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Many claim it – from Sinn Féin to Fianna Fail to the SDLP and a wealth of smaller groups including RSF, IRSP, Workers Party, éirígí and the 32CSM (sorry if I left you out). To address the question requires a definition of what Republicanism is and that isn’t something easily agreed on. It used to be reasonably easy to define – primarily those demanding complete independence from Britain and the establishment of a Republican government. After that various elements had …

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With Slugger award winning Belfast City Council recently having voted to stage a civic reception for British Armed Forces after their march through city centre streets, the route of the parade has appeared on the Parades Commission website. In what seems a badly planned and needlessly provocative gesture the destination will be Lanyon Place, directly opposite the only republican area in the city centre – the Markets, before dispersing for a civic reception presumable held in the Waterfront. UPDATE: Strangely …

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Heading into a winter of discontent with increased fuel charges and massive price increases across basic food necessities destined to hit the most vulnerable in society hardest, it is disheartening to hear that the NI Anti Poverty Network is also facing a credit crunch. The body, which has long campaigned on behalf of the poorest in society, could face closure, as it’s funding dries up. Just when we are needed most, we may have to close. This means that “on …

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The éirígí website has provided footage of the RUC/PSNI house raid believed to have lead to the disturbances in Craigavon. “I was outside the family home when the raid began and I was inside immediately afterwards speaking with the family, who are close friends of mine. The reality of the RUC–PSNI was here for all to see in broad daylight and the residents of this estate remain justifiably suspicious of the force” ADDS: This may inform some of the discussion …

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Have I got the right story? Blank

While some cynics on this site doubted protests against the past injustices of internment and plans for 42 day detention without trial would attract much more than ‘two men and a dog’, activists from éirigí supported by members of other groups and non-aligned individuals turned out to make their voices heard in sizeable numbers at locations across Ireland. While I previously noted the ‘politics of protest’ may be being discarded in some quarters in favour of normalization, for some a …

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As the British political system continues to wrangle over the implications of the 42-day detention legislation, the socialist-republican party éirígí has organised a number of demonstrations to protest against its potential use against Irish republicans and vulnerable communities in Britain. éirígí is drawing strong parallels between the controversial detention legislation and the introduction of internment in the North 37-years ago. Indeed, they have billed their August 9 gatherings as both a commemoration of the injustice of internment and a protest …

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As reported by the BT the Orange Order are in trouble due to copyright infringement over their Diamond Dan rebranding. Play spot the difference below: Diamond Dan I can’t believe it’s not Diamond Dan Blank

Last Thursday’s article by Ciarán Barnes in the Andersonstown News focusing on a recent issue of Greater St James Community Watch bulletin (page 1, page2) has been causing a bit of a stir (Greater St James Community Watch has a reputation in West Belfast for effectiveness and independence from any external political influence). The bulletin contained an iconic photograph of armed members of the Black Panthers along with a quote from their former leader Stokely Carmichael: “There’s a difference between …

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With the bulk of Slugger emphasis on the Lisbon Treaty referendum firmly centred on the mainly electronic campaign of Libertas you could almost be forgiven for thinking their wasn’t a much larger element in the No campaign; a campaign based on left and progressive concerns about an increasingly federalised Europe involved in an ongoing sovereignty grab. The left campaign which was fought on the traditional battleground for winning votes in the Twenty Six Counties, the doorstep, unlike the purely electronic …

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Earlier today as the leaders of the Stormont Administration prepared to roll out the red carpet for George Bush and Gordon Brown 100s of people took to the streets to voice their opposition. At one point during the city centre rally éirígí activists gained access to City Hall, removed the Union Jack which flies above Belfast 365 days a year and in an act of solidarity and defiance raised the Iraqi flag along with a banner much to the delight …

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Last night saw the public meeting on the Lisbon Treaty at the Conway Mill, Belfast. Below are the opening addresses by Bairbre de Brún (Sinn Féin), Daithí Mac An Mhaistír (éirígí), Alban Maginness (SDLP) & Christopher Stalford (DUP). Daithí Mac an Mhaistír (éirígí) More beneath the fold… Alban Maginness (SDLP) Christopher Stalford (DUP) Bairbre de Brún (Sinn Féin) Also Daithi’s closing remarks: Blank

With the debate on the Lisbon Treaty entering its last week in the 26 counties ahead of the referendum on 12th June, CAEUC will be holding a public meeting in Belfast on what it all means for people in the 6 counties and the denial of any voice by the British Government. Conway Mill Education Centre, Belfast at 7pm on Monday June 9th. Main Speakers: Bairbre de Brún (Sinn Féin) Daithí Mac An Mhaistír (éirígí) Alban Maginness (SDLP) Christopher Stalford …

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Mark Steel wrote the following piece on the Raytheon 9 last week for the British Independent newspaper but their lawyers wouldn’t let it be printed. The evidence mounts that some things aren’t fair There’s a trial currently taking place in Belfast, that seems to explain plainly how nothing makes any sense. It revolves around a factory owned by the arms company Raytheon, which was set up in Derry soon after the IRA ceasefire. John Hume, who’d just won the Nobel …

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On 10 May éirígí held its second Ard Fheis. In a mere two years it has grown greatly beyond the original six members based in Dublin. For those interested in following developments, you can read and view the new rúnaí ginearálta Rab Jackson’s address to the Ard Fheis here. Tommy McKearney’s and Brian Lesson’s orations at the Connolly commemoration are also available. Photos Blank

As the unionist marching season gets under way we can be guaranteed the reappearance of thousands of flags across the 6 counties which will remain in place for many months. However, this week in Magherafelt the PSNI/RUC arrived in force to prevent éirígí activists replacing flags erected to commemorate the period between the start of the Rising and the final executions of its leaders. The flags had been removed following complaints from unionist elected representatives. In 2006 the PSNI/RUC facilitated …

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The Spotlight programme on sectarianism has just finished. The blog on it was offline for much of today (I took it down at Mick’s request) and it is now only available without comment. Mick informs me he received emails that some of the issues raised may have been open to legal action. As that space for comment has been shut down (at the request/advice of some), curtailed?, hopefully your comments on the programme alone will be allowed here. No names …

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Over on Organized Rage, Mick Hall is highlighting the failure to treat Carers with anything like respect and Michael Chewter’s efforts to obtain Union representation for those carrying out this invaluable role. On another level it demonstrates a weakness in Henry McDonald’s Observer piece on the Bill of Rights. What Henry read as a right to litigate over housework would have provided real support and entitlement for this neglected group of workers. All workers, including those working in the home …

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