ON this the 105th anniversary of the Easter Rising 1916 the Leadership of the Republican Movement sends greetings to Irishmen and Irishwomen at home and abroad. We extend solidarity greetings to Jonathan Hawthorn, POW, Portlaoise. This year we mark with pride the 40th anniversary of the heroic sacrifice of the ten H-Block hunger strikers.

Again, this year due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, Republicans cannot hold the usual commemorations at the graves of our patriot dead. However, individual members of the Republican Movement will lay wreaths at graves and memorials in Ireland and abroad. Our members will fly the National Flag at their homes and at Republican monuments and we will wear the Easter Lily with pride.

We have declared for the All-Ireland Republic proclaimed on Easter Monday 1916 and ratified by the First (All-Ireland) Dáil Éireann in 1919. In our allegiance to this Republic, we have, and we will reject all other political entities in Ireland.

Lately many political commentators and politicians of various hues of Irish nationalism are suggesting that the “United Ireland” is around the corner and that physical force Republicans should “leave the stage”. Ireland was united before our country was partitioned by Britain under threat of “immediate and terrible war”. That united Ireland was under British rule. Beware of what “United Ireland” is on offer.

Any “new” Ireland that comes as a result of a border poll or two-state referenda will be negotiated by the political establishment of Leinster House, Stormont and Westminster. They have all proven that they have no love for an Ireland “sovereign and indefeasible” as stated in the 1916 Proclamation. The men and women of 1916 and 1919-23 and those who followed did not fight for a unitary state ruled by a political elite whose main interests is in protecting the cosy cartels they have built up in Stormont and Leinster House.

They have all stood in the way of national forces opposing British rule in the Occupied Six Counties. They have already flown the kite of Ireland joining the British Commonwealth and speak of our shared history. Our shared history is nothing but a history of invasion, murder, torture, rape and genocide. Now is not the time for the Republican Movement to leave the field, it must remain as a guarantor of traditional Republican ideals. The Republic is not for sale.

This Easter we take this opportunity to remember the Volunteers and Republican activists who have died since last Easter. We express condolences to their families, friends and comrades. Regretfully due to the COVID-19 pandemic many of us could not attend the funerals of our deceased comrades. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anamacha.

We send salutations to Sinn Féin Poblachtach, the public face of the Republican Movement. It has withstood the onslaughts of criticism from without and within. The path SFP members choose is not an easy one. As well as harassment from the 26-County and British States they constantly face down those who would try to destroy the Organisation’s reputation in the media and on other forums who attempt to engage in futile social media discussions.

We commend Sinn Féin Poblachtach members and supporters who have marked the 100th anniversary events of 1920 and 1921. The leadership has been heartened by the reports we have received. We acknowledge all Republican activists and appreciate your commitment to Irish Republicanism. We ask you to take further steps to build the Movement in your local area and play a part in the national effort to finally bring about British disengagement from Ireland.

It is the duty of the Republican Movement to oppose British occupation in Ireland to the best of our ability and strength. In every decade armed struggle has been used, not as a principle, not as a tactic, but as a reality of opposition to British Crown Forces. When a sustained campaign cannot be mounted, it is a duty to at least harass the enemy.

We have witnessed a steady rundown of rural Ireland by the 26-County State. The winding down of Bord na Móna, closing of rural post offices and cutting back of transport services, yet millions are spent on greenways and other tourist attractions. Peat products are imported from thousands of miles away, but the local peat industry is closed down. One may ask which peat product has the largest carbon emissions.

People in rural Ireland are being forced to move to overcrowded cities or commute for several hours. It seems no services for the local population but plenty for European tourists. Is it their aim to turn the 26 Counties into a holiday park for the EU?

We cannot allow a new 32-County Ireland to be taken over by a Leinster House/Stormont coalition where the “elite” and their interests will flourish while the people most at risk, the elderly, the homeless and marginalised of our society continue to barely survive. Éire Nua, the political programme of the Republican Movement, provides a blueprint which allows all the Irish people to come together and build a new Ireland which would embrace all political opinions.

We acknowledge the work being carried out by the Éire Nua Food Initiative and other voluntary organisations in helping the homeless and vulnerable across our country. It is indeed a sad indictment on the Establishment both north and south of Britain’s Border.

In conclusion, the Leadership of the Republican Movement assures the Irish people that no opportunity will pass where we shall be found wanting and at the opportune time appropriate action will be taken to achieve the independence of our nation.

— Issued by the Leadership of the Republican Movement, Easter 2021

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