Shannon Blockade 2: Name the Day

national | anti-war / imperialism | event notice Thursday December 11, 2003 12:56 by Dominic Carroll - Clonakilty Against the War / Cork Anti-War Campaign (personal capacity) clonakiltyagainstthewar at eircom dot net

Co-operation between GNAW and the IAWM needed for future blockades

The first attempt at blockading Shannon was marvellous testament to the willingness of the anti-war movement to engage in mass, non-violent, civil disobedience. The turn-out on the day was superb, not only because of the travelling involved, the time of the year and the energy-sapping nature of relentless anti-war activity, but also because of the risk of arrest. And the upbeat mood amongst participants suggests a willingness to return sooner rather than later.

Though our first attempt at blockading must be considered no more than a qualified success, a great deal was achieved, not least the unity in action of anti-war groupings. However, it should be stressed that many, many people at Shannon on Saturday would claim allegiance to neither the Grassroots Network Against War (GNAW) nor the Irish Anti-War Movement (IAWM), and neither would they consider themselves to have participated in the protest on the side of one or other group. Nevertheless, both organisations – along with several ‘non-aligned’ groups and activists - deserve credit for their work in building for the blockade (publicity, buses, postering, contacting, reconnaissance, etc.). On the day, unfortunately, co-operation was minimal, and it is surely obvious that a greater degree of co-operation must be achieved for future Shannon blockades to succeed.

Next Blockade: Proposals
• A date for the next blockade should be fixed as soon as possible.
• The action should be called jointly by the IAWM/GNAW.
• A Blockade Organising Committee should be established, comprising equal representation from both the GNAW and IAWM.
• Other anti-war groups may also be invited to participate on the basis of commitment to actively blockading Shannon Airport, and entitled to equal representation on the Blockade Organising Committee.

The IAWM Steering Committee is meeting this Sunday (the last Steering Committee meeting this year). I don’t know when the next GNAW meeting is (though perhaps that information can be provided here). Hopefully, both organisations will consider this suggestion at the first opportunity. If you agree with these proposals, or have other ideas as to how we should proceed, please add your comments below.