Bastille Day

Today, July 14th, is a national holiday in France to celebrate the events of July 14th 1789, a day known as Bastille Day. The events of this day, triggered the ensuing events of the French Revolution, under the banner of Fraternity, Liberty and Equality. It is also accurate to state that the events of the French Revolution, inspired Wolfe Tone and the United Irishmen to rise up in rebellion against the British occupation of Ireland. On Bastille Day, the ordinary people of France stormed the prison and released all those held within its walls. The conditions in the Bastille were horrendous, with prisoners sharing cells with all kinds of vermin, and being subjected to daily incidents of torture. For ordinary people to overcome soldiers and take over such a fortress, it is a HUGE feet, and one which is rightly remembered by the French people today. Whilst the aristocracy of France lived in the lap of luxury, the citizens lived in squalor straving because of rotten food. The French Revolution created the first great republic. However, it was soon forgotten by the ruling class of the First French Republic and subsequent French 'Republics' (There have been 5 in total).

This is why, as a Republican, I remember Bastille Day. The subsequent Revolution and creation of a French empire, remind me of who I am. I am reminded that even when we gain a 32 county republic in Ireland, we must set about creating a Socialist Republic of equals, where catholic, protestant and dissenter live together equally in harmony. As Connolly said, 'If you remove the English flag tomorrow, and don't go about creating a socialist republic of equals, England will still rule you through her landlords and capitalists' (forgive the inaccuracy of my quoting skills!) I m humbled to be told that the Irish struggle is an awe inspiring struggle for many international people, and to think that I am playing my very small part. I am also reminded of the words of Che Guevara, in which he described the most beautiful quality of a revolutionary, is the ability to see repression in other lands. I reaffirm my belief, on Bastille Day, that I, as an Irish Republican, will NEVER be free, until all those who share my goal throughout the world, recevie their Socialist liberation.

On to victory!!

Tiocfaidh ár lá!