The article below was published in An Phoblacht/Republican News, December 1986 and was written by Vincent McKenna, in 1986 Vincent Mc Kenna was operating as an IRA Intelligence Officer for his Commander Jim Lynagh, Mc Kenna was also a full time Sinn Fein activist working on a daily basis with Sinn Fein Leader, Caoimhghin O Caolain.
A chairde
Now that the membership of Sinn Fein has changed its position on abstentionism, it is time for Sinn Fein and its membership to begin some constructive self-criticism.
The decision to change abstentionism from a principle to a tactic is not a change that just affects as elite minority at the head of our organisation; it is a change that affects every member of Sinn Fein and members of other sections of the Republican movement.
In short, we must all decide whether we wish to contribute to the furthering of the republican ideal or whether we want to give a negative response to new and progressive policies.
I believe that any individual member of the Republican Movement, whether they be in favour of policy change or not, must begin to work towards the ultimate phase of our struggle. We must not allow personal and policy differences to blind us from our real aims and objectives.
Vincent Mc Kenna, Sinn Fein, Monaghan Town, Published in An Phoblacht/Republican News December, 1986. The article was also reproduced in a 1994 Book published by The Irish News in Belfast entitled “Journey to Peace”, the Book was made up of 60 letters and articles written by Vincent Mc Kenna and published over a ten year period.
The Irish Observer, Ireland's National Blog, News and Current Affairs site. The Irish Observer has also published three e-Books which are FREE for you to read by clicking the links below.
The IRA History, FREE to READ 12 Chapter e-Book READ NOW
