Young and Independent'' document which will be the basis of the future campaign.
The campaign has grown from a realisation on behalf of the republican youth movement that politics and society in general contribute in no small part to the isolation of Irish youth.
``The fact in Ireland today is that young people may be forced to live on the streets, feel compelled to travel abroad for abortions, accept mediocre employment or training and at the same time have no power to effect the institutions that allow these and other injustices to occur'', said Matt Carthy, National Organiser of Ogra Shinn Féin.
The campaign is set to begin gradually and have a national focus within three months. The overall aim of the process will be to outline the connection between Personal Independence and National Independence, a point that seems to be lost among the other political youth organisations.
The fact that the Spring School is to be held in Kerry is no coincidence. ``The struggle for independence at a personal, local and national level is an all-Ireland one. This campaign is as important to the youth of the 26 Counties as it is to the people of the Six Counties'' said Cathal Foley of Tralee Ogra Shinn Féin.
The campaign does entail a great deal of risk. As Matt Carthy outlined, ``this is the first time that a republican youth organisation has ever attempted to initiate a campaign of this magnitude. In order for it to be successful we need to build upon our existing structure and organisation and create an awareness of the campaign among the wider youth communities, this is by no means a small task.''
Ogra Shinn Féin are also set to discuss the role that they are to play in the upcoming local and European elections at the Spring School.
``We believe that our Young and Independent campaign can provide a catalyst in ensuring a large number of young people to understand that Sinn Féin is the only party that can represent them adequately. We are going to play a full part in the upcoming elections'' concluded Cathal Foley.
The campaign has grown from a realisation on behalf of the republican youth movement that politics and society in general contribute in no small part to the isolation of Irish youth.
``The fact in Ireland today is that young people may be forced to live on the streets, feel compelled to travel abroad for abortions, accept mediocre employment or training and at the same time have no power to effect the institutions that allow these and other injustices to occur'', said Matt Carthy, National Organiser of Ogra Shinn Féin.
The campaign is set to begin gradually and have a national focus within three months. The overall aim of the process will be to outline the connection between Personal Independence and National Independence, a point that seems to be lost among the other political youth organisations.
The fact that the Spring School is to be held in Kerry is no coincidence. ``The struggle for independence at a personal, local and national level is an all-Ireland one. This campaign is as important to the youth of the 26 Counties as it is to the people of the Six Counties'' said Cathal Foley of Tralee Ogra Shinn Féin.
The campaign does entail a great deal of risk. As Matt Carthy outlined, ``this is the first time that a republican youth organisation has ever attempted to initiate a campaign of this magnitude. In order for it to be successful we need to build upon our existing structure and organisation and create an awareness of the campaign among the wider youth communities, this is by no means a small task.''
Ogra Shinn Féin are also set to discuss the role that they are to play in the upcoming local and European elections at the Spring School.
``We believe that our Young and Independent campaign can provide a catalyst in ensuring a large number of young people to understand that Sinn Féin is the only party that can represent them adequately. We are going to play a full part in the upcoming elections'' concluded Cathal Foley.