{"time":1759737348272,"blocks":[{"id":"gDy6RfoHZR","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" You have written in numerous articles about the importance of clarity in political goals. In this regard, I would like to ask you a few questions about the Republican movement’s stated ultimate goal: The 32-county Democratic Socialist Republic. But first, could you make a brief comment on the issue of the clarity of the political objectives? <\/span> <\/span> <\/span>"}},{"id":"xEWIPfbOBr","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" I think it is essential to have a clear focus on the main objective, especially if you believe that the objective of the republic is a democratic socialist republic. This does not mean that those in other positions cannot participate in the search for change.But for those of us who believe in the vision contained in the Proclamation, it is essential to be active in leading or influencing the general struggle. However, for those who do not share our concrete vision lekua.Une, the main goal is <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"F3lAc7Mh7R","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" to guarantee the right to self-determination, as enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement. I believe that this has the support of the majority, and everything else comes from it.If we compare where we are now with the situation 50 years ago – or where we would be in 20 years’ time – it is clear that achieving the unity of Ireland and ending the connection with London would be a significant step. However, this alone would not in itself be our broader Republican goals beteko.Gaur. We must avoid <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"OflX3cp11M","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" falling into the trap of not being able to make much progress on social issues today. We can’t wait until we have a 32-county socialist republic, or until the separation is over, to start fixing the homeless crisis or deficiencies in our health system. These issues need to be addressed on a daily basis.For those of us who want the unity of Ireland, but also a real republic; and not only a real republic, but a socialist republic: to achieve this it is necessary to select a government with the right philosophy, policies and strategies and in action jartzea.Errepublikanismoa and the “Republic” has been used as <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"mVoUNVDn4V","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" a political identifier in many movements, and there is study on this in another section of this magazine An Clogan. But could you explain what Republicanism means to you? <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"286Qzc-2DR","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" Republicanism is what Republicanism does.Oliver Cromwell was a Republican. Fidel Castro was a Republican. Donald Trump – God forbid – is a Republican. There are many types of republics and there are also many types of Republicans.To me, a republic means that the people are sovereign. You are not a simple person; you are a citizen with rights that must be your birthright.In many parts of the world, people don’t even have basic needs – water, food, basic public services. But in a modern Irish society, what do rights really mean? They mean that all people should be treated equally, regardless of gender, origin or personal situation. If you are a member of the Gypsy community, have a disability or live in a rural area, the republic must guarantee your rights, because you were born in Ireland soilik.Horrek includes the right to hunger, the right to housing, the right to education, the right to health and the right to <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"QUWR68Zv2_","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" a clean environment – basic conditions that any modern society should guarantee.The Republic is, after all, a certain form of organization or government of society.But since it must be rights-based, it must necessarily guarantee these rights. And in the current situation they refuse to incorporate them into the law, because it would limit the intervention competence of those in power. If people were guaranteed the right to public health, for example, privatization would not be an option. This does not mean that private medicine cannot exist, but it does mean that the state should provide health care free of charge.A significant republic must recognize and guarantee the rights of its citizens – not only in theory, but also in practice.32 Another aspect of the <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"e8QBloVcVQ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" goal of the democratic socialist republic of the counties is socialism. Sometimes people use the word \"socialism\" to refer to something similar to a Nordic state welfare. “Free Ireland: In Towards a Lasting Peace (1995) you say that socialism is “a concrete form of society in which the principal means of production, distribution and economic exchange are socially owned and controlled and in which production is based on human needs and not on private profit. <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> Socialism is based on the deepest democratization of the economic system, along with the deepest democratization in politics and public affairs. <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> Socialism is a component of Republicanism and a more advanced step of it.” Could you explain what you mean by socialism and how it is related to Republicanism? <\/span> <\/span> <\/span>"}},{"id":"dIhS3FC1Pz","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" I still agree with what I said in 1995. I’m with James Connolly – he talked about reconquering Ireland at the hands of the Irish people, including economic conquest. Taken broadly, this means dismantling England’s historic conquest – if it is the will of the people, to end the separation.Socialism is, in many ways, more advanced than Republicanism as a form of social organization. Republicanism was born against the idea of monarchies and divine rights. This said that people were citizens, not subjects, and deserved to be treated equally zutela.Gaur in today’s world, which <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"iDrGGRx5GJ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" means putting the economy at the service of the people, not the other way around. This means democratic control over production, distribution and economic exchange and social appropriation of all of them. If we do not achieve our ultimate goal – and I believe that we must strive, proclaim, shake, educate and work for it – there is, however, tremendous value in ending unity, allowing people to exercise their right to self-determination and building a true republic. <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"15AyPG0aho","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" “The main measure of our economy should not be how many billionaires we have, but how we take care of people in the most vulnerable situations” From then on, we can<\/span> <\/span> push <\/span> more, "}},{"id":"3VUxbnS3WA","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" approaching a system where economic rights are guaranteed through the organization of the economy.Of course, we must work within the realities of our time. Will there be spaces for private companies and other forms of ownership? Oh, yeah, yeah. Some people have a special talent, ambition or passion that should be encouraged. But the main measure of our economy should not be how many billionaires we have, but how we care for the most vulnerable people ditugun.Irlanda is among the richest countries in the world, but we still see widespread suffering – families who need to care for <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"8tTRheYUyN","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" a child with a disability, people who cannot afford basic needs, communities whose opportunities are limited by the postal code. Many people, especially women, are under a lot of stress to support their family, not knowing how they will pay for tomorrow’s dinner, whether they will find clothes for their child to go to school, or whether they will have guaranteed access to school itself. This prevents society from developing the full potential of each child.True equality must be social and political, but also economic bai.Gizarteak <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"xrrTMswcj1","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" must be structured to reflect and guarantee this principle.There is no reason to wait for a general change in the system to move forward.We can start creating worker cooperatives and community cooperatives. When people together organize their communities, their neighborhoods, their villages, our own educational process – open to all and including the Irish language – we create places where they know and help each other. Places with friendliness, tolerance and welcome at the base. And beyond that, places where you can be truly happy. <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"zbCsgy0igq","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" At the core, this is the pursuit of human happiness: not being forced to live a burden that people cannot bear. People should not live under constant economic stress.In my years in public office, what has surprised me the most has been how many people are oppressed because of economic and social inequality. Society has prospered, and you have left them behind zituen.Azpimarratu that you need <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"bsF9WHM4eB","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" a socialist, needs-based economy – focused on responding to people’s needs – and you have linked it to the Republican ideal of citizen equality. Despite the immense capabilities and wealth of our society, many people still struggle to meet their basic needs. This contradiction is clear. In addition, you have touched on an important point: in order to build an economy based on people’s needs, political instruments are needed. This means that subsistence is really in the hands of the people. This in turn aligns with the broader Republican goal of ending the separation. <\/span> <\/span><\/span> <\/span> <\/span> Would you explain the importance of ending the separation to achieve this goal and to advance this political vision?There is an<\/span> <\/span> <\/span> important "}},{"id":"oTV3WLElhX","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" word in all of this: empowerment.I'm talking to you in West Belfast. This area, especially the lower part, was a huge hut – comparable to some of the central neighborhoods of Dublin in the late 1960s. But over the decades, through action and self-empowerment, the conditions have improved.The more people feel empowered, the more their hopes and potential grow. But when people feel trapped – when they don’t see a way out – this leads to alcoholism, sexist violence, apathy, depression, and prescription drug addiction.<\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"6EIXtsb-58","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" Empowerment isn’t just about walking with a tight fist under a red flag.It’s about recognizing one’s own value and taking an active role in transforming your community.Especially for those who do not have the opportunity to improve their own lives, the key is to collaborate. There is no progress without struggle, and there is no effective struggle without a citizen activism movement.Most of us – at least those who work with me – will get along pretty well. <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"WezxBMVFww","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" But not many people unless they receive real and structured support. And I don't mean charity, even if that's their place. I mean guaranteed help as a right – as a birthright of citizenship.But, again, back to the issue of separation and self-determination – we don’t currently have the capacity to determine our own future. In theory, a socialist republic could be declared in all 26 counties. It is also theoretically possible, narrowing the imagination, to declare a republic in the six counties. But the reality is that the keys to the ark, control and subsistence are in the London parliament, not here. And, of course, the London Parliament will make decisions in its own interests, not anyone in Ireland interesetan.Ez no <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"yTEA0tPSUx","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" matter what steps we take to improve our society, we will always encounter the obstacle of the London Parliament – because it puts its interests above those of Ireland. Since the first days of Republicanism, more than 200 years ago, our connection with England has been identified as the root of disagreement and difficulty on this island.<\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"xWScD4B6cu","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" It is true that today we are not in the extreme conditions of the past – Cromwell is not here, nor is the Great Famine – but we still do not have the ability to fully control our own affairs. You can introduce levelling measures and improve working conditions, but you will always be limited.” <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"i2mJ72ZDNi","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" James Connolly said: “The cause of the workers is the cause of Ireland, and the cause of Ireland is the <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> cause "}},{"id":"ep8LeWA5wr","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" of the workers.” Connolly described Walker’s ideas as “Socialism in the Works of Gas and Water” [1] – useful in its measure, but not sufficient. If we want to build a real republic today and create this kind of society, we have to end the connection with Britain. I think that connection will end. We have approached it with reflection and clear steps to explain how this can be carried out. The Good Friday Agreement, despite its shortcomings, provides a roadmap for this. It establishes a democratic process to end our connection with England – if the people so wish.<\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"x06iEaNk53","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" Even if the governments of both Ireland and Britain do not want to follow this path, the opportunity is there. This should be our main focus: Full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. Regardless of personal opinions about socialism or republicanism, anyone who is considered progressive should support this.It makes perfect sense for the Irish government to plan for the future. We planned this interview – without planning it wouldn’t have happened. The fact that a government does not plan for the future is simply reprehensible. It goes against its party objectives, its constitutional obligations, and also against the Good Friday Agreement.<\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"rTFbhX23kb","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" The only principle that should unite between different ideologies is that the people have the right to decide their own future. This is what is contained in the Good Friday Agreement.We need to start planning for that future. Achieving this would be a big step, but only real progress will come through a powerful political movement. There's no way I'm going to be a spectator. We all have a role to play and we need a strong, cohesive and ideologically based Republican Iralnian movement based on the Republican reading <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"rNY8tEdkbS","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" of the impulse emateko.Nire, which must be our motor through various phases. First, the phase of self-determination: the transition from separation to a new national democracy. Next, the question is: how do we move from post-union Ireland to a real republic? Can an empowered political movement, which has brought us to this point along with others, form a government and democratically implement the necessary socialist measures in the service of the Irish people?Apart from that, there is also an international dimension. Ireland, although small, can be a model – not only fighting, but also helping other countries that are fighting for justice. [1] At the heart of the exposition dira.Zure of <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"SeoUlWTMID","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" William Walker’s habitual reformist policies in this sense is the need for a<\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"fPvxAYgf-0","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" Republican leadership capable of continuing to build a fairer society after achieving unification. So let’s talk about this kind of movement that Republicans have to build. The main news in recent years has been the electoral success of Sinn Féin. <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> Michelle O’Neill has become Prime Minister, and in the South Sinn Féin is the largest leftist party and is likely to lead the government after the next elections. But do you think the movement should go beyond the electorate?<\/span> <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"GA0w2Vnwr0","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" Oh, yeah, yeah. We have to have a movement, and we are. It is understandable that with our electoral successes most of our efforts are focused on the shared power of the North, the Dublin Oireachtais and the activities of our elected representatives – Westminster MPs, MEPs, city councillors. Electorality is essential, but it requires considerable resources.However, not everyone can be a TD (Southern Ireland Member of Parliament), a councillor or a party employee. We need to have more, not just an electoral machine. Elections are essential and we must continue to improve our results, but we must also be radical, rooted and meaningful.