Again

“His championship of women is an aspect of his work, which if ignored, Her confidehce in the strength of women and her appreciation of the in all that she writes. There is also a chapter given to songs of revolution, verse and her views on the creation of aculture based on the aspiration for liberation.

the book which for me sum up her strengths and personality. One is where she speaks of her father and The other is her account of a public meeting during the 1977 struggle in Portlaoise Jail, where the main issue was strip searching. She said to the gathering ‘“‘“My mother always said that old age has its privileges. Well I’m old and I’m taking my privilege There is much in her political commentary which we would criticise as Marxists, but then she herself did its victory over British imperialism. In the post Republican Congress remained there until she died. It is clear from the book that she was always a working class activist rather than a theoretician, and it is thankful to have this short account of her final thoughts. makes any picture of him incomplete role which they have and will play in the struggle for a new society is evident There are two memorable quotes from says, “He taught me not to be bitter, because bitterness clouds the brain.” and explaining what this search means.”

civil rights. not accept the relevance of Marxism to the Irish working class today or to period her loyalties were thrown back on the Republican organisations and for her capacity to remain clear and picket. resolute on the central issue of British involvement through the bleak days of the 40s, 50s and early 60s that she will be remembered, admired and will be a source of inspiration for the future.

A strong and forceful fighter we are POLICE HARRASSMENT of Gays has stepped up dramatically in recent weeks. Gays all over the country have had their homes raided, been visited at work by Gardai, and been illegally fingerprinted and photographed. The gay community has been slow to respond and has been divided as to exactly how to respond.

The Gardai are exploiting the social vulnerability many gay people experience in relation to jobs, families etc. to gather information about hundreds of people, well beyond those who could be considered sycial or political activists. The self-appointed ‘leadership’ of the gay community has, in its efforts to appear ‘respectable’ and ‘cooperative’ encouraged gay people to accept wholesale violations of their It was in this context that Gays Against Imperialism initiated, with civil rights and political organisa- do so. tions, a picket on Pearse Street Garda Station on March 13, and a public meeting was held on March 24 to organise further action. Below we reprint the leaflet issued by Gays Against Imperialism at the THE CHARLES SELF MURDER INVESTIGATION — BACKGROUND Since the recent murder of Charles Self, at the very least 500 gay people have been questioned by the Gardai and Special Branch. And what have we been asked about? Very little about the murder; a lot more about our personal lives. Some of us have oeen ‘persuaded’ to give our fingerprints and to be photographed. Some of us have ‘volunteered’ the names and addresses of other gay people we know. We have even ‘been happy’ to sign incriminating statements.

What are the Gardai up to? Not protecting us from attack .. But gathering information about us; and what will they use it for?

WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

First, know your rights:

If you are stopped you are not obliged to even give your name and address, but it is usually best to You need not go to the garda station unless you are arrested. Even (4 then you should say nothing until you have seen a solicitor. (Irish Gay Rights Movement and National Gay Federation will provide a solicitor for any gay person who needs one). Do NOT give your fingerprints or allow yourself to be photographed. If you have already made a statement or been photographed, consult a solicitor immediately. They will advise you of what action to take.

SOCIALIST REPUBLIC PAGE 7