The Laois Independent Republicans Committee held a very successful 1916 remembrance event at the Republican monument at The Heath on Easter Sunday.
The event was led by Independent Republican TD Brian Stanley.
Addressing the large crowd, Deputy Stanley began by remembering the late Jim Hyland.
He said: “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.
“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.
“In particular, we remember Jim Hyland who lived in his thatched cottage on this site and tragically lost his life here in a house fire in 2007.
“Jim was a lifelong republican and a good friend to many of us here today.”
Deputy Stanley also used his speech to hit out at international policies being pursued by the Irish government.
He said: “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.
“The banner raised by Connolly and his comrades over Liberty Hall before the rebellion stated, “We serve neither King nor Kaiser, but Ireland”, in other words, neither Britain nor Germany.
“Pearse, though internationalist in outlook, emphasized the importance of Irish sovereignty and neutrality while learning from other nations, particularly in the field of education.
“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.
“Those countries that are turning Europe into a militarist superpower have at the same time 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.”
Continuing on that train, Deputy Stanley also hit out at internal government policies.
He said: “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.”
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