Derry Conference on republican unity - a report! -- Stormont Watch

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Date Posted: Thu, May 17 2007, 12:53:59 PDT
Author: TAL BCB
Subject: Derry Conference on republican unity - a report!

I attended the Derry conference on republican unity.
The meeting was well attended and went well.
The main speakers were Gerry Ruddy of the IRSP, Danny McBrearty, Chairman of the Ex-PoW's and Concerned Republicans Against RUC/PSNI, Marian Price of the 32csm,
and former Sinn Fein Director of Elections Tony Catney.
There were others on the platform too, but their names I have forgotten.
Republican Sinn Fein were invited to the conference but refused to attend! EIRIGI were also invited - but the conference day was also their Ard Fheis, and apologies were received.

I wasn't taking notes, therefore it's somewhat difficult to remember everything that was said - but a lot of important issues were covered.

Gerry Ruddy of the IRSP proposed that the IRSP and 32csm, as well as Independent Republicans etc, hold a joint commemoration for the annual Wolfe Tone Commemoration in Bodenstown next month which I though an excellent idea.
All being well this hopefully will go ahead. Gerry also spoke at length about the class struggle, and there's no denying he is an articulate man and passionate about what the IRSP stand for.

Danny McBrearty spoke about the Ex-PoW's and Concerned Republicans Against RUC/PSNI and how they were formed - and what they are about. He told conference his organisation is now a registered charity and plan on doing work in the community. He hoped they would branch out throughout the 6 Counties - and beyond in time.

Brendan Hughes was due to be present, but had to cancel due to being unwell. It was agreed he would speak via his mobile phone, and this was relayed through the microphone.
His speech was short, but when a man like the Dark speaks - people listen!.
Brendan mentioned how he can see Stormont from where he lives, and how it sickens him that - despite everything - things have come to this. He mentioned Bobby Sands and Kieran Nugent, his own time in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh etc. It was a short speech but poignant, and he finished by sending his apologies for absence, wishing the conference every success as the crowd applauded.

Marian Price then spoke and delivered an excellent speech which I managed to capture on my mobile. I will post on media website soon.

Former Sinn Fein member Tony Catney then spoke and gave a very articulate and thought-provoking speech on various important issues - notably on Republican Unity - which all the speakers had mentioned.

I personally am filled with a sense of renewed optimism as a result of attending this conference. Plans were made and will be put in motion that hopefully will deliver unity amongst all republicans. This obviously will not happen overnight but I am certain it will happen. The Wolfe Tone joint commemoration next month - if it takes place - will be the template for it, and the various groups can take it from there.

Questions coming from the floor were many and varied - including from Socialist Democracy - and others whose names escape me. Chairman of 32csm Francie Mackay spoke from the floor and made some good points also.

The meeting was not about 'Provo Bashing.' There was hardly any of it. It had been agreed in essence such conduct is counter-productive and achieves nothing.
Republicans are now tasked with re-building the republican movement - which has been dealt a serious blow.

The meeting ended after over two hours of discussions.
Tea/coffee and a buffet were laid on for those in attendance.
This meeting was very worthwhile, and congratulations to all those involved in organising it - and taking part.

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Replies:

Re: Derry Conference on republican unity - a report! -- Red Republicam, Sun, May 27 2007, 10:23:36 PDT