British Royals not welcome in Ireland

Statement by Des Dalton Vice President of (Republican) Sinn Féin Poblachtach

The visit to Dublin on February 5 of a member of the British royal family, Andrew Windsor, can only be viewed as part of the normalisation of British rule in Ireland. Staged events such as this are used to support the pretence that British rule in Ireland is now accepted by the Irish people.

British rule in Ireland can never be either acceptable or normal; history teaches us that it will always be opposed by a section of the Irish people. Republican Sinn Fiin will actively oppose all attempts to normalise Britain's illegal occupation of Ireland, including the forthcoming England rugby match in Croke Park or any proposed visit by the Queen of England.

Representatives of the British State will never be welcome in any part of Ireland whilst the British government maintains its occupation forces in our country.