By CONNOLY YOUTH MOVEMENT
Ireland's Young Communists
Following the end of the Good Friday Agreement, progressive people in Northern Ireland and across the Island had hoped that the space would be opened for the development if a popular consciousness, that we might be able to use the end of violence and the re-establishment of devolved government to advance the interests of the working class and other progressive forces.
The prospect of this happening has consistently been hampered by elements within Unionism, who seek to return to the days of the Orange State as shown by the behavior of DUP councilors in response to the nationalist concerns regarding the Ministry of Defense proposal for the British Army Flag to be flown over the Belfast City Hall as part of the recently established "Armed Forces Day".
Commenting on this the Connolly Youth Movement spokesperson, Nicholas O'Hagan said: "The actions of the DUP regarding the proposed erection of the British Army Flag at the Belfast City Hall have shown that partitioned Ireland remains a carnival of reaction.
"The legacy of the British Army in Ireland has been far from honorable, and this proposal from the MOD will bring further division. The legacy of the British Army, particularly of units such as the FRU, symbolizes pain and hurt for the families of the victims of collusion and all other state violence. Collusion remains an unclosed chapter in Irish history and a full disclosure of Britain's crimes in Ireland is necessary if we are to make progress.
The introduction of Armed Forces Day should be viewed in the context of the mass recruitment drives to compensate for what was the falling off of new recruits and the courageous actions by the British Trade Unions who have voted to oppose British Army recruitment in all schools."
In conclusion Mr. O'Hagan said: "The actions of the DUP are inflammatory and designed to continue to push the Unionist dominance at all levels – we need to turn the protests into genuine opposition!"
To this end, the Connolly Youth Movement has called for a demonstration outside Belfast City Hall on Saturday, June 27, 2009 in advance of the flag raising ceremony at 10.30 AM. Other organizations are welcomed! We must have this protest peaceful and dignified.
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