Martin McGuinness pays tribute to Scotland supporters

BY MICHAEL
‘DIXIE’ DICKSON

ON SATURDAY 13th November, Martin McGuinness flew into Glasgow Airport to a completely different kind of welcome that Gerry Adams received on his arrival in Glasgow back in 1995. Back then, Gerry, was greeted at the airport by a baying crowd of Scottish loyalists. This time, the only people who reacted were one or two among the plane-load of Rangers fans who had to share the flight with Martin and his team.
The purpose of the visit was twofold. The first was to give a talk as guest speaker and take a question and answer open forum with Friends of Sinn Féin, the growing republican support network in Scotland. The second was to host the 2nd Friends of Sinn Féin Dinner Dance later that evening.
The talk was held in St Roche’s Hall in the Garngad. The turn-out was amazing for a Saturday afternoon. The hall was packed with around 200 people eager to hear the republican message direct from a leadership figure. Joining Martin for the two-hour event was Glasgow-born Pat Doherty MP, Seán Oliver and Franny McAdam, Cairde National Organiser in Scotland.
Martin’s talk covered every aspect of the struggle and went down a storm. Then came the questions from the floor. There was no shortage a people looking to ask Martin his views on subjects as diverse as his views on so-called ‘dissidents’, MI5, and the economy in the 26 Counties and the Six Counties.
Later that evening, Friends of Sinn Féin Scotland held their 2nd Annual Dinner Dance in Glasgow. Even in this tough economic climate, every ticket was sold with 200 proud republicans taking their seats for the dinner dance.
After a superb meal, Cairde Scotland National Organiser Franny McAdam introduced Gerry Duddy from the Bloody Sunday families and Irene Connolly from the Ballymurphy Massacre families. Both thanked Cairde for all their hard work in publicing their campaigns by holding marches to highlight the issues and bringing family members over to give talks.
Martin McGuinness joined in thanking Cairde for all the work and support they do for Sinn Féin and that their efforts are recognised by the leadership of Sinn Féin. Then it was time to honour three young members of Cairde for all the time and effort they put into keeping their republican flute bands on the road. The honourees were Lloyd Ingram from the Volunteer Seán McIlvenna RFB; Alan Casey from the Volunteer Martin ‘Doco’ Doherty RFB; and Liz Taylor from the Coatbridge RFB.
Finally, Gerry Keating was given a special presentation by Martin McGuinness of a ‘Spirit of Freedom’ glassware piece for all his work over many a year to spread the republican message in Scotland.
Special thanks have to go to Franny, Tommy and all the members of Cairde not just for making Saturday a huge success but for all the hard work they put in to spreading and promoting the republican message every day of the year by holding marches, talks, exhibitions and functions throughout the year.
Also thanks to Danny Doherty for all the tremendous organisation of the dinner dance. Already plans are afoot to make next year’s event even bigger.