Credit where credit is due – the Sinn Féin 2022 Árd Fheis has adopted a very good policy statement. This policy compares very well against the policy of People Before Profit and the Dublin South-West TD Paul Murphy – who need to think again.
The Sinn Féin policy statement is also a welcome contrast with Kremlin-inspired wild conspiracy stories issued by various parts of the traditional Irish anti-war movement – for example, the Peace and Neutrality Alliance (PANA).
The SF Árd Fheis resolution is silent on some key issues. It does not directly refer to the right of the Ukrainian masses and their government to defend themselves and their sovereign territory by any means necessary. It also does not refer to the Ukrainian government’s recent anti-Labour neo liberal law, which has been heavily criticised by genuine Ukraine Solidarity organisations.
Here is the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis Resolution on Russia’s far-right invasion of Ukraine :
“65. This Ard Fheis unequivocally condemns all forms of imperialism and colonial aggression.
We oppose the denial of national self-determination and all violations of national sovereignty throughout the globe, and without exception.
We assert that the primacy of international law must be upheld and enforced with respect to the exercise of national self-determination, sovereignty, and democracy of all nations.
On that basis, we call for:
- A complete end to the war in Ukraine;
- Full restoration of Ukrainian national sovereignty;
- An immediate withdrawal of all Russian armed forces;
- And, maintenance of all appropriate political and economic sanctions until these outcomes are achieved.”
Extract from concluding speech by Mary Lou MacDonald: “We stand with Ukraine. We will support you until that day when your beloved homeland is free from Russia’s war. Russia must end its war. The journey to peace must start now.
Ireland stands on the side of international law, against those who trample on the rights of others. Be it Putin’s war or Israeli apartheid.”
This statement issued recently by John Brady TD (Wicklow), Sinn Féin Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, is also relevant :
Russian annexation of four Ukrainian regions condemned (Oct 1 2022)
‘Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Defence, John Brady TD has condemned the Russian annexation of four regions of Ukraine in a gross violation of international law.
Russia’s actions amount to the largest forcible territorial seizure since WWII.
The Wicklow TD said:
“I want to unequivocally condemn the illegal annexation of four regions in Ukraine by Russia. I am also appalled at the blatant and aggressive threat of nuclear action.
“Russia’s actions represent a major escalation in the conflict.
“Earlier this year I was part of an official Oireachtas committee visit to Moldova and Romania. We visited the refugee centres on the border with Ukraine, and witnessed first-hand the impact of Russia’s senseless aggression against innocent civilians.
“I want to once again express my support, and the support of my party in the strongest possible terms to the Ukrainian people. I want to express our support for the territorial integrity of Ukraine, and again condemn the illegal annexation by Russia of sovereign Ukrainian territory.”