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Ógra Shinn Féin

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Ógra Shinn Féin
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The current official Ógra Shinn Féin logo
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Leader Barry McColgan
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Founded c.1997 [1][2]
Headquarters 44 Parnell Square
Dublin 1
Republic of Ireland
also:
53 Falls Road
Belfast
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Political Ideology Republic of Ireland Irish Republicanism, Democratic Socialism
International Affiliation none
European Parliament Group EUL-NGL
Colours Green
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Website http://www.osf.ie/
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See also

Ógra Shinn Féin is the youth wing of the Irish political party Sinn Féin and is part of the (Provisional) Republican Movement. ÓSF, as it is colloquially known, is active and organised throughout Ireland.[3] It is often considered the most prominent incarnation of Fianna Éireann. Upon its establishment in 1997 it was originally known as Sinn Féin Youth, it changed to Ógra Shinn Féin in 1999. A number of Sinn Féin's elected representatives are also members of ÓSF.[4][5] Although it does not publish its membership figures, ÓSF is believed to have about 500 activists. It has also been described as "One of the largest and most active youth wings" in Ireland. [6]

Membership

Membership is free and open to anyone aged fifteen to twenty-nine who supports a united Ireland and the establishment of a democratic socialist republic.

Organisation

Ógra Shinn Féin is organised throughout the 32 counties of Ireland in both local communities and universities [7]. Its structure is similar to that of Sinn Féin. ÓSF cumainn are largely autonomous from local Sinn Féin structures. [8]

  • Cumainn - Cumainn are organised within a local area or within a college or University. At present there are over 50 active ÓSF cumainn throughout Ireland. A cumainn is required to have a minimum of five members. [8][9]
  • Cúige - Cumainn are then organised within a local Cúige. At the moment there are five different Cúige in Ireland representative of the regions of Dublin, Ulster, Munster, Leinster (excluding Dublin) and Connacht. Each of these Cúige elects its own Officer Board to oversee co-ordination between the cumainn. Each Cúige is also entitled to at least two representatives on the National Executive. (Leinster has both northern and southern organisers due to the large geographic area which must be covered)
  • National Executive - The National Executive (Comhairle Naisiunta) is the democratically elected governing body of ÓSF. It consists of between 11 and 16 members. The National Executive consists of each of the Ógra Cúige Organisers (elected at the annual National Congress), one delegate from each of the five Cúige (elected at each Cúige's AGM), the National Organiser and up to five additional members who may be co-opted for specific officer positions. [10]
  • Members of National Executive 2009
    • National Organiser - Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
    • Secretary - Cllr. Johnny McGibbon
    • PRO - Marcas Ó Mhaoldomhnaigh[11]
    • Education Officer - Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire[12]
    • Equality Officer - Gemma McKenna[13]
    • Munster Organiser - John O'Brien
    • Dublin Organiser - Oisín Ó Dubhláin
    • Connacht Organiser - Mairéad Farrell
    • Ulster Organiser - Fra Cochrane[14]
    • North Leinster Organiser - Caoimhe Ní Shluáin[15]
    • South Leinster Organiser - Peadar de Bluit
    • College Co-Ordinator - Seamus Donnelly[16]
    • Recruitment - David Collins

Campaigns and issues

Members of Ógra Shinn Féin in Derry 2008 painting a Royal Mail postbox as part of the Green Post-Box Campaign.
An Ógra Shinn Féin banner drop on O'Connell Street in April 2009, as part of the Save 16 Moore Street campaign

The long-term aim of Ógra Shinn Féin is to establish a thirty-two county democratic socialist republic.[17] Specific issues of primary importance include: Irish unity and independence; workers' rights; the environment; an end to sectarianism and racism in Ireland; decent housing for the people; weekend elections and referendums; education; Shell to Sea [18], voting age to be lowered to sixteen [19]; and the promotion of the Irish language (Gaeilge).

The following is a list of some campaigns which Ógra Shinn Féin is involved in at the moment:

  • N.A.R.C campaign - The "Not another ravaged community" campaign was an anti-drugs campaign launched by ÓSF at the beginning of 2008. The campaign focused on educating young people about the danger of drugs. It also included information on alcohol abuse.[20][21]
  • Educate to be Free Campaign - This campaign was launched in Winter 2008 and calls for free education for all. It also calls for an increase in Irish language education and for student empowerment and radicalizing students unions. [22][23]
  • Green Postbox Campaign - This campaign was launched in 2008 and involved young republicans in Northern Ireland painting postboxes green (postboxes in the Republic of Ireland are green while those in the north are red). The campaign received severe criticism from Unionist politicians such as Jim Wells. It is alleged that hundreds of postboxes were painted throughout Northern Ireland.[24][25][26][27] Although this campaign was officially launched in 2008, it had been common for ÓSF members and other Irish republicans to engage in this practice. In 2006 a Tyrone ÓSF member was arrested for painting a postbox in Fintona.[28]
  • National Suicide Prevention Campaign - In 2006 Ógra Shinn Féin launched a nationwide suicide prevention campaign. The campaign focuses on the dissemination of information and the demand for an all Ireland approach to suicide awareness.[29][30]
  • ARISE - In 2007 Ógra Shinn Féin launched the Anti-Racism, Imperialism, Sectarianism and Exploitation (ARISE)campaign. [31][32]

Recent events

Members of Ógra Shinn Féin (along with SWP and WSM) blockading the roads and access routes to government buildings as part of the campaign against the reintroduction of college fees, Dublin, February 2009. Note the use of the sunburst flag, a symbol of Fianna Éireann

Upon the establishment of Sinn Féin Youth, a logo incorporating a petrol bomb, symbolising the militant origins of republican youth organisations, and an Easter lily was adopted. The words 'Sinn Féin Youth', which encircled the logo were changed to 'Ógra Shinn Féin' in 1999 when the name of the organisation was changed.

As part of the transformation of the Republican Movement to reflect changing realities brought about by the peace process a decision was taken to change the logo, and at the 2004 National Congress the green star and orange graffiti-style logo was adopted. The logo again changed at the 2006 Congress when the current logo, incorporating the words 'Ógra Shinn Féin', the Starry Plough, the Sunburst Flag and the "Freedom Lark" was adopted. Ógra Sinn Féin has been criticised by the Young Unionists for failing to remove the petrol bomb logo from a number of its wall murals.[34]

At the Special Congress in 2007 called during the policing debates in Sinn Féin, Ógra Shinn Féin took the controversial step of voting not to support the motion put to the Sinn Féin Special Ard Fheis by the Ard Chomhairle. This was in opposition to the leadership of Sinn Féin. In their motion that was passed at the Special Congress OSF stated: "We will recognise the decision made by the Ard Fheis."

Affiliations

International

Ógra Shinn Féin has strong connections with a number of pro-independence and socialist groups throughout the world, including:

Notable members

National organisers

Members Sinn Féin Youth in South Armagh 1997

Publications

The front cover of Awaiting the Lark written and published by Ógra Shinn Féin

Ógra Shinn Féin publishes a quarterly republican youth magazine entitled Spark. The magazine was launched in 2001 eventually ceasing publication around 2006 or so, it was re-launched in 2007, primarily in online format and renamed Splanc, which is the Irish language translation of Spark.[46] ÓSF also publishes a bi-monthly newsletter entitled Glor Na nÓg (Voice of The Youth).[47][48]

ÓSF has published its own book Awaiting the Lark in 2006 to mark the 25th Anniversary of the 1981 Irish hunger strike. The book includes interviews with many well known Irish republicans such as Michelle Gildernew, Barry McElduff, Sean Crowe, Ella O'Dwyer, Seanna Walsh and Martina Anderson. It also includes photographs from the funerals of the hunger strikers and protests that took place around the time. The book also includes information about Michael Gaughan and Frank Stagg who died on hunger strike in 1974 and 1976 respectively. [49][50]

Notable actions and incidents

Ógra Shinn Féin frequently attracts media attention over its activities.

Some notable examples include:

  • Arrests at Belfast City Hall 1997 - On the 3rd of November 1997 three members of ÓSF were arrested after they scaled the front of Belfast City Hall and unfurled a banner calling for the release of political prisoners. This was part of the "Saoirse" campaign. The RUC special branch later attempted to recruit one of those arrested to work as an informant. [51]
  • Abuse by Gardaí in Store Street 1998 - In November 1998 seven members of ÓSF were arrested by Gardaí in Dublin for allegedly acting in an abusive manner. While being held in Store Street Garda station the activists alleged that they were kicked and beaten by Gardaí. A protest which took place outside the Garda Station that night resulted in skirmishes between demonstrators and the Gardaí.[52] One of those arrested included Pearse Doherty who is now a Sinn Féin Senator.[53]
  • UCC Riot 1999 - In November 1999, 50 members of the gardaí were called in to reinforce University College Cork security after a melee broke out in the corridors of the Science building. Members of Ógra Shinn Féin, the Socialist Party, Workers' Party and anti-fascist groups had attempted to force their way into a lecture hall where revisionist historian David Irving was to hold a talk. Gardaí were forced to baton charge the 600 strong crowd. [54]
  • South Armagh demilitarization riots 2001 - In December 2001 ÓSF was blamed for carrying out petrol bomb attacks against RUC and British army bases in south Armagh. Twenty-two police officers, three soldiers and two police dogs were injured in the incidents during which protesters attacked the watchtowers at Creevekeeran and Drummakaval with iron bars, bottles, fireworks and petrol bombs.[55][56][57] Two of the soldiers suffered serious head injuries after being hit with petrol bombs and had to be airlifted to hospital. Another soldier suffered serious burns. The barracks at Crossmaglen was also attacked and protesters managed to smash through the main gate after igniting an oil barrell and pushing it into the entrance.[58][59]
  • Attack on SDLP councillor's office - In January 2002, SDLP councillor P. J. Bradley claimed that members of ÓSF were responsible for an attack on his offices in Warrenpoint during which eleven windows were smashed and paint was poured over the building and in through the windows. Caitríona Ruane refuted Mr. Bradley's comments.[60]
  • Attack on Rosslea PSNI station 2002 - On the first of July 2002 ÓSF was blamed for an organised attack against Rosslea PSNI station. Up to 50 masked youths threw stones and bottles at the police station causing extensive damage to the exterior of the building. The Unionist "Newsletter" Newspaper described the attack as "appalling" and condemned ÓSF for "laying vicious siege" to Rosslea PSNI Station.[61][62][63]
  • ÓSF banned from Trinity College 2005 - Sinn Féin had been banned from organising in Trinity College Dublin until the ban was overturned in 1999.[64] In 2005 it was re-instated (until the end of the college term) after the TCD chairperson forwarded an email on to others which made threatening remarks towards Margaret Thatcher.[65]