<\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"yEyCWIMg9e","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" We are Republicans. We all have different skills and commitments – some are more confident, others have family responsibilities. Not everyone needs to be Bobby Sands or Mary Lou McDonald, but we can all make a contribution. Where we are, we need to work to improve our communities, we need people – whether they vote for Sinn Féin or not – local Republicans as honest and effective people ikusteko.Halaber, <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"BjmzF8wypM","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" we need to turn passive support into active involvement. Many people vote for us, and we appreciate that, but real progress requires building a conscious and active political movement. People get into a fight because something moves them – something they see, something they don’t accept, or something that arouses a special passion zerbaitek.Gazteak are especially <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"l2-Voi29YR","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" important. We are very lucky to have a strong youth participation, but we must always ask ourselves: why don’t more young people join us? Our movement has experienced generational changes in leadership and strategy, moving from armed struggle to unarmed struggle. But for long-term success, do we need to be part of a broader movement, not just the electoral side bat.Nola, that sees the process of building <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"kKNr8zteG0","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" the Republican movement linked to the idea of empowerment – both within the movement and in the communities that Sinn Féin represents, beyond the electoral level? How can Sinn Féin promote collective and individual empowerment in this context? <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"YxkMsDymZv","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" It is neither necessary nor desirable for everyone to be a member of Sinn Féin. The more, the better, of course, but there are people working in other political parties, credit unions, sports associations, community groups and agricultural organizations who share our vision of a better society.They may not call it a political goal, but they expect the same things that we want. In the north, where the Republican community is concentrated, this solidarity is more evident. But in the South, when you get in touch with people, you realize that there are many who have the same aspirations as us. It is our job to work with them, to cooperate with them and to avoid narrow inter-party sects. <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"lwUnhBa_XE","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" This is a key aspect of empowerment – getting into a room and seeing that many people share our vision. I've had several meetings where this is clear. Through Sinn Féin’s Commission on the Future of Ireland, we have made a real effort to bring people together and create spaces for debate. Often at these events, local activists say: \"I don't know most of them here.\" <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"dtINq61ysy","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" That’s good, it means that people are involved in ending the division, building a united Ireland, and maybe even interested in creating a real republic.But you might also want to say that some of us are not as connected to the base as we should be... Success creates expectations. The more we advance, the more potential we have. We should never limit people’s aspirations for themselves, their family, their community, or munduarentzat.Lehenago you’ve touched on <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"ugbCcn0MjW","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" this topic, but let’s explore it further. You said that Republicans should not only work with other Republicans, but connect with people outside the movement – other social, political, or cultural movements. How do you think Republicans can do this effectively? I think we <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"Rj-UhQACoy","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" need a massive movement to bring about the changes we’re making here. If we get too caught up in the details – crossing and scoring all t’s and i’s – we can end up in circular discussions that deplete energy. Some on the left have fallen into this trap.A broad mass movement should be enough for people to work in their place.Of course, the national movement will be stronger in some places and weaker in others. We shouldn't punish ourselves for that. In the past, there was confusion about principles, tactics, strategies and goals. We must avoid these distractions, remain open, and not see ourselves as “God’s gift to Ireland.” We are ordinary people who are trying to give the best of us.<\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"RHM_7etLZc","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" If we bring together a group of people with good habits of democracy, discipline, friendship, good heart and proper communication, we will have the foundations of an effective movement. Empowerment is not just about gaining political strength – the key is how we use it. We are talking about constantly increasing protection, bringing opposites into neutrality, then into openness, then into passive protection, and finally into active participation. We must use our political strength strategically to bring about change that aligns with our strategic goals and basic aspirations. <\/span> <\/span>"}},{"id":"M5zS9V_R5T","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" We have mentioned the sect between the parties, but in Ireland the religious sect is a major problem. How do you see the relationship between sectarianism and separation? And when we end the separation, what will politics be like in an Irish union? Sectarianism <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"iD9hRJaRvi","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" is one of the unresolved issues in our society, especially in the North, but not only. In the South, most of them are culturally