Easter commemoration held

Earlier in the day over a hundred people took part in a parade to the Republican plot in Derrymacash where local Councillor and Upper Bann Chairperson Johnny McGibbon addressed the gathering.

At the commemoration in Lurgan Mr Kearney delivered a detailed and passionate oration paying tribute the 'Patriot Dead in the North Armagh area'.

He also referred to the recent 20th anniversary of the murder of Sam Marshall and the 1982 ‘Shoot to Kill’ policy which was responsible for the deaths of Gervaise McKerr, Sean Burns, Eugene Toman and Michael Tighe.

He paid tribute to their families for the resilience they had shown in seeking the truth and re-affirmed Sinn Fein’s continued support for their campaigns.

The Sinn Fin Party Chairperson noted that the relevance of the 1916 Proclamation for contemporary Ireland is unchallengeable and pointed out: “The Proclamation reminds us today that our society should be built upon equal rights and opportunities and on happiness, prosperity, and freedom for everyone.”

Mr Kearney went on to say: “There has been unprecedented change in Ireland, north and south. And republicanism has been central to that. Change is unstoppable. Irish unity is inevitable. Sinn Fein has sought to use our political power north and south to improve the lives of ordinary people. The equality agenda is a central aspect of our political project.

"It goes to the heart of every citizen’s quality of life. It is the basis of new alliances; to raising the bar; and, making more change. And, that’s why unionism has set its face against the Bill of Rights. Equality means more change in the future. And ‘Big House’ political unionism wants less. Its agenda is about hollowing out equality in order to frustrate change, and hold back the future."

Referring to the activities of 'minor militarist factions' Mr Kearney commented: “The best place to organise for republican objectives is in Sinn Fein. Make no mistake about it; Sinn Fein is the only united Ireland show in town.

"The Hillsborough Castle Agreement is the product of a republican strategy that works. It demonstrates how we will achieve a united Ireland... through political strength, political momentum, determination, and, a clear trajectory. But we should not be complacent. There is much more work to be done and to complete that work we need to continue to recruit even more members.”

In concluding the Sinn Fin Party Chairperson assured the gathering that Sinn Fin would continue to support the rights of residents to live free from sectarian harassment, and re-affirmed Sinn Fin’s position the unwanted parades should not be forced through areas where they are not welcome.

Mr Kearney said that it was a key priority of the party to create “locally based democratic legislation to address contentious parades".