10 September 1998 Edition

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Tom Williams remembered

By Laura Friel

The British government and its entourage ``are not mediators, facilitators, neutral parties, referees or honest brokers,`` Sinn Fein Assembly member Barry McElduff reminded republicans attending the Tom Williams Commemoration last Sunday. ``They are our political enemies and adversaries who are out to prevent `Fenianism from rearing its rebellious head',`` he said.

Around a hundred people gathered at Belfast's Milltown cemetery to mark the 56th anniversary of Tom Williams' execution in Crumlin Road jail. The proceedings were chaired by Martin Meehan. Paying tribute to the National Graves Association, McElduff described the ``strong regard for our patriot dead'' as the soul of the Republican Movement. Just as it is important for our young people to learn about Bobby Sands, Joe McDonnell, Kieran Doherty, to learn about Mairead Farrell, Sean Savage and Dan McCann, Tom Williams and all those who fought in those difficult early years should also be remembered, said Barry. ``What did Tom Williams die for? What have we devoted so much of our lives to; a United Ireland, freedom and independence, national self determination, an end to partition and British withdrawal. These remain our core objectives,'' said Barry.

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