Republican Sinn Fein (RSF) have poured scorn on a widely touted possible visit to Ireland by the Queen of England. Responding to claims that such a visit would be truly historic Cathleen Knowles McGuirk, Vice-President, Republican Sinn Féin said in a statement:
"There remains one huge obstacle to reconciliation between us and Britain and that obstacle is Partition. Part of the process of putting the past behind us and moving forward would be the removal of the illegal and unjust border that divides our country and our people. Have the courage Elizabeth Windsor and begin the process of handing back what has never belonged to you the Six northeastern Counties. That would indeed be called a historic event."
The July issue of the RSF newspaper 'Saoirse' has also graphically condemned the proposed visit with a front page article under the heading, "While English rule remains in Ireland...Queen of England not welcome".
The paper also quotes the RSF Vice-President reminding republicans that:
"Queen Elizabeth saw fit to award an OBE to Colonel Derek Wilford, Officer Commanding the Parachute Regiment on Bloody Sunday in Derry when they shot dead 14 unarmed civilians."
It seems the campaign is gathering momentum with reports of speakers at republican commemorative events around Ireland echoing the RSF Vice Presidents comments.
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
05/08/07