Towards a New Republic
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The period of commemoration of the centenary of the 