FRANCIE BROLLY CUMANN Reassure the Public that the Removal & Destruction of Aontú Posters will not Halt Us in our Campaign for Human Rights

Over the Easter period a number of posters were stolen from Kilrea, Garvagh, Glenullin, Ballerin and Drumsurn areas and also defaced in Dungiven. These posters serve as a reminder to everyone, particularly at Easter, of the sacrifices so many have made and of the

implementation of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic 105 years ago in which one and all were called to ‘cherish all the children of the nation equally.’ They deliver a simple message that our own institutions have the legal and democratic right to govern us, not that of any foreign nation and certainly not at the invitation of any political party from within our Island.

As all political parties are committed to maintaining a democratic government and society and as such, must uphold the ‘UN Convention of Human Rights,’ namely Articles 2, 7 and Article 19 in which “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right
includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers.” We would like to remind all parties and individuals of their duty to ensure these democratic rights are respected. If it is
the case that individuals have taken it upon themselves to act with such malice and disrespect for democracy, we call upon anyone within their company or organisation to firmly remind such individuals that this is illegal and totally flies in the face of what democracy stands for, moreover it has no place in our society or in any organisation within our society. Responsibility lies with these organisations to stamp this out. Now.

While shocked and disappointed at the gutless nature of the theft and destruction of our posters in darkness, Cumann Francie Brolly are now more determined than ever that we will neither be intimidated nor silenced in their campaigns. We stand steadfast in our mission to
protect human life and all the human rights each life entails.

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.