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"The media will always hype what they perceive as any negative facet of nationalism. However are they not missing the bigger picture?"
Its been claimed by news sources in Cornwall that a militant nationalist group (An Gof) which was active two decades ago but has since been unheard of has issued a statement 'threatening' those who fly the English flag in Cornwall.
The situation appears to be linked to recent discontent in Cornwall about attempts by some to introduce symbols and icons connected to England and which are seen as an attempt to subsume the Cornish identity.
It is unclear what substance there is in these assertions that there may be direct action.
In recent years there has been virtually no direct action of an clandestine type in any of the Celtic countries with the exception of Ireland where a number of groups are resolutely opposed to a peace process which they see as a "sell-out".
In Scotland threatened agitation during the past decade over migration from England has not materialised as many Scottish Nationalists utilise the Constitutional road via the new Scottish parliament as a crucial vehicle for redressing concerns over culture and identity.
Similarly in Mannin the anti finance sector opposition which spawned the last major outbreak of direct action (The FSFO campaign of the late 1980s) has been replaced by greater support for the political road to redress wrongs. Indeed, one of those involved in FSFO is now a leading figure in the Manx government.
Wales also eschews violence (or threats of it) as a means to redress grievances. There is a vibrant campaign of civil disobedience in support of the Welsh language and Welsh-speaking communities but this is very open and this 'in your face' strategy of agitation certainly seems to have been successful.
It is unclear how serious threats of clandestine action in Cornwall are. However, experience in recent years in some of the other Celtic countries is that 'open' direct action or civil disobedience delivers more positive results.
The establishment and media in Cornwall and will no doubt have a field day writing stories and issuing statement about Nationalists "plotting in the shadows". However, the real issue that this story raises (whatever its substance) is the absence of a recognised National Institution similar to the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly and Tynwald which would provide a vehicle to channel, anger via political/constitutional roads. The media will always hype what they perceive as any negative facet of nationalism. Are they not missing the bigger picture?
The great irony is that Cornwall has such a body (Its Stannary Parliament) but Westminister is too blinkered or obstinate to see this!
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
24/03/07
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