Laois Easter Rising event hears criticisms of government

Independent Republican TD Brian Stanley paid tribute to the leaders of the Easter Rising at a commemoration at The Heath in Portlaoise on Easter Sunday.

He used the Laois event to criticise the government who he claimed were undermining Ireland's neutrality and failing to address health problems and the housing crisis. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley reading the Laois Roll of honour.

“Today, we honour those who fought for Irish freedom during Easter Week 1916 and in every generation since. We reaffirm our commitment to their vision of an independent 32-County Republic founded on equality and social justice,” said Dep Stanley.

“This monument we stand at, here at The Heath, was erected as a tribute to the people of Laois who, through their efforts from 1916 to the present day, have worked to advance this noble cause.

"The leaders of 1916—Clarke, MacDiarmada, MacDonagh, Ceannt, Connolly, Plunkett, and Pearse—who signed the Proclamation, which was first read at the GPO on Easter Monday, 1916 by Pearse, envisioned a nation built on equality of opportunity, religious and civil liberties, and equal rights. These revolutionary leaders also championed a free and neutral Ireland.

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Today, however, we have a government led by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael that seems intent on undermining neutrality and aligning Ireland within a military alliance of former imperial powers. As Republicans, we reject this and will resist it. They falsely claim that due to the “Triple Lock”, Irish troops can only be deployed with the approval of the five member UN Security Council, ignoring the fact that the UN General Assembly can also grant approval," said Deputy Stanley. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO

Maura Hyland reading 1916 proclamation.

Those countries that are turning Europe into a militarist superpower have turned their back on the people of Gaza and worse in some cases, continue to support the barbarity that Israel inflicts on the defenceless Palestinian people.
As left Republicans, we stand with the Palestinian people and support their just cause for freedom.

Following the general election, this state now has its most conservative government in nearly two decades. Their policies fail to address the housing crisis, the scandalous health waiting lists, and the lack of services for children with special needs. Their priorities became clear when discussions arose about Trump's tariffs possible effect on corporate profits—they targeted minimum wage earners, suggesting delays or cancellations of wage increases to the lowest paid workers. These policies need to be rejected and replaced with ones that favour low- and middle-income families and workers.

"As progressive democratic Republicans, we believe in campaigning for an Ireland that is socially just, with robust public services, fair treatment for workers, and a commitment to neutrality, national reunification, and independence. Let us renew our dedication to these principles and continue working alongside other progressive groups to build a better future.
This means the reunification of the national territory and a neutral Ireland, that is part of a more democratic and progressive Europe.”

Tommy Hyland playing national anthem along with Eamonn Mc Menamin who chaired proceedings.