McDonald Declares Irish Unity “Getting closer,” Links Struggle to Palestinian Freedom
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Belfast, Northern Ireland – Sinn Féin leader mary Lou McDonald delivered a stirring address at the annual Hunger Strike Commemoration in Milltown Cemetery, asserting that the movement towards Irish unification is gaining significant momentum. Speaking to a gathering honoring the ten republican hunger strikers who died in 1981,McDonald called for decisive leadership on the issue and drew a direct parallel between the historical struggle for Irish freedom and the ongoing crisis in Palestine.
“Friends,it is our duty as activists to carve the avenue through which we will reach a united Ireland,” McDonald stated,emphasizing a gradual but persistent advance. “We are getting there, inch by inch, day by day, year by year.” She urged a shift from passive observation to active participation, calling on citizens to stop being bystanders as history unfolds
and shed the harness of partitionism
.
Call for Presidential Leadership on Unification
mcdonald specifically challenged the next President of Ireland to champion the cause of reunification, stating that the role demands a leader actively working towards a united Ireland. She also directly appealed to current Taoiseach Micheál Martin, arguing that a goverment with real vision
and a patriotic government
would prioritize this goal.
She expressed confidence in the eventual success of unification referendums, declaring, The day is coming when the people will have their say on unity. Our job is to build the most positive campaigns possible. To win those referendums and to win well.I say we can do it. I say we must do it. I say we will do it.
This assertive tone reflects a growing optimism within Sinn Féin regarding the potential for a border poll in the coming years.
Strong Condemnation of Israeli Actions in Gaza, Solidarity with Palestine
The speech took a sharp turn to international affairs, with McDonald delivering a scathing condemnation of Israel‘s actions in Gaza. She described the situation as a barbaric genocide
and accused Britain, the United States, and the European Union of facilitat[ing], enabl[ing], and financ[ing] genocide.
this strong language underscores Sinn Féin’s long-standing support for the Palestinian cause.
“As occupation, apartheid, starvation, bombardment, brutality, Israeli barbarism plays out for all the world to see…” – Mary Lou McDonald, sinn Féin Leader
McDonald pledged unwavering support for the Palestinian people, stating, The people of Palestine can count on the people of Ireland
and vowing that Ireland will never be silent
in the face of such suffering. She concluded with a call to action: Sanction Israel, stop the genocide, end the occupation, free Palestine.
Remembering the Hunger Strikers, Inspiring a New Generation
The commemoration served as a poignant reminder of the 1981 hunger strike, during which ten republican prisoners died protesting for political status. McDonald highlighted the youth of the hunger strikers – with an average age of 28 and the youngest, Thomas McElwee, only 23 – as a testament to the power of young people to effect change.
She emphasized the importance of inspiring a new generation of activists, instilling in them the politics of defiance over despair, the politics of hope over fear
and the spark to rock the system
.McDonald believes that by empowering young people, the cause of Irish freedom and unity will remain secure for generations to come.
The event underscores Sinn Féin’s continued commitment to both Irish unification and international solidarity, positioning the party as a leading voice on issues of national identity and global justice.
