|
One
of the greatest challenges facing the supporters of
Irish freedom is in sustaining and giving the much
needed aid and support to the Irish Republicans POWs
and their loved ones left at home. Those dependent
families whose meager means are stretched to the breaking
point require and deserve our support in their hour
of need.
There
is no more a generous group than Irish Republicans
in taking care for their own. Hundreds of years of
resistance have proven this out. As the Irish Republican
POWs and members of the freedom struggle are held
by the occupied north and collaborist south, an all
out campaign for full political status is on going.
Status was stripped by the signers of the failed Stormont
Agreement, including the Provos. So now we are back
to the conditions in the mid 1970s where “dirty
protests” were ongoing and the threat of more
drastic measures by the POWs was contemplated. Although
we have seen a cautious victory in Republicans being
segregated from Loyalists in Maghaberry much more
needs to be won.
To
give those front line fighters for freedom the assurance
that their dependents at home are being looked after
is as great a gift as can be given. The Irish POWs'
peace of mind goes along way to their continuing resistance
to the forces of occupation and suppression.
It
must also be brought out that the Free State political
police have been targeting members and supporters
of political resistance groups and political parties,
such as (Republican) Sinn Fein, to an onslaught of
intimidation, harassment and censorship. No better
example would be the recent “show” trial
of the Limerick 7. An attempt by the Free State to
use a non- independent judicial to stop the cause
of freedom. The consequences of these “show”
trials and draconian bail conditions set upon those
whose aim is Irish freedom has proven to be a costly
hardship to the Republican political activists and
their families. Their needs must be met as well.
The
Republican freedom movement will not die and go away,
it is here for the duration. We must show those front
line forces of Irish freedom their dependents are
being looked after, especially the children. Warm
coats, shoes that fit, nutritional food for the body
and mind, goes along way to ease the mental anguish
of Irish POWs. Never forget those youngsters are the
future and the next generation of Irish Republicanism.
Index: Current Articles + Latest News and Views + Book Reviews +
Letters + Archives
|
