Standing for progress and against forces of the reactionary far right

"We are unambiguously anti-racist, anti-sectarian and anti-fascist; committed to equality, social justice and human rights for all citizens"

Two weeks ago, racist pogroms were mounted against ethnic minority and migrant people in greater Belfast, forcing families from their homes. Elsewhere in the north of Ireland, multiple violent attacks and intimidatory protests took place. 

This vicious onslaught was preceded by a murderous knife attack in North Belfast which caused inevitable shock and outrage.

However, that attempted murder was exploited by sinister far-right and unionist paramilitary elements to cause terror and disruption. 

The racist pogroms unleashed were reminiscent of the sectarian pogroms which drove Catholic people from their homes in Belfast in 1969.

Sectarianism is deeply embedded within the northern state. Today racist mindsets and behaviours are also prevalent.

Social media platforms are being manipulated in Ireland to normalise anti-immigrant sentiment and racism. It is highly coordinated.

Research has confirmed that very well funded far-right sources are systematically targeting Irish society through social media platforms.

There is a direct correlation between this sophisticated online campaign with the global growth of extreme right politics in Britain, Europe, and resurgent imperialism and colonialism across the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

It is no accident that this is happening – the rise of Reform and extreme nationalism in Britain; the spread of xenophobia in South Africa; the isolation and blockade of Cuba; and, the tolerance for and complicity with Israeli state and settler terrorism in Palestine, Lebanon and elsewhere.

These are not random events. They all relate to the control of political power. 

A new reactionary world order is emerging in plain sight. And, there is now a battle for hearts and minds in Irish society.

In an era during which Ireland has secured marriage equality; constitutional recognition of women’s health rights; elected a left, progressive President of Ireland; and at a time of political change in which the politics of international solidarity and decolonisation have never been stronger, especially among young people, extremist forces are mobilising against further change. 

 The parties of conservatism in the south of Ireland have coalesced again to prevent the potential for a progressive government taking office.  

In the north, the DUP and political unionism are attempting to hollow out the political institutions established under the Good Friday Agreement, and are actively undermining power-sharing. 

Political unionism is lurching to the extreme right in advance of the 2027 Assembly and local council elections by blocking change. The behaviour of unionist politicians is poisoning the political process. 

The DUP’s singular focus is about electing the next First Minister. 

During the recent upsurge of racist violence, unionist politicians dog whistled while others mobilised in the streets.

Unionism is engaged in race to the bottom politics.

The Brexit debacle continues to impact upon the daily lives of workers and families, compounded by the effects of the ongoing cost of living crisis. 

Partition has failed.

At the same time, support for Irish unity is unprecedented. The end of partition is on the political horizon.

Political and social realignments are taking place. More change is possible.

However, Irish national self-determination is opposed by powerful forces both in Ireland and internationally.

They are hostile to constitutional change and the potential it holds for establishing an egalitarian republic.

Partition also provides the British intelligence and military establishment with a geo-strategic security outpost on Britain’s western sea board.

Eighty years ago the United Nations Charter envisaged a new democratic world order, premised upon the right of all nations to self-determination, and the human and democratic rights of all citizens. It projected the vision of a global system governed by diplomacy, mutual respect and peaceful co-existence.

The Charter’s ambition set forth an alternative to the dominance of imperialism and colonialism during the 19th and 20th centuries, culminating in two world wars.

Now it is being challenged by a geo-political context shaped by war, aggression and inequality.

The prevailing global chaos and uncertainty is a function of modern imperialism. 

It is inflaming racism and xenophobia through online disinformation and fake news, to foment fear and division in society.  

The intention is to derail the politics of hope and change.

But the strategic purpose is designed to control the structures of political power.

 Reactionary conservatism is getting its act together. 

Securing national self-determination – the fundamental right of all peoples to make their own decisions, free from foreign interference or colonial control – is the defining political struggle of our modern age.

That is what inspired the declaration of the UN Charter, Ireland’s Easter Proclamation in 1916, the Bandung Principles, and South Africa’s Freedom Charter. 

There is an urgent need to reassert the primacy of national democracy, equality, social justice, and inclusion.

These ideas are the essence of national liberation politics. 

Those political parties, movements and governments within the national liberation tradition have a strategic responsibility to collectively set out the alternative to this aggressive new world order. 

In Ireland, this is a time to fearlessly confront the reactionary politics of racism, sectarianism and bigotry which are being mobilised to prevent progressive national and social transformation.

Sinn Féin must be at the centre of this struggle.

We must give decisive leadership and be absolutely confident in what we represent. 

Sinn Féin is a party of the Irish working class. National liberation and anti-imperialism are foundations of our ideology.

We are progressive internationalists, and champions for the defence of Irish neutrality.

We are unambiguously anti-racist, anti-sectarian and anti-fascist; committed to equality, social justice and human rights for all citizens. 

Irish unity is the big idea of our time. It frightens those within the far-right and extreme conservatism. They are engaged in a strategy to consolidate the political dominance and financial and economic interests of the elites in Ireland and internationally who profit from the current status quo.

The lines have been drawn. Decisions need made. To stand on the side of progress or reaction. 

Sinn Féin is crystal clear. 

We are for a positive future: For a progressive Ireland: And, a sovereign Republic which guarantees equality, respect and national freedom for all our people.