The Workers’ Party commemorated the centenary of the 1916 rising at Arbour Hill on April 23rd, 2016.
The commemoration was dedicated to those “airbrushed” from Irish history, inspired by the story of Elizabeth O’Farrell, whose boots were literally airbrushed from photos of the surrender and came to symbolise all those parts of Irish history that were meant to disappear from view. A number of guests spoke on this theme, highlighting how we have yet to create a republic which cherishes all its children equally, and the steps we might take to rectify the situation.
Grainne Griffin of the Abortion Rights Campaign (ARC) spoke on the repeal the 8th campaign. In particular she drew attention to the fact that we would now be asked to make concessions for limitations on the rights of women to choose, and the need to stick strongly to the demand for free safe and legal abortion.
Jayson Montenegro of Justice for the Undocumented spoke on behalf of undocumented migrants. He drew attention to the fact that he shared a status with the many Irish people who now live abroad without citizenship in the countries in which they reside, and the need for migrants to be treated with dignity and equality.
Susie Gaynor McGowan of Justice For Clery’s Workers, talked of the disgraceful treatment of Clery’s workers. Workers’ wages went unpaid while other debts were paid off. The Justice For Clery’s Workers organisation are continuing a campaign to change legislation such that workers must be paid wages owed.
Thomas McCarthy, a traveller rights activist and storyteller related the historical and ongoing exclusion of travellers in Ireland. He told of the need for communication, understanding and inclusion of travellers and the guarantee of rights and the establishment of travellers as being on an equal footing.
The party oration was given by Adam McCarthy, who spoke of the need for a free, equal secular socialist and democratic republic in order to establish a real equality for all. Songs were song by both Joe McGowan and Workers’ Party Cllr Eilis Ryan.
