Redmond had politics that were
particularly formed by being Irish. This was important for his politics
generally and for his anti-imperialism in particular. He always understood the
centrality of the question of Ireland
for the left in Britain,
and why it was so important. He understood that it was not only right and just
for the people of Ireland
to be free from colonialism, to develop their own social, economic and
political advancement. But it was also important for people in this country
too, because he rightly understood that without breaking with all forms of
oppression and exploitation, such as Britain's
role in Ireland,
the left and the labour movement would not be able to win its own liberation or
take a truly progressive path. He understood this about Ireland, as he did about many
things, such as the fight against racism and for women's liberation.
Across the many struggles
in which he was engaged, Redmond
often saw a clear link between different key elements and was very skilled at
bringing people together. It is then, not only a great pleasure – but also very
fitting - that we are having Ireland's
liberation, as our central theme at this first lecture; and that it is
here in Bolivar Hall given Redmond's immense
support for Venezuela's
struggle. Indeed, some years ago a number of us here, together with Redmond, were involved in organising a big conference, a
European conference in solidarity with Venezuela. Redmond chaired one of the key sessions at
which Martina Anderson from Sinn Fein - now an MEP for the party - was on the
platform with Temir Porras from the Venezuelan foreign ministry. Redmond introduced
Martina as ‘representing the longest struggle in history, anywhere in the
world, against colonialism - the 800 year long struggle of the Irish people
against British colonialism’. And rightly there was huge applause. He
understood the connections, and the lessons for the struggles today which can
be learnt from Ireland's
ongoing struggle.
Redmond was immensely proud to
work with Sinn Fein and I was honoured two years ago to accept a posthumous award
from Sinn Fein on his behalf – the Le Kayla award for commitment to the
struggle for Irish independence.
And so it is with huge
pleasure that we are privileged at our first Redmond O'Neill lecture, to hear
the words of the leader of that struggle, who has been the leader during one of
its most critical periods in history. The last 30 or more years of that
struggle has seen an extraordinary development, which has taken us through some
of the most inspiring moments and most intense periods of any political
struggle and any anti-colonial struggle, anywhere in the world. As we approach in
four years’ time the centenary of the 1916 rising, the development of that
struggle has been something the left everywhere needs to look towards.
Supporting Irish
self-determination remains an important issue for the left and it is great
to see Sinn Fein – one of the most successful left parties in Europe
- going from strength to strength in the fight against austerity.
We are all very sorry
that Gerry wasn't able to come at the last minute -- and we all send
our best wishes for a speedy recovery! But we are particularly grateful to
Pearse Doherty for stepping in at the last moment. Pearse was first elected in
a 2010 by-election, which by legal action, he - and Sinn Fein - forced the
government to hold. They had refused to hold one for the vacant seat for over a
year, terrified of weakening their wafer thin majority in the face of rising
anger over the economic crisis, the massive cuts being imposed, the bank bail
outs, IMF intervention and so on. Pearse went on to win the Donegal seat in a
stunning victory, and this triggered the general election, where Sinn Fein made
a significant breakthrough. Since then, he's been a very strong voice opposing
cuts and austerity in the south.
And so, whilst I know
many are disappointed not to see Gerry here this evening in person, we are very
glad to have one of Sinn Fein's rising stars to step in to deliver Gerry's
speech tonight.
