Francis Hughes remembered in Gorey

Heavy rain failed to break the spirits of those who gathered in Gorey this afternoon to honour the memory of republican martyr Francis Hughes.  A large crowd braved the elements to take part in a black flag memorial at the 1798 monument in the town, part of a number of commemorative events being organised by the local branch of Sinn Féin this Summer to mark the 32nd anniversary of the 1981 republican hunger strike.

Francis Hughes was a republican volunteer who was for a period the most wanted man in Ireland.  He took part in the first H-blocks hunger strike in 1980 and was the second man to die in the 1981 strike.  His cousin Thomas McElwee would later become the ninth man to die that terrible summer.

Among those to speak at today's event in Gorey were Wexford Sinn Féin Cllr Anthony Kelly and local spokesperson and anti austerity campaigner Fionntán O' Súilleabháin.  Both men stressed the need for families and communities that are on their knees due to austerity to take a stand against the pro austerity troika of Fine Gael, Labour and Fianna Fail by joining Sinn Féin. 

Further events will be held across the county to remember the other eight hunger strikers in or around their respective anniversaries.  All are welcome to take part in these events.

Failed property tax should be repealed - Mythen

An Enniscorthy Councillor has described the local property tax as another epic failure from an inept government.  Sinn Féin Cllr Johnny Mythen said that the huge hold out rate of people not paying the tax shows that it is the democratic wish of the majority that this tax should be scrapped and alternative, progressive revenue raising tactics should be implemented instead.

Cllr Mythen said;

"During the weekend before the governments deadline for registration for the local property tax, the national media confirmed that one in four of those liable for the tax had paid.  Just 400,000 people out of an eligible 1.66 million had informed the taxman of how much they owe.  This was despite the threat of the full force of the revenue commissioners hanging over their heads."

"If ever there was proof needed that the majority of Irish people oppose a cross the board property tax, then this is it.  It is clearly the democratic wish of the majority that the property tax should be scrapped.  This is what Sinn Féin has been arguing for from the very beginning.  We fully opposed the unfair household charge and continue to stand against the local property tax.  This summer we will bring a repeal bill before the Dail in the hope that we can get the property tax abolished."

"The government argues that there is no option but to go ahead with this tax but they are wrong.  Sinn Féin has outlined clear and progressive alternatives.  We have called for the creation of a third rate of income tax at 48% for those who earn over €100,000 per annum and the implementation of a wealth tax on those with assets in excess of €1 million, not including working farmland and business." 

"These alternatives have to be looked at seriously by the government now because once again it has been proven that they are completely out of touch with the citizens of this country."

Bank Holiday traffic met by black flag protest

Wexford town bank holiday traffic was treated to a piece of history last Saturday as local republicans held a black flag remembrance event in Redmond Square to mark the 32nd anniversary of the death of Bobby Sands.  Local Sinn Féin Cllr Anthony Kelly said that the event stirred real interest in people passing by, particularly young people, who seemed to know their history about Sands and the 1981 hunger strike.

Cllr Kelly said;

"Its encouraging to see the interest that people have in the iconic figure of Bobby Sands.  Young Wexford people in particular seemed extremely interested in the history of the 1981 hunger strike and the ultimate fate of the ten men who lost their lives in that terrible prison protest.  Thirty two years after his death Bobby Sands is as relevant as ever."

"People like Sands who were prepared to stand against tyranny are an inspiration for those who still make a stand against injustice today.  An attempt has been made to airbrush the history of the 1981 hunger strike from our culture.  It gets only a grudging mention in our childrens history sylabus.  Yet the figure of Bobby Sands is as recognisable as that of Che Guevarra or Hugo Sanchez.  What he stood for as not been airbrushed and never will be."

"Wexford Sinn Féin will be holding commemorations for each of the ten hunger strikers around the time of their individual anniversaries.  We invite people who  are in anyway interested in preserving the memory of the hungerstrikers to attend these memorials and to learn more about what caused ten young men to sacrifice their lives in 1981.  Details of upcoming events will be found at www.wexfordsinnfeinnews.blogspot.com in the coming weeks."

Labour have betrayed their legacy - Kelly

Cllr Anthony Kelly has accused Minister Brendan Howlin and his colleagues in the labour party of betraying the historic legacy of their movement by supporting outlandish austerity measures on ordinary families and forcing  pay cuts on public servants because they voted down croke park 2.  The Wexford Sinn Féin councillor said that those legends of the labour movement who took part in the lock out in Wexford town a century ago would turn their backs in disgust on the modern day labour party if they were alive today.

