NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE The Celtic League has issued the following statement to mark the annual commemoration of socialist and republican John Maclean: John MacLean Commemoration - 2014 Message of Support from the Celtic League Just over ninety years after the death of John Maclean it looks as if finally some of the ideals of social justice and reform are starting to seed in the heart of the political establishment in Scotland. However, despite the euphoria currently surrounding the commitment to social change presently mooted by the Scottish government it would be a naive person indeed who believed that social justice, adequate provision of welfare and the elimination of poverty are just around the corner. The Celtic League is uniquely placed to monitor social change across the Celtic countries and over ten years ago we highlighted the alarming increase in child poverty levels in Scotland, Ireland, Wales and the other Celtic areas. Since that time, to the shame of all the established political parties, food banks have become a necessary institution in our countries. Former SNP leader Alex Salmond caught the mood of post-referendum public opinion in Scotland when he said that the UK Conservative government and their acolytes in other political parties should have ?there feet held to the fire? to deliver on guarantees given. We could usefully take that statement and extend its principle to all politicians in these Islands. We owe it to the legacy of John Maclean, James Connolly in Ireland and Samuel Norris in Mann ? not to mention the countless numbers of anonymous and forgotten Republican Socialists who fought, suffered and in some instances died to improve the lot of their fellow man to hold the feet of all politicians throughout these Islands to the fire until poverty, good health provision and social justice are enjoyed by all. Bernard Moffatt pp The Celtic League. November 28th 2014 J B Moffatt (Mr) Director of Information 30/11/14 (Please note that replies to correspondence received by the League and posted on CL News are usually scanned hard copies. Obviously every effort is made to ensure the scanning process is accurate but sometimes errors do occur.) ISSUED BY THE CELTIC LEAGUE INFORMATION SERVICE. The Celtic League has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It works to promote cooperation between these countries and campaigns on a broad range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights human rights abuse, monitors all military activity and focuses on socio-economic issues Internet site at: (voir le site) (voir le site)