  • 1916 Auction Protest 2006 - In April 2006 members of ÓSF disrupted a sale of memorabilia associated with the Easter Rising of 1916 at James Adams & Sons Auctioneers on Stephen's Green, Dublin.[66] Two activists were arrested by Gardaí but were later released without charge.[67][68][69]
  • Down Orange hall incident 2007 - In September 2007, ÓSF received a large amount of criticism after one of its members was taken to hospital following a fall from the roof of an Orange hall. The member had been removing a Union Flag from the roof. This incident occurred at a time when Orange halls in the area had been subjected to firebomb and arson attacks. [70] Some people claimed that removing the flag was anti-sectarian and should be applauded. [71]
  • Green Postbox campaign 2008 onwards - One campaign undertaken by ÓSF involved changing the colour of Royal Mail postboxes in the Six Counties from red to green (green is the standard colour of postboxes in the Republic of Ireland)[72]. Sinn Féin MLA Barry McElduff described the campaign as "peaceful political statement". Rival politicians claimed that this amounted to the MLA condoning criminal damage.[73] It is believed hundreds of postboxes were painted green in the Derry, Strabane and Tyrone alone. [26]
  • Occupation of Green Party offices 2008 - On 4 December 2008 a number of ÓSF members took part in a protest organised by the student based "Free Education for Everyone" (FEE) group. A number of protesters were arrested after they occupied the offices of Paul Gogarty, Green Party Spokesperson on Education, in Lucan, County Dublin. Gardaí were forced to break down the door of the office and arrested ten of the activists.[74]
  • Gregory Goebbels incident 2009 - ÓSF were criticized for comparing East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell to Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels on its web-blog. An accompanying edited image on the site showed Mr Campbell's head superimposed on the body of a man wearing a Nazi uniform. The article criticised Campbell's NI Executive culture portfolio and his stance on the Irish language.[75][76]
  • PSNI recording incident 2009 - In January 2009 a member of ÓSF in Omagh was arrested following a confrontation in the town. While at the police station, a constable attempted to recruit the man as an informant. The ÓSF member managed to record the incident on his cellphone. The incident has been brought before Omagh DPP and is currently under investigation by the Police Ombudsman. [77] The recording of the incident was made available.[78]
  • Warrenpoint visit 2009 - On 10 January 2009 ÓSF held a Republican Youth weekend in Newcastle County Down. Part of the weekend involved a trip to the site of the Warrenpoint Ambush where an IRA unit ambushed and killed 18 British soldiers in 1979. Protesters including Willie Frazer and Jim Wells branded the trip an "insult to victims".[79] Controversial victims campaigner Willie Frazer said that "10 years ago the world hoped that they had moved on from terrorism but as the last few days have shown they still firmly believe in armed conflict".[80] The local ÓSF spokesperson claimed it was simply part of a historical tour of the County Down area. [81][82][83]

See also

References

  1. ^ Ógra Shinn Féin Revolutionary Handbook, Pg.4
  2. ^ http://www.sebelfastsinnfein.com/elections About Ogra Shinn Fein
  3. ^ http://www.osf.ie/index.php?categoryid=12 About Ogra Shinn Fein
  4. ^ http://www.anphoblacht.com/news/detail/20557 Large Ógra Shinn Féin mobilisation to the Basque Country
  5. ^ http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2007/08/interview-with-irelands-youngest.html Interview with Ireland's Youngest Councillor: Johnny McGibbon
  6. ^ Hildebrandt & Daiber (ed.), Cornelia & Brigit (2009). The Left in Europe: Political Parties and Party Alliances between Norway and Turkey. Rosa Luxemburg Foundation. ISBN N/A. {{cite book}}: |last= has generic name (help); Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help); Unknown parameter |Page= ignored (|page= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ http://www.osf.ie/index.php?categoryid=12 About OSF
  8. ^ a b http://www.corksf.20m.com/whats_new.html Cork Sinn Féin
  9. ^ Ógra Shinn Féin Revolutionary Handbook - Pgs. 19 - 21
  10. ^ Ógra Shinn Féin Revolutionary Handbook - Constitution & Rules - Section 8.1 - Formation Pgs 27 & 28
  11. ^ http://www.osf.ie/archives/409 Ógra Shinn Féin condemn use of plastic bullets
  12. ^ http://www.osf.ie/activists Activists
  13. ^ http://www.osf.ie/archives/275 Ógra in Upper Bann Launch Educate to be Free Campaign
  14. ^ http://www.osf.ie/archives/367 Successful Love Football Hate Racism Cup
  15. ^ http://www.osf.ie/archives/407 Slogadh na nÓg 2009 - Bígí Linn!
  16. ^ http://www.osf.ie/archives/304 No Cutbacks, No Fees, No Fianna Fáil TDs!
  17. ^ http://www.osf.pro.ie/
  18. ^ http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2008/02/shell-2-sea-protest-at-statoil-hq-film.html Shell to Sea protest
  19. ^ http://www.sinnfeinassembly.com/en/press-centre/entry/4469 OSF calls for voting age to be lowered
  20. ^ http://www.indymedia.ie/article/85779 launch of NARC
  21. ^ http://www.sinnfein.ie/news/detail/24902 McCartney supports NARC
  22. ^ http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2008/12/educate-to-be-free.html Educate to be Free
  23. ^ http://www.indymedia.ie/article/90160 Launch of educate to be Free campaign
  24. ^ http://www.indymedia.ie/article/90160Green postbox message heard on the airwaves
  25. ^ http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/green-postbox-row-mla-told-to-say-sorry-14169746.html green postbox MLA told to say sorry
  26. ^ a b http://www.derryjournal.com/strabane/Seeing-red-on-green-postboxes.4492561.jp seeing red on green postboxes
  27. ^ http://www.indymedia.ie/article/88923 Greening the north one postbox at a time
  28. ^ http://www.indymedia.ie/article/75114 Young republican jailed for painting postbox
  29. ^ https://www.indymedia.ie/article/74138 OSF launch suicide prevention campaign
  30. ^ http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2008/09/gra-shinn-fin-discuss-suicide.html OSF discuss suicide prevention
  31. ^ http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2007/04/arise-against-international-imperialism.html ARISE against international imperialsim
  32. ^ http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2006/12/new-arise-video.html New ARISE video
  33. ^ Ogra Revolutionary Handbook (2008 edition) Methods of Revolution, Campaigns, Pages 25 & 26
  34. ^ http://www.irishnews.com/searchlog.asp?reason=denied_empty&script_name=/pageacc.asp&path_info=/pageacc.asp&sid=478927&tser1=ser&par=ben Unionists hit out at SF on logos
  35. ^ http://www.youth.ie/members NYCI members
  36. ^ http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2008/12/segi-send-solidarity-greetings-to-sf.html SEGI send solidarity greetings to OSF national congress
  37. ^ http://www.anarkismo.net/newswire.php?story_id=4730 State repression of the Basque nationalist movement
  38. ^ https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/editorial/actual/ael2/bulletin.asp?liste=20040601.html#Chapitre14 Proscribed organisations - France
  39. ^ http://www.fundacionvt.org/images/revista/anteriores/cachorros.pdf Proscribed organisations - Spain
  40. ^ http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2008/11/gra-shinn-fin-complete-tour-of-basque.html OSF complete tour of the Basque country
  41. ^ http://www.ogra.150m.com/02apr98.htm Sinn Féin Youth in Basque Country
  42. ^ http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2008/02/gra-shinn-fin-build-strong-solidarity.html OSF build strong solidarity in Corsica
  43. ^ http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2007/11/gra-shinn-fin-address-jercs-21st.html OSF address JERC's 21st national congress
  44. ^ https://www.indymedia.ie/article/85893 OSF organise successful upbeat national congress
  45. ^ http://www.sinnfein.ie/elections/candidate/237 Pearse Doherty biography
  46. ^ http://www.splanc.ie/splanc/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=76&Itemid=58 SPlanc editorial
  47. ^ http://www.osf.ie/index.php?categoryid=20 Spark
  48. ^ http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2007/04/gra-shinn-fin-launch-glor-na-ng.html Ogra release Glor na nÓg
  49. ^ http://www.indymedia.ie/article/77914 OSF launch Awaiting the Lark
  50. ^ http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2006/09/rebel-county-launches-awaiting-lark.html rebel county launches awaiting the lark
  51. ^ http://www.ogra.150m.com/06nov97-2.htm Saoirse sit on City Hall
  52. ^ http://www.ogra.150m.com/22oct98.htm Gardaí attack Sinn Féin Youth
  53. ^ http://republican-news.org/archive/1998/November19/19gard.html Vicious wave of Garda repression
  54. ^ http://www.fpp.co.uk/docs/press/items/CorkExaminer161199.html Kicks and punches fly in riot at college
  55. ^ http://www.irishecho.com/search/searchstory.cfm?id=10064&issueid=228 Sinn Féin Youth attacks
  56. ^ http://archives.tcm.ie/newrydemocrat/2001/12/11/story431.asp Police officers hurt in Sinn Féin Youth attacks on bases
  57. ^ http://www.mail-archive.com/kominform@lists.eunet.fi/msg10736.html 19 cops injured in Sinn Féin youth protests
  58. ^ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1364861/Sinn-Fein-mob-attack-towers.html Sinn Fein mob attack towers
  59. ^ http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/omagh-report-to-accuse-police-of-bungling-inquiry-619670.html Omagh report to accuse police of bungling inquiry
  60. ^ http://archives.tcm.ie/newrydemocrat/2002/01/22/story569.asp Business attack blamed on Sinn Fein youth wing - 22nd January 2002
  61. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/2076483.stm Masked youths attack police station
  62. ^ http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/2002/07/01/story31049.asp Republicans blamed for attack on Fermanagh police station
  63. ^ http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/news-letter-belfast-northern-ireland-the/mi_7950/is_2002_July_2/view-maskey-moves-sinn-fein/ai_n33170946/ Morning view: Maskey moves Sinn Fein forward but Roslea shows need for more - News Letter (Belfast, Northern Ireland), The, July 2, 2002
  64. ^ http://www.anphoblacht.com/news/detail/31887 Trinity welcomes Sinn Féin
  65. ^ http://www.independent.ie/national-news/sf-out-of-trinity-due-to-thatcher-threat-email-231123.html Sinn Féin booted out of Trinity College
  66. ^ http://www.indymedia.ie/article/75406 Sinn Féin disrupt sale of national heritage
  67. ^ http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/ireland/article706089.ece Sales protest leaves Sinn Féin divided
  68. ^ http://www.anphoblacht.com/news/detail/27407Ireland's history should not be for sale
  69. ^ News report on the incident.
  70. ^ http://archives.tcm.ie/downdemocrat/2007/09/04/story3623.asp Fall From Orange Hall
  71. ^ http://www.indymedia.ie/article/84020 OSF member injured while engaging in anti-sectarian protest
  72. ^ http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/Postboxes-returned-to-their-true.4573430.jp Postboxes restored to original colour
  73. ^ http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/green-postbox-row-mla-told-to-say-sorry-14169746.html Green postbox MLA told to say sorry
  74. ^ http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2008/12/ten-arrested-in-dublin-fees-protest.html Ten arrested in Dublin fees protest
  75. ^ http://www.colerainetimes.co.uk/news/Outcry-over-Nazi-portrayalof-Campbell.4867851.jp Outcry over Nazi portrayal of campbell
  76. ^ http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/columnists/lindy-mcdowell/sinn-fein-shows-its-nazi-side-14135800.html Sinn Féin shows its Nazi side
  77. ^ http://www.nwipp-newspapers.com/UH/free/293513500508569.php Teen approached to be an informer
  78. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tywST6s_odw
  79. ^ http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/anger-at-massacre-site-over-sf-visit-14136861.html Anger at SF youth massacre visit
  80. ^ http://victims.org.uk/s08zhk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=533&Itemid=2 Willie Frazer on Sinn Féin Youth
  81. ^ http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/anger-at-massacre-site-over-sf-visit-14136861.html Anger at massacre site over SF visit
  82. ^ http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/0112/1231515549556.html Sinn Féin goes ahead with visit to site of bombing
  83. ^ http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2009/01/newcastle-republican-youth-weekend.html Newcastle republican youth weekend a success