Cllr Kelly said;

"Its been reported in recent days that Minister Brendan Howlin is planning on legislating to cut public servants pay and freeze their increments if they do not accept Croke Park 2.  Its ironic thgreat lock at this is the one hundred anniversary of the great lock out in Dublin, a historic period that labour still claims as its finest hour.  Who would have thought that on the centenary of this event a senior Labour party Minister would be planning on defying the democratic decisions of the unions and preparing to implement draconian wage cuts in an effort to break the will of protesting workers." 

"What would the leaders of the lock outs say about the current labour party? What would James Connolly or Jim Larkin say if they were alive today? What would Wexfords Richard Corish say about Minister Howlins actions? They would no doubt turn their back in disgust on this labour party that has betrayed its historic legacy and the working people of Ireland."

"The Labour party is still insisting that the only way to save Ireland is to force austerity on ordinary families and to cut the pay of hard pressed public workers  They refuse to accept the truth that austerity has failed across Europe.  They refuse to consider progressive proposals such as the creation of a wealth tax or a third band of income tax at 48% for those earning over €100,000 per annum.  They refuse to adequately tackle mass unemployment and out of control emigration.  They have failed." 

Sinn Féin welcomes N11 project, but local jobs needed

Sinn Féin in County Wexford have welcomed the deal that was signed to complete the Rathnew to Arklow bypass on the N11 in Co. Wicklow. However the party is looking for assurances to be given that locals will be employed on the project and that guarantees will be given that at no point in the future will tolls be introduced.

Speaking after the deal was signed spokesperson for the party in North Wexford, Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin said "I warmly welcome the signing of this contract, its been long awaited and unfortunately we have had far too many false dawns on this scheme in the past. The deal involves the construction, operation, maintenance and financing of the 16.5 kilometres of four-lane dual carriageway linking the existing Arklow Bypass with the existing Rathnew/Ashford Bypass in Co.Wicklow. The contract has been awarded to BAM civil limited in a public private partnership and is worth 282 million euro. It’s expected to create up to 1,000 jobs during development of the Bypass which is being bundled in with the N7 Newlands Cross free-flow system in west Dublin. I think its important that the vast majority of these jobs go to people in North Wexford and South Wicklow who have the necessary skills and that the materials for the project would also be sourced from suppliers in both counties."

Ó Súilleabháin continued " CSO figures (last July) showed an incredibly shocking figure of 46% of under-25's unemployed in County Wexford - the third highest in the entire country. North Wexford has been turned into an economic wasteland. What the people of both counties want now are guarantees that some of the thousands of unemployed people from the area will benefit from the construction of the dual carriageway.Guarantees are also needed that at no point in the future will the road be tolled."

"We have been told that the provision of tolls are not to be implemented at this point, however we need assurances, that at no point in the future will they be installed on the N11. The signing of the contract is welcome if somewhat long overdue." Ó Súilleabháin concluded.

Text of Enniscorthy Easter Monday Speech by Cllr Johnny Mythen

Photo by Les Dunne

Cead mile failte go leir go dti an  comoradh seo innue.

 An comoradh eiri amach na casca I mblian 2013.

As chairman I would like to welcome you all, and to give a special welcome to those who have travelled from abroad or long distances to attend today’s commemoration. We would also like to extend our sincere sympathies to the families of all those who have passed away, and especially those who have suffered recent bereavements.

Photo by Les Dunne

In recent years we have begun a tradition that we hope will be carried on for many years to come. That tradition is to dedicate the flag of the Irish republic( just behind me here ) in memory of  life long republicans, The actual original flag  usurped the British  union jack ,and was unfurled for the first time over the G.P.O. in 1916, it is also known as  Pearce’s flag. This year it is a great honour to dedicate the flag of the Irish Republic to a veteran of the 40’s campaign, Nick Furlong of Corish Park Wexford. Nick joined na Fianna at the tender age of 15, And subsequently was arrested after a protest in Wexford town.  Shortly after his release he moved to Liverpool and “again” found himself at odds with the British establishment. From there he signed up to the merchant navy and was to prove his worth yet again, as an able sea man, and carried out many a valuable task for the republican cause.  On his return to his native Wexford Town he went on to be a founding member of the C.B.S. Boxing club, helping youngsters of all walks of life to achieve their goals.  Today we fly the flag in the highest esteem of Nick Furlong and his life long association with republicanism. May he rest in peace.

As we approach the 100^th anniversary of the “Sinn Fein” rising of 1916, we do so with a great sense of immense admiration for the men and women of 16.

