9 September 2004 Edition
Republicans honour Larkin in Liverpool
The 7th Annual James Larkin March and Rally was held last Saturday 4 September in Liverpool. Led by four Republican Flute Bands — the Hugh Hehir/Lisa Bell RFB, Dublin , the James Larkin RFB, Liverpool, the Seán McIllvenna RFB, Glasgow and the Coatbridge RFB, West of Scotland, the march was attended by over 500 people and followed a city-centre route through Liverpool. The rally was addressed by Aengus O Snodaigh TD of Sinn Féin, Jim Slaven of Scottish-based Cairde na hÉireann and Alec McFadden, President of Merseyside TUC.
In a wide ranging speech encompassing a tribute to James Larkin and the current Peace Process, Aengus O Snodaigh TD compared the political aspirations of Larkin and other Socialist Republicans with that of today's Irish and British Labour parties who have failed to represent the interests of working-class people on both islands.
In a turnaround compared to previous marches, the event was policed in a remarkably low-key manner by Merseyside Police. Last year's heavy police presence was strongly criticised by local politicians and Irish community activists and complaints were made to the Merseyside Police Authority.