We gather at this time of the year, to recommit ourselves to the cause of the independence, sovereignty and unity of Ireland and to an all-Ireland republic based on equality and social justice.
108 years ago, Irish republicans, socialists, feminists, and Irish language activists coalesced in a great revolutionary effort to liberate Ireland and establish a democratic, egalitarian republic on this island.
The republican principles of national independence and equality for all citizens were reflected in the Proclamation of the Republic.
The call made by Padraig Pearse on the steps of the GPO reverberated around the world, and found resonance here in West Waterford.
Women and men from around the county joined the republican movement, many serving in Cumann na mBan and the Irish Republican Army.
We are especially proud of the soldiers of the West Waterford Brigade, including its battalions and flying column.
In gathering here this afternoon we remember those that died in the fight for Ireland’s freedom – and we salute their courage, discipline, and dedication to that cause.
Is cúis bróid é dúinn i Sinn Féin sesame sa thraidisiúin ársa seo.
Sinn Féin is proud to stand in their revolutionary tradition and we are as determined as ever to achieve those noble objectives.
IRISH UNITY
Seismic, generational change is underway in Ireland. The old certainties are collapsing. A new chapter of Irish history is being written. Change is real, happening in real time. It must be grasped bravely with both hands.
Is féidir Éire Aontaithe a bhaint amach sa ghlúin seo – ach ní dtarlóidh sé muna ndéanaimíd ár ndícheall é a bhaint amach. Tá Dalgas orainn go lir ár guid a dhéanamh.
The achievement of a new Ireland can happen in our time. Ireland – united and free – finally taking its rightful place amongst the nations of the world.
More and more people are now seriously considering the future and the shape of constitutional change, and friends, the reunification of Ireland is firmly on the table.
I believe that referendums on Irish Unity can take place before the end of this decade.
But that means starting to prepare and plan now.
There is no time for delay. The Irish government must establish a Citizens’ Assembly to plan for Irish Unity, an Assembly where everyone is welcome, everyone is included, and everyone gets to share their ideas, their hopes, and their ambitions.
POLITICAL SITUATION
On February 3 rd , Michelle O’Neill, Leas Uachtarán Shinn Féin, a republican woman from Co. Tyrone took up the office of First Minister. The first Irish republican First Minister in the North is a hugely significant milestone in the history of this island.
She pledged to be a First Minister for all and that is what she is doing every day.
The Executive now needs to work hard, every day, for all the people of the North and to deliver on the issues affecting people from all communities.
It’s a time now for political leaders – nationalist and unionist, working together – to grasp the opportunity to build peace, prosperity and reconciliation.
Is lair, thuaidh agus theas, go bhfuil sé in am don athrú – agus go bhfuil ár bpobal ag éilimh athrú suntasach i pbolaitíocht na hÉireann.
In the south, this appetite for change is all around us.
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have passed power between each other for over a century – in more recent years shored up by so-called independent TDs, Labour or the greens.
But their grip on power is coming to an end. A new generation demanding change is stepping forward.
This is a tired government, running out of road. And that was made clear last week, when Leo Varadkar said he was not up for the job and wanted out. Instead of going to the people, they are doing all they can to avoid an election.
Simon Harris does not represent change. He has sat around the cabinet table for the past eight years while the biggest housing crisis the State has ever seen The fact is that housing is out of reach because this government is out of touch.
If they are confident in their record, put it to the people, and let the public decide who becomes Taoiseach. Call an election now.
Sinn Féin wants to be in government. We want to lead government. A government that transforms our health service. A government that builds homes. A government that puts Irish reunification at the heart of its agenda. That is our ambition.
This year Local and European elections will take place in the 26 Counties. Change starts here on June 7th – if we want change you have to vote for it in the local and European elections, and if you can join us in the campaign. Make sure you’re registered, and encourage friends and family to get out and vote for change.
We are running the biggest ever number of candidates in the local elections. 18 across Waterford City and County – including 3 here in the Dungarvan LEA.
That is a statement of our intent. Beimíd ana-bhuíoch daoibh as ouch bhur dtacaíocht.
In the European elections we have first class candidate in Kathleen Function who will stand up for Ireland in Europe; defend Ireland’s military neutrality; seek to end Ursula Von Der Leyen’s damaging leadership of the EU; and campaign for sanctions against the genocidal and colonialist regime in Israel.
PALESTINE
For six months now, Irish people have watched in horror at the unfolding genocide in Gaza.
Sinn Féin has stood unequivocally with the people of Palestine
At home, in the Dáil, in the Assembly, in our diplomatic engagements, within the EU institutions, and in the recent visit to the US by Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O’Neill, we have unapologetically raised the obscenity of the Gaza genocide and called for the efforts of all political leaders to be directed towards an immediate ceasefire.
Sinn Féin has called on the Irish Government to support South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
Israel stands guilty before the world for war crimes, crimes against humanity and the evil crime of genocide by bombardment and starvation.
Israels ambassador here should be sent home in protest, and if the EU will not enforce sanctions on Israel then Ireland must take unilateral action in support of the global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign.
Through many years of political struggle and experience of negotiation, Sinn Féin believes strongly in the efficacy of political engagement at all levels in efforts to find solutions to seemingly intractable issues, particularly those of conflict and war.
What is happening now in Gaza is just the latest horrific chapter in a long tale of oppression that has brutalised and dispossessed generations of Palestinians.
Sinn Féin’s long history of solidarity and support for the cause of freedom and self-determination for the Palestinians will always endure.
CONCLUSION
Comrades, the 1916 Proclamation remains the mission statement of modern Irish republicanism.
It is a freedom charter for this whole island and all the people who live here.
It is a declaration of social and economic intent for a rights-based society in which the people are sovereign.
Sinn Féin’s central political aim is to deliver the type of Ireland envisaged at Easter week.
We have achieved considerable positive change across this island since 1916.
So much more has yet to be achieved.
Let us go forward with confidence that we will make greater change in the time ahead.
That we will realise the progressive, egalitarian vision of 1916 – a free and united Ireland.
Ar aghaidh linn le chéile go dtí an Phoblacht!
Conor D. McGuinness TD 