Ráiteás Pháirtí Chumannach na hÉireann, 17 Meán Fómhair 2021
The decision by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, not to attend the religious service in Armagh in October to mark the establishment of “Northern Ireland” was the correct one. And he has clearly set down the reason why he could not and should not attend.
The media frenzy that now surrounds his decision is as predictable as bad weather in winter. The slave mentality of the Irish media, such as RTE and the Irish Times, simply know no bounds, while the reaction of unionist politicians is equally predictable.
The dregs of the political shoneen establishment, such as the former Taoiseach John Bruton, can be relied upon to be dragged out for comment. In his single transferable speech he attacked any expression of national self-respect; we should appease and tug the forelock to imperialism at every opportunity.
The President was right in his decision and in his reasons, that he is President of Ireland, not of “the Republic of Ireland.” It reflects the long and deeply held belief that the partitioning of Ireland was an act of aggression against our people by British imperialism in its efforts to stem and thwart the rising struggle for national independence, that partition was an anti-democratic act to bolster Britain’s weakening control and declining influence a century ago.
Britain partitioned Ireland to suit its own strategic, political, economic and military goals; it was not an act to support “self-determination” for unionists. Unionism was and is a political construct for a section of the population loyal to those strategic goals.
We know from history that unionism has overseen mass repression, discrimination, and entrenched bigotry as well as a form of cultural apartheid.
We should not acknowledge or celebrate partition but rather expose why it took place and in whose interests. We need to redouble our efforts to undo the great wrong inflicted on the people of Ireland by partition and continue to work towards national unity and the establishment of an all-Ireland independent sovereign state.