Catholic – although not practicing – and there, the problem is smaller. Instead, racism is more egregious. But in the North, sectarianism is deeply rooted and becomes a national problem.Historically, sectarianism has been used as a tool of division – just as in other societies the conquest was based on skin color or nationality. When Ireland was colonized, the colonizers were brought in. My last name, Adams, is of the origin of the colonizers, so I have no problem with what Ireland considers its home. <\/span> <\/span>"}},{"id":"Ug1PysmZFf","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" Ireland belongs to all who live here, regardless of their origin.The Western ruling class used sectarianism to stay in power. There was almost no difference between the Protestant and Catholic working class communities, but sectarianism kept us apart. Generations grew up with slogans such as “We are the people”, “What we have, we will keep” and “We will not give up”.The key da.Historiak to overcoming this condition <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"U8zXFPKhYY","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" shows that important moments in the union were often led by Protestants – such as the United Irish Movement. When it was violently repressed, especially in the North, it was almost completely erased in public memory. Fighting sectarianism means recognizing the hidden history and moving towards a secular republic.Modern Ireland is already moving in this direction, both because of changes in constitutional rights and because of the evolution of positions in both the North and the South. “Official Ireland” is lagging behind, but a much more open and tolerant “real Ireland” da.Ezkontza <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"3DKC9Chhk2","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" broad support for equality and reproductive rights proves this. Ordinary people live in a real world. People, especially mothers and grandmothers, know that their children are homosexuals; they do not need to be told. They see the lack of recognition and the damage caused by the lack of correction. The same applies to those who continue to mistreat women. After all, we should strive for a supportive, secular and pluralistic society that empowers people and treats everyone with kindness and respect. The way in which Ireland has treated the traveller community1, for example, by continuing to be a national shame du.Azken <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"yFqJPD3ZYD","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" over the years, we have unfortunately seen the rise of a fascist movement that calls itself an Irish nationalist and wants to take over the legacy of Republicans and deceased Irish volunteers. You met a lot of volunteers who died in the Northern War. What do you think of the fascists’ attempts to seize this legacy? Racism must <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"A8E4GZNqNC","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" be combated, but we must not exaggerate our support for racists. At the same time, we must recognize that if the government does not properly integrate new communities, tensions can arise. In areas with insufficient resources, the ignition of the spring can be facilitated, which facilitates its handling.About 30 years ago, I remember the conversation with a waiter at a coffee shop next to our Ard Oifig (office). She was angry because immigrants were maturing and her daughter, who lived in a crowded apartment, couldn’t get a home.Hearing similar complaints over and over again ditut.Baina after a <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"Cb_CcdylKK","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" simple conversation – explaining that the problem was not the arrival of immigrants but the failure of the government – he also acknowledged that the blame was on the government and its policies, not on immigrants.The Irish, because of our history, should be the last to be racist, given our experiences of emigration and discrimination. But if people feel abandoned by the state, they are more likely to be attracted to anti-immigrant speech. <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"EoZQCgqDBI","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" That’s why it’s essential to engage and connect with citizens.Some groups use national symbols, invoking Patrick Pearse to justify their positions. This needs to be addressed. At the same time, we must defend the true legacy of the fallen patriots. <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"dEiEDFNDN-","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" Take, for example, Bobby Sands. His writings reflect a deep humanity and a clear solidarity with the oppressed. If anyone doubts where he was on these issues, it is enough to read his poetry and prose.We must therefore combat racism, stand up for those who have had to leave their countries, and defend the true values of our fallen comrades. At the same time, it is wrong to label all citizens concerned about the arrival of immigrants as racist.Some of them have a real concern – like that waiter – and we have to talk to them, encourage them to channel energy against the establishment, and not to blame immigrants or support racists ematera.Azkenik, could you explain to us <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"cGKvYdSuQS","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" what the importance of Gaelic and Irish culture is for Republicanism? <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"irgBjh9gae","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" The Irish language is constantly exposed to the legacy of colonialism and the threat posed by the growth of globalization. The near-total destruction of the Irish language was due to British policies to eradicate the Gaelic way of life in their first colony. According to the expression “the one who speaks the language thinks the heart”, any social or political discourse in Ireland should have been in English. However, the element of Gaelic life persisted in various places