THE PEOPLE OF rural Ireland will not be intimidated by threats from the E.U and the government. We will defend our turbary rights in the time honoured Irish tradition, said Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan T.D. when he addressed those attending the People First annual Easter 1916 Commemoration Ceremony in Sligo on Easter Sunday.
Led by flag-bearers carrying the Tri-colour and the Plough and the Stars, those participating in the event marched from Cairns Drive to the Republican Plot in Sligo cemetery to hear Deputy Flanagan deliver the oration.
“Our people have taken the responsibility of guardianship of Ireland’s natural heritage seriously, but there can be no effective guardianship where those who have traditionally shouldered that responsibility are ignored.
“We have been excluded from all decision making, denied consultation, denied access to information both general and scientific, denied representation, denied legal assistance and denied reasonable compensation or alternatives. We have had agreements dishonoured. We have been treated unfairly and we have been subjected to a state-backed campaign of intimidation, victimisation and threats.
“Whether it relates to turbary rights, household taxes or the proposed Fiscal Stability Treaty – we will not be dictated to. Families already reeling from austerity are finding it more and more difficult to make ends meet
“The austerity treaty will be a permanent policy and can only be described as a device for fleecing and robbing ordinary people.” Calling on people to vote ‘No’ to the Treaty Deputy Flanagan said “It is there to ensure that more of the people’s money will be spent on servicing a debt that is not theirs than will be spent on the people’s basic needs, such as decent health services and education.”
Sligo councillor Declan Bree, who presided at the ceremony told those attending “The revolt over household charges and the tax on peoples homes caught the government unawares and the Taoiseach and his cabinet are still trying to come to terms with the massive boycott of the tax.
“The forthcoming referendum on the European Stability Treaty gives the people a further opportunity to strike a blow against austerity.
“A clear ‘No’ vote will sent a definite message to the European elite that austerity has failed and that people have taken enough of their cuts and attacks.” said Cllr Bree.
Following the oration as a lone piper played a lament, Ms Brenda Barr laid a wreath on behalf of People First, Ms Laura Scanlon laid a wreath on behalf of the Connolly Forum and Mr Thomas Banks laid a floral tribute on behalf of the People’s Movement. The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem.