Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement
On the occasion of the 81st anniversary of the momentous Easter Rising of 1916, the leadership of the Republican Movement sends greetings to all at home in Ireland or in exile around the world who are assembled in commemoration at the graves of our heroic dead or at monuments to their memory.In particular, greetings are extended to the Republican prisoners in Portlaoise and Limerick prisons and to all Irish political prisoners everywhere who stand for British withdrawal and a New Ireland.
The prisoners recently transferred from Limerick to Portlaoise who give their allegiance to the Continuity Army Council of the IRA won political status by sacrifice and adherence to principle in the past year.
For four months they did not have access to exercise in the fresh air but they were actively supported in protest on the outside by the Relatives Action Committee and the loyal members of Republican Sinn Féin. Congratulations are in order for the prisoners and their supporters.
On the political front the boycott campaign of the Stormont Forum elections led by Comhairle Uladh (the Ulster Executive) of Republican Sinn Féin has been completely justified.
After nine months of useless wrangling the Stormont talks have been adjourned for a further three months. They have failed so far in their aim of establishing a New Stormont and a new British police force in Ireland which would include former nationalists.
The situation which erupted last July and August throughout the Six Occupied Counties has demonstrated – even to middle-class nationalists – that there will be no equality of treatment under British rule. The London government will always favour those who support the status quo in Ireland against those who do not.
During the year since last Easter it is noted that the Continuity Army Council has delivered on its public undertaking to carry the war to the enemy. IRA Volunteers under its direction have struck at the British Occupation Forces and at economic targets in the occupied area.
The revolutionary Republican Movement of history is intact and its objective is clear: British disengagement from Ireland and a totally New Ireland. Others may pursue lesser aims such as “nationalist rights and equality” but as all else fails, nationally-minded people at home and in exile may rest secure in the knowledge that the flame of Irish resistance to British aggression will never die out and will always renew itself.
Next year is the bicentenary of the great national uprising of 1798 when Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter fought shoulder to shoulder against English imperialism. They took their stand on a democratic and Republican programme. True Republicans must plan now for the fullest possible involvement in the bicentenary celebrations.
The more people mobilise now the nearer will be brought the day of ultimate victory which is not only certain but inevitable. The tide of human progress will not be turned back.
The real and meaningful negotiations can only take place when the British government makes that fateful decision to quit Ireland for once and for all. Then the Irish people – and they alone – will decide how to live together and order their affairs in brotherhood and peace. But the British decision must come first.
Comrades and friends! The organisations which share these objectives and are proud to assert them before the world are the vanguard of the historic freedom-struggle of the Irish people. They are Republican Sinn Féin, the Irish Republican Army under the leadership of the Continuity Army Council, Cumann na mBan and Fianna Éireann.
Facing once more the awesome task of confronting an outdated British colonialism in Ireland, these organisations are deserving of and need the wholehearted support of Irish people at home and abroad.
The task so nobly undertaken by the men and women of Easter 1916 needs to be completed – in our time.
— Issued by the Leadership of the Republican Movement, Easter 1997
