Belfast Remembers the Democratic Programme

18/03/09

Republicans from across Belfast and beyond gathered in a social club on the Whiterock Road, west Belfast on Friday night (March 13) to mark the 90th anniversary of the Democratic Programme.

The Democratic Programme, a radical manifesto for social and economic change, was ratified by Ireland’s first independent, democratically-elected parliament, Dáil Éireann, in January 1919.

On the night, three speakers read excerpts from the Democratic Programme, dealing with national sovereignty, the rights of children and public ownership of Ireland’s resources, and compared the aspirations contained in the document with the reality 90 years on.

Former political prisoner and éirígí chairperson in Belfast Rab Jackson gave the main speech on the night, outlining the party’s vision for revolutionary change in Irish society and its activity in Belfast to date.

The crowd was then entertained by renowned folk singer Barry Kerr.

Speaking after the event, éirígí spokesperson Seán Mac Brádaigh said: “The Democratic Programme heralded a completely different type of Ireland; an independent Ireland, an Ireland where the rights of all were promoted and an Ireland where the needs of the people were put before private property and economic greed.

“Unfortunately, 90 years on from that defining moment in Irish history, that vision has yet to be achieved.

“Not only is the British occupation ongoing in the Six Counties, but social and economic inequality is rampant throughout the country.

“The men and women who drafted and ratified the Democratic Programme had a vision for changing all that.

“éirígí believes it is time to build a mass social movement that will struggle for the objectives of the Democratic Programme, campaign for a British withdrawal and build strong working class communities.

“Every democrat, republican and socialist should play their part in this project.”

Click here to read Rab Jackson’s speech that was delivered on the night. >>