13 December 2015, Sunday
By Bryan Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD has this morning sent a message of solidarity to ‘Ballyhea Says No’ as the campaign group marks its 250th week of protest.
Deputy Adams said;
“Solidarity message from Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD to ‘Ballyhea Says No’ Group
“I want to commend you for steadfast campaign against the payment of the toxic debt.
“Sinn Féin stands with you, and we share your view that we had no obligation to honour the debts of financial speculators and gamblers, and it is our children who will bear the cost of the government’s failure to effectively negotiate, at EU level, in the best interests of the Irish people.
“Your 250th week of protest is set against a backdrop in which the establishment is trying to ensure the publication of an incomplete and inadequate final report from the Banking Inquiry.
“As you might know, our Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD has refused to sign-off such a report.
“The people have a right to know how the banking crisis happened. We have a right to know who was responsible.
“It has been left to campaign groups such as the Ballyhea Says No, to a handful of Oireachtas members like Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty and our MEPs to do the government’s work.
“I want to assure you that Sinn Féin will continue to work together with all parties and Independents of like mind to ensure we remind Europe that a deal on our legacy bank debt is a necessity rather than an aspiration.
“Congratulations on all that you have achieved to date. Your dedication is a shining example of empowered and principled activism.
“You have not stopped looking for answers.
You have stood your ground.
You have refused to shut up.
“Your perseverance is genuinely appreciated by those who work for social & economic justice and equality.
“It is a pity that you do not have a government worthy of your commitment, one that would truly defend your rights as Irish citizens.
“Hopefully, we can change that in the coming weeks and, in doing so, begin the crucial work of building a real republic.
“Tá muintir na hÉireann fior buioch daoibh. Go raibh mile Maith agaibh.”
