Cairde Na hÉireann
Campaigning For An Ireland Of Equals!
Thank you for coming out on this freezing cold January day. Your presence is much appreciated.
70 years ago 10 young men and boys died tragically in a fire right here where we stand today. There have been a lot of theories as to how the fire was started as the jury of the time was unable to determine the cause. It was a tragic event, it is even more poignant that the blank space on that wall is still blank.
On the 70th anniversary, in September, members of the Irish Community in Scotland, and families of the victims, placed a plaque and wreaths here to remember them. Within hours the plaque was smashed and the wreaths destroyed.
Cairde na hÉireann organised a march in November to highlight anti Irish racism, and to draw it to the attention of the media, the police and the politicians who erroneously referred to it as a Random Act of Violence.
What happened next was a catalogue of discrimination and further racism – this time by the local council.
21 objections were logged with the council, to you and me that would be threats by the BNP and Orange Order, so in the correct procedure, a meeting was held. Our spokesperson was constantly denied the right to speak in contrast to the objectors having free reign to say what they pleased without interruption. Our volunteers and heroes were called terrorists by a man claiming to be of the Irish community and dictated to that we should only be flying saltires on that day. It was claimed at the recent meeting that this was meant as a joke – as far as I’m aware a racist joke is still racism????
It is the fundamental right of every community to be permitted the right to commemorate, honour and indeed mourn their dead. It is our democratic right to stand up against injustices.
In banning all republican bands – without justification, breaching the legislation set out by the Scottish Executive.
In banning all instruments and uniforms - without justification, breaching the legislation set out by the Scottish Executive.
In cutting the route of the march by 70% - without justification, breaching the legislation set out by the Scottish Executive.
In re-routing the march - without justification, breaching the legislation set out by the Scottish Executive …………..
East Dunbartonshire council has indeed behaved unjustly towards the Irish community. Cairde na hÉireann are prepared to work with EDC to help them understand why this is both democratically and morally wrong.
Otherwise the breaches, racism and discrimination will continue to be pursued by Cairde na hÉireann through the legal process. Today will certainly not be the end of the matter.
Kirkintilloch was supposed to be a one off event, as part of the ongoing campaign to eradicate sectarianism and racism in Scotland. However, until Cairde are satisfied that East Dunbartonshire council recognise and actively works to tackle these issues, we will continue to campaign in this area.
We invite EDC to work with us to gain a better understanding of our aims and objectives.
It is a tribute to those young Irish men that the people here today are present to defend Irish Rights in Kirkintilloch.
As a famous son of the Irish community in Scotland once said
“The cause of Ireland is the cause of labour, the cause of labour is the cause of Ireland”
Tiocfaidh Ar lá
Cairde Na hEireann, 260 Gallowgate, Glasgow. Tel 0141 552 8554
