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E-mailGerry Adams: Irish America holds key to united Ireland
Sinn Fein set to use Twitter for new outreach
PHOTO GALLERY FROM SAN FRANCISCO: CLICK HERE
Irish America holds the key to a united Ireland.
That's according to Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, who was speaking at the annual Sinn Fein forum in San Francisco on Saturday.
Speaking to a crowd of over 400 people at St. Anne's Hall, Adams said that Irish Americans and the Irish Diaspora would be crucial in any attempt to unite the 32 counties.
"This generation can make that dream a reality," Adams said, "That means not just dreaming about or singing about it, but actually doing something about it."
Social media will form a crucial part of Sinn Fein's outreach. The new PR campaign will use Twitter and YouTube to virtually unite major American cities on St. Patrick's Day in calling for a "united Ireland."
"Now is the time to take the unification of Ireland to the next level," said Pat Uniacke, chairman of the San Francisco chapter of the Gaelic Athletic Association.
"I believe the Irish Diaspora and Irish America have a critical role in our quest to a united Ireland." He added that there will be many obstacles along the way, but that forums such as the ones in San Francisco and New York City will provide new insight and serve as stepping stones in the process.
"Irish unity is bigger than Sinn Fein," Adams said, calling it both a national and international issue." A Sinn Fein task force is planning forums throughout Ireland, as well as events in Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and in continental Europe. He added that this new process would require more "thoughtful strategies," including a huge outreach to "Unionist brothers and sisters."
Along with Sinn Fein, which organized the event, other participating organizations included the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Irish Northern Aid, and the Irish American Unity Conference.
"Its an initiative that seeks to create an all-island dialogue, which must be open to all ideas," said Robert Ballagh, an Irish artist and political activist. Ballagh added that he is confident that this initiative can succeed.
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kickstar wrote:
If we can keep the Catholic Church out of the issue I believe a united Ireland could be possible in this generation.
7/4/2009 9:07 PM EDT
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declanfoley wrote:
Has anyone consulted the actual residents of Ireland about this?
A far greater number of them both sides of the border don't want this 'United Ireland " Adams talks of. Also, the '32' counties of Ieland are a thing of the past, there are now 28 counties in the Republic of Ireland.
It's time the people of Ireland and the diaspora lived for today, not in the past. Ireland and its cute hoor politicans have taken care of their own, SF included, while many still live in poverty. And "poverty" means a lot more than lack of money. All very well for the romantic hatred of Britian for those who live in America, the land of milk and honey. Well why don't you all just sell your American homes and move your families and money to Ireland, not one of you would last a week, before you would hightail it back.
7/2/2009 9:30 PM EDT
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carrickcourt wrote:
I agree with the comment in the article about a united Ireland having to be on a secular basis. At least one of the other comments show that still ise a problem; "the British planted a bunch of English and Scots". My Irish heritage is "planter" Scots and Irish. As long as people use terms like "planter" rather then just Irish a united Ireland will just be a dream. I am proud to be Irish without having to add some kind of qualifier.
Carrickcourt
7/2/2009 5:41 PM EDT
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LizInPA wrote:
Irish unity.
Since early medieval times the use and abuse by several predatory outside forces has ensured that Irish unity and independence is next to impossible. The last thing Ireland needs is another group such as the US citizenry shoving an agenda down its throat - even IF Irish blood in part or parcel is flowing in their veins.
7/2/2009 10:51 AM EDT
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JKCartoons wrote:
This is much about nothing! Sinn Fein promised us Irish unity by 2016; its obvious now they had no clear plan when their running to the states for an answer. I only wish Irish-American would waken up to Gerry and Co. They are only interested in money; freeing Ireland is far down their list of priorities. If you don't believe me come over here and ask the people on the ground. Sinn Fein’s vote and support is waning every day!
http://kennedycartoons.com
6/30/2009 10:35 AM EDT
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crowsnest wrote:
Irish America is not the only group to hold the key to a United Ireland is it ? Reckon there isn't an Irishman/women in the whole world who wouldn't want to achieve that goal. Here's a thought: the British 'planted' a bunch of English and Scots so why not plant Catholics in Ulster so they become the majority and then put the issue of a United Eire up for a vote?
6/29/2009 8:40 PM EDT
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