RSF Glasgow on MayDay Harrasment

international | anti-capitalism | press release Tuesday May 06, 2008 18:15 by rsfglasgow - Republican Sinn Fein

Republican Sinn Fein Defends the Starry Plough

Republican Sinn Féin led the Irish contingent at the Glasgow Trade Union Council march on its 150th year to celebrate May Day. The march was held in Glasgow on Sunday, 4 May 2008. Prior to commencement, we were approached by a trade union steward and informed by her that the police had raised concerns about one of our flags, the Starry Plough.

Press Release/Preas Ráiteas
Republican SINN FÉIN Poblachtach

For immediate release

Seamus Reader (Publicity Officer)
Francis Hughes Cumann
Scotland
www.rsfglasgow.com

Republican Sinn Féin led the Irish contingent at the Glasgow Trade Union Council march on its 150th year to celebrate May Day. The march was held in Glasgow on Sunday, 4 May 2008. Prior to commencement, we were approached by a trade union steward and informed by her that the police had raised concerns about one of our flags, the Starry Plough.

She stated further that those who complained including the police felt the flag invoked IRA.and terrorism connotations. We informed her that their impressions were outrageous and with no foundation. We proceeded to march without further delay with our colour party which included the Tri-colour and Cumann banner. However, after the event we were stopped by two policemen. They told us that they had to question us about the Starry Plough following a complaint by a member of the public. We explained the historical significance of the Starry Plough and justified why it was more than appropriate to raise this flag alongside other trade unionists and workers. We are not sure if our explanations were fully acceptable as they took the details of one of our members, Máirtín MacCriostái.

Máirtín spoke after the incident saying,

"I was shocked but not surprised by the continued animosity shown towards Irish Republicans in this country. I didn’t see concern raised about the many other political/cultural banners present at the May Day event. Why was it just ours? As an Irish Republican living in Scotland I’m not unaccustomed to such shows ignorance by the authorities. I’m totally outraged at the political interference by Strathclyde Police and the fact that they raised their concerns at a march by trade unions about a flag which is widely recognised by trade unions and workers world wide and adopted by the trade union and labour movement in Ireland"

No pun is intended but is this not an opportune moment to 'flag up' the ignorance of some. Perhaps Strathclyde Police should be more informed of the importance of the Starry Plough. The Francis Hughes Cumann calls on all Trade Unions, the Irish community and all progressive forces here in Scotland to unite in defending the democratic rights of workers and the national identity of a minoritys, including the Irish. We see this as a totally inappropriate act of political interference by Strathclyde Police. We must ask why the authorities have taken such offence to a flag that was adopted by fellow Scottish and Irish Republican, James Connolly, and in part represents the social injustice, free speech and men dying for their convictions.

What’s next if it is the Starry Plough now? Is it the Red Flag next? Republican Sinn Féin have demanded a full and frank explanation from Strathclyde Police of their employees actions. Our concerns will also be raised about the incident with the Irish Diaspora in Scotland Association.

Perhaps the Police could save on their precious resources if they were aware of a history that should never be eclipsed.

ENDS.