until the nineteenth century, but by then Gaelic had become the language of poverty, rural areas and marginalized society. In half a century, what Seán de Fréin called “The Great Silence” occurred because of the Great Famine, mass emigration and the school system: one generation stopped speaking the language and the next lost its transmission base. <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"dXdkZCCnQW","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" Languages are lost when the new speakers that will replace the old generations are not enough. The Irish language was in this state, but today the interest in the language is growing again, and many young people, both in the north and in the south, want to learn and speak Irish.In the growth of language it is essential to see it as useful in everyday life.Therefore, government support and a popular renaissance are needed. There are successful initiatives in Ireland, where communities and individuals promote the language, we have an enlightening display of government indifference or opposition gainetik.Adibide <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"L7I4MC-HjA","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" in Northern, Irish language communities created by political prisoners inside the Long Kesh prison. Because the prisoners had political status, they were allowed to use Irish language texts. Prionsais Mac Airt, Cyril MacCurtain and others offered a lot of teaching. This is where Bobby Sands also learned Irish. Many of these prisoners, having regained their freedom, continued to promote the language in their communities.<\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"uCLOoh78fd","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" Later, when Long Kesh was replaced by Block H, and most of the prisoners adopted Irish as their everyday language during the protest, this had a major impact on the consciousness of young working nationalists. Ten prisoners died in the 1981 hunger strike, and Bobby Sands’ leadership, also on language issues, had a huge impact. The former prisoners transferred language and teaching methods to the communities, offering classes in bars, clubs, community centers and homes. This gave great strength to the work of activists who had been fighting for language rights in the North for many years. <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"vkbbgjsqIo","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" “It is the responsibility of the government to create a structure for the protection and promotion of the language, but the communities must take ownership of the<\/span> <\/span> language” <\/span> The "}},{"id":"T5ANZJuz3l","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" use of the language and its status have increased in recent decades, which will be of great importance in the development of a bilingual society. To make progress, it is necessary to keep the Irish language alive and strong in the Gaeltacht areas, while promoting Irish language programmes and cultural centres in all regions of the country. While it is the responsibility of the Government to create a structure for the protection and promotion of the language, it is the responsibility of the communities to take ownership of the language in order to revitalize it and transform it into a daily language. <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"KHtuhehvUU","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" In the North, the latest criminal laws – the Administration of Justice (Language) Act (Ireland) 1737 – have been repealed, demonstrating the power of language. The campaign of the An Dream Dearg movement was a very visible example. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy Prime Minister Emma Little-Pengelly announced the process of appointing Commissioners Gaelera and Ulster Scots. This is a historic step, even if it comes too late, and it is part of the new identity and language institutions.Belfast will host Oireachtas na Samhna, Ireland’s oldest language and art festival. The festival, which will take place from 29 October to 2 November, celebrates the Irish language, arts and traditions and is filled with events every year: debates, films, workshops – all in Irish. Thousands of Gaeilgeoirs (Gaelic fans) are expected to come to Belfast. <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"vzIIqG3GPD","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" In addition, it has been announced that the largest celebration of traditional Irish music and culture in the world – An Fleadh Cheoil – will come to Belfast from 2 to 9 August 2026.Over the years I have had the opportunity to participate in Fleadh celebrations in different towns and cities in Ireland. It is an intense and wonderful celebration, with thousands of people enjoying beautiful music in the streets, bars and centers.I congratulate the participants in these initiatives, and especially the young people who have managed to place language rights on the public agenda through the An Dream Dearg movement. The growth of the Irish language in recent years has been spectacular. I am confident that this growth will continue. <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"-pHPD3xG6N","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" For me, speaking Irish brings joy. The key is to use the Irish language that we have – although it is little, it will go far. For example, if readers of An Cyclan decide never to say “cheerio” and always say “slán”, it could be contagious. Remember that was illegal in the past. So be brave. I'm talking about Slan. They have failed. Slan, we're winning. * <\/span> <\/span> "}},{"id":"9LRcZp4ZiS","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" We have translated and reproduced this interview with the permission of Gerry Adams and the new Republican socialist magazine An Clogan. Thanks to the editors and Urko Aiarza for the translation.If you want to subscribe you can<\/span> <\/a> do so at www.anclogan.ie. <\/span>"}}],"version":"2.30.7"}

«Socialism is in many ways more advanced than Republicanism in the organization of society»