"Never since the Thatcher regime have I witnessed such an onslaught from the establishment" – Sinn Féin's Gerry Kelly
Hundreds of republicans young and old gathered in Dunville Park to mark the 24th anniversary of the hunger strikers yesterday, [15th] and hear Sinn Féin's Gerry Kelly lambast the Irish government for their continued attempts to criminalise the movement in 2005.
The theme for the march from Beechmount Avenue was taken from the now immortalised words of hunger striker Bobby Sands who said, "Our revenge will be the laughter of our children." Reflecting the spirit of the hunger strikers' words, dozens of children, some as young as four years old, took part in the commemorative march carrying placards in honour of each of the twelve hunger strikers.
The Felons Pipers and Eire Nua flute band added to the carnival atmosphere, as did the tunes of well-known republican songs such as 'H Block' sung by Derry councillor Francie Brolly on stage.
There was a serious message however as Sinn Féin's Gerry Kelly took to the stage and spoke passionately about previous sacrifices and the continued struggle against present accusations of crimalisation levelled against republicans.
He said, "Never since the Thatcher regime have I witnessed such on onslaught from the establishment attempting to criminalise our republican past and present.
"The difference this time is that the front-runners in this opportunistic propaganda drive has included leading members of the SDLP as well as Irish government ministers such as Michael McDowell and Dermot and Bertie Ahern.
"At the core of this are electoral interests in the 26 Counties. "In pursuit of that the interests of the peace process have been set aside, the interests of national and democratic rights and the rights of citizens have been set aside."
The Sinn Féin man said it was a testament to the bravery and importance of the hunger strikers that on Bobby Sands' anniversary the electorate had spoken and enhanced Sinn Féin's mandate making them stronger for the future.
"Despite the months of abuse and poisonous invective from sections of the media and our political opponents Sinn Féin have emerged from the recent elections stronger. Sinn Féin now has 2 MEPs, 5 TDs, 5MPs, 24 MLAs, one member of Udaras na Gaeltachta and 252 councillors across Ireland.
"To me the 1981 Hunger Strike was one of the greatest historical events of the last century, which impacted far beyond these shores."
He added, "But more importantly the Hunger Strike epitomises the ability of the defenceless to withstand the military and political might of colonial governments and occupying armies.
"The objectives for which they gave their young lives remain the objectives we as republicans will continue to struggle for until we are successful," he concluded.
Twelve children released doves at the event, symbolic said Belfast councillor Tom Hartley, of representing the spirit of freedom and of the joyous event.
One dove was released to mark the death of the ten H-Block hunger strikers and the deaths of Michael Gaughan and Frank Stagg who died on hunger strike in England.
"Each dove represents a spirit of a hunger striker. A spirit that kept us going during those very dark days," said Cllr Hartley.
"The theme today embraces the idea that children will have a brighter future than what past generations faced.
"Today we are surrounded here with a generation that will laugh and feel the benefit of a struggle that will give them a brighter future."
Clonard resident Jim McVeigh accompanied by his two sons Tomas (4) and Finton (7) echoed Councillor Hartley's words.
"It's an important time of the year for republicans. It's nice to see all the kids here and keep the memory of Bobby and his comrades alive.
"It's a good time to introduce the kids to what the hunger strikers did for our people," he said.