Photo by Les Dunne

We do so with a great sense of the immense courage that they displayed under the back breaking regime and unjust laws of an Imperialist Nation.

We do so with the sense of their great immense willingness to sacrifice their own human lives for the love of the Irish people and for the love of their native land..

As Wexford men and Women we too can take the same pride in the part our Town contributed to the fight for Irish freedom . In fact many of the participants who took part in the Enniscorthy rising faced the same consequences of the signatories of the proclamation and were sentenced to death. Only later to have their sentences commuted to a 3 to 4 year stint in the” infamous concentration camp” known as frangoch in Wales.

Photo by Les Dunne

Wexford also has a direct link with, the executed leaders of 1916, one of whom was New Ross man Michael o Hanrachain (Michael o Hanrahan). Michael was a member of Sinn Féin, an I.R.B. member and vice commandant of the 3^rd Batt. of the I.R.A.  He was executed by the British on the 4^th of May 1916, along with his brave comrades, Edward Daly, William Pearse.  Joseph Plunkett.

My friends, my fellow Irish men and Irish women, today we all face a great challenge. A challenge to stand up against dictatorial unfair legislation and elite protectionist policies that are hatched out on a weekly basis in Dail Eireann, which are  destroying the livelyhoods of the ordinary man and ordinary woman, and are contrary to the common good . But together we will turn the politically impossible into the politically inevitable, because our republican beliefs, ideals and republican principles have stood the test of time.

Because our republican beliefs  are needed now! More than ever before.

Because our republican principles are right.

Because our republican ideals  are as, relevant now! As they were 97 years ago.

Go raibh maith agaibh go leir.

Ladies and Gentlemen it gives me great pleasure to introduce our main speaker today, Sandra Mc Lellan, from the rebel county of Cork.

Photo by Les Dunne

Sandra served on the Youghal town council in 2004. In 2009 she topped the poll and became the first Sinn Fein Mayor of Youghal. From there she went on to serve on the Cork city Council and was elected a Teachta Dala in 2011, receiving well over 6000 first preference votes, from her constituents of East cork. She currently holds the portfolio of   arts heritage and tourism for Sinn Fein. Now I would like to ask you all to put .

CYPRIOT BANKS BURN DEPOSITORS, WHILE IRISH GOVERNMENT ARE DOING THE SAME TO CREDIT UNIONS.

Enniscorthy Sinn Féin Cllr Johnny Mythen has criticised the governments support for burning ordinary citizens savings in Cyprus while claiming that all credit union savings here are safe forever.  Cllr Mythen said that such claims are simply incorrect.

"Kieran Brennan C.E.O. of the Irish League of Credit Unions claims that the Irish Governments guarantee that they will never burn deposits is incorrect. Sixteen Credit unions are already directly at a loss of €15 Million because of the Governments liquidation of I.B.R.C.   That’s the deposits of ordinary people wiped out with the stroke of a pen.  Effectively it will also mean no dividends at Christmas time will be paid out for years to thousands of Credit union members."

"Compare this to the blanket guarantee of billions to unsecured bond holders in Anglo Irish Bank and you quickly get the picture. Ordinary folk don’t matter."  

 "The sixteen Credit unions invested between €1 Million and €2 Million in special Anglo Irish credit union bonds respectively.  These bonds guaranteed the capital plus a 12% return.  When "Anglo’s" deposits were transferred to I.B.R.C. they refused to include the credit union deposit bonds.  Effectively burning ordinary credit union members’ money to the grand sum of €15 Million."

"Minister Coveney’s statement in the Dail that this Government will not interfere with the sanctity of deposits is totally incorrect.  This must be breaching the terms of the European bail out programme.  Again just to emphasize the inconsistency and the total subservience and hypocrisy of the Irish Government in backing the plan to burn ordinary people’s money in Cyprus, while doing the same thing to ordinary Credit Union members in their own Country is reprehensible."

SIPTU 'Croke Park best deal' claim is on very shaky ground - Mythen

Cllr Johnny Mythen has described SIPTUs claim that accepting the Croke Park 2 deal is the best strategy available as putting them on very shaking ground.  The Sinn Féin rep has called on SIPTU and similar unions to break off their relationship with the Labour party and recapture their original mandate of defending the rights of workers.

Cllr Mythen said;

"The statements that were made today on behalf of the executive of SIPTU recommending acceptance of the Croke Park 2 proposals do not stack up.  Their claims along with Jack O Connor's that it was the best deal available and best strategy while leaving workers facing wage cuts without agreements are standing on very shaky ground.  How come if it is the best deal available the Prison officers association could secure for their members all existing premium payments for weekend and evening work?"

"The strategy to stick with the agreement in the hope that what you lose will be regained further down the road is a poor strategy indeed.  Every worker knows once any condition is lost, in order to gain it back something else will have to be sacrificed in its place.  On the last point of wage cuts without agreement, a wage cut to workers is a wage cut whether it comes in an agreement or is forced upon them."

"The alliance campaign had an actuarial consultant Joseph O Byrne & Comp. carry out a detailed analysis which stated that pay cuts up to 11. 4% will apply under the new proposals.  Whether the language is coming from Mr O' Connor or Mr Howlin, it is the language of agreed austerity resulting in the downgrading of workers conditions and wages."

"It's about time that some unions in this country begin to realise their true power and begin to defend the people that pay their executives very generous salaries, and stop this cosy relationship with the Labour Party whom have bought in (lock stock and barrel) to austerity policies that are crippling our domestic economy."

 

Mythen: Road works allocation is pittance compared to motor tax intake

An Enniscorthy Sinn Féin Councillor has described Minister Leo Varadkar's announcement that €42 million is to be reallocated to improve rural roads as pittance compared to over €1 billion collected by the exchequer every single year directly from motor related revenue.  Cllr Johnny Mythen, while welcoming that something is finally being done about our crumbling road infrastructure, admitted that this was too little, too late.

Cllr Mythen said;

"Minister Varadkar is quite correct when he says that 'It is obvious to anyone who lives or drives through rural areas that some road surfaces are in need of repair'.  I would go a step further and say that most road surfaces are in need of repair and that is because people like Minister Varadkar have neglected this issue for so long and are now trying to pass it off as something that has just popped up.  Dangerous road conditions have been a reality for a majority of County Wexford drivers for many years now."

"While I welcome the reallocation of €42 million to allow for vital repairs to our road infrastructure, it does appear to be a case of too little, too late.  In last years budget road tax was increased.  It may come as a surprise to many who pay this tax that the revenue generated from it does not automatically go to maintaining our road network, but instead is pumped back into central government to pay excessive wages and cover the cost of St Patrick's Day junkets for our government TDs."

"Every year our government collects over €1 billion in motor related revenue.  If you add in the 7.5% hike on motor tax in the last budget plus the vat intake on petrol and diesel, then the €42 million divided between 29 County Councils is grossly inadequate.  There are 2.5 million registered motorists in Ireland paying through the nose for a service that seems to be strangely under-funded."

"Many secondary roads across this county are literally crumbing away.  These potholed infested by ways are a danger to drivers and a cause of considerable financial loss.  It is unreasonable to force drivers to pay high road tax and then leave them to the mercy of these road conditions.  It's time that all revenue generated from road tax be reinvested back into the maintenance and construction of our roads."

Farming must be safeguarded to prevent further economic collapse - O' Connell

The Chairperson of County Wexford Sinn Féin has said that he has huge concerns for the future of Irish farming and the economic benefits it provides for this state if proposed reforms to the Common Agriculture Policy go ahead.  Oisin O' Connell said that a common sense approach needed to be deployed to ensure that agricultural families could be kept on the land, allowed to make an adequate living and that the knock on effects would continue to benefit the economy.

Mr O' Connell said;

"Wexford farming has been in decline for many years due to the neglect of successive Irish governments.  The last agricultural census showed that the average income for farms in this county was €17,771 per annum.  To put this in comparison with other sectors, the average industrial wage in this state is currently €35,486.88 per annum.  The  idea that farmers are somehow privileged is completely false."

"Farming is a vital part of the Irish economy.  The IFA estimates that farmers and farm families spend €8 billion per year in our economy.  It’s thought that 300,000 jobs are supported by the agriculture, food and related industries.  For every €100 of agriculture output there is a further €73 of output to the wider economy.  71% of raw materials used by our agri and fishing industries are sourced in the domestic market."

"The state has to ensure that the agricultural sector is safeguarded in this state."

"There are proposals that reforming the Single Farm Payment so that a per hectare rate of €400 for the first 20 hectares would be paid out.  Currently over 80% of farmers receive an average payment of just over €5,000.  Just 1.62% receive more than €50,000 but that accounts for over 10% of the total payments.  Such a reform would benefit the 80% of lower paid farmers but should be tweaked to include extra payments on land above 20 hectares and including Pillar II payments and a new scheme to encourage young entrants."

"CAP reform must be scrutinised carefully by our government because we as a nation cannot afford to sign off on something which could damage an industry that provides so much to our economy."