In reference to the recent initiative, Strabane/Lifford 'United Ireland - You Decide', which sets out to give the illusion that the gfA incorporates self-determination for the Irish people, if only the British would agree to it.
It's chairperson grace McDermott said it's aim was to raise awareness of the Good Friday Agreement provisions for a full referendum on Irish Unity. The cold hard facts are the GFA does not give any provision for a "full referendum" on Irish Unity; it excludes twenty-six counties of the country, which includes Lifford in Co. Donegal, where they are holding one part of their mock poll. While all initiatives to highlight the difficulties border communities face should be welcomed, this initiative ignores the fact the GFA is a denial of self-determination and not the obtaining of it. The pan-nationalist front have subscribed to this and no campaigns can disguise it. The 1916 Societies have proposed the only truly democratic solution to the issue and that is an All Ireland referendum on Irish Unity, where all the people get say in their own future. The GFA denies me a say in my own country and the aforementioned campaign, whether well meaning or not, is muddying the water portraying otherwise.
Patrick Donohoe
Chairman, Seán Heuston 1916 Society, Dublin
