Cogus, ex Republican prisoners from Derry and supporters of the Republican Network for Unity today welcomed moves towards the possible end to the Oglaigh na hEireann’s (ONH) armed campaign.
A spokesperson said that on Sunday, a former IRA prisoner, Ta Cosgrove, read a statement from the RNU at a commemoration at Edentubber, County Louth, in which they said the organisation must 'move forward together' and engage in a process of ‘modernisation’.
The source said that the ONH was effectively on a 'de facto ceasefire', while internal discussions take place and that
Ta Cosgrove's comments follow a statement at Easter which said the ONH were engaged in a 'wide-ranging discussion about tactics, strategy and the future of the republican struggle'.
Ta Cosgrove (ex POW) read this statement on behalf of the Republican Movement on Sunday 12th November 2017:
"Comrades, following on from the Easter statement of 2017 – The RNU family have continued that debate, both internally and with our Critical friends. At Easter we said that “a strategic rethink was required by the individual, and organisational republicans” within our own organisation, these were not hollow words – our process of debate around the future of our movement has been the subject of intense activity.
"As a movement we have assessed our strengths and weaknesses from that, as a movement we recognise that we must move forward now, procrastinate any longer will only lead to division and uncertainty.
"No longer can we sit back and watch republicanism being reduced, to ridicule and sneer. The multitude of groups that exist and grow each time there is a dispute among republicans only makes a joke and mockery of the sacrifices that so many have made. Some see republicanism as a fad or pastime that aids the individual rather than the country. Others see it as a cash cow, with criminality and extortion, being for some the main motivating factor in their involvement of our proud struggle. We are strongly opposed to these characters and their actions.
"We in the republican family believe community development and the formation of Irish Sovereignty must be to the fore in our daily thinking, positive engagement at all times, while retaining our core principles is the way in a modern Ireland. It was said at Easter that “change will be too much for some people – some will lose their seat at the table, many already have” while this is true, it is incumbent on the individual republican to know why they left the table or were asked to leave the table. If they left of their own choice, we wish them well – if after thought some wish to review their position we remain open to positive engagement with them.
"The coming weeks and months will see a gear change in our process of modernisation that was spoke off at Easter.
"Today we ask you here, and members and supporters unable to attend and to the wider republican base, to begin with us the debate around a republican movement that is credible, realistic and modern. In time “those determined to advance the revolutionary republican position will attest to our reshaped movement and renewed direction.
"This developing process does not just belong to the wider Republican Network family – other stakeholders need to engage positively with us. We are “prepared to act in a mature and realistic manner and act in accordance with the will of the people” That however cannot be done alone or in isolation.
"Everyone here is involved in this debate as are others. Moving forward we will develop this process. We all have responsibilities in the time ahead which we will deal with, with honesty and integrity. Let us comrades, move into this new tactic with the same purpose of cause that we have always had.
"Let us move in unity – towards a free, new and modern Ireland free from British interference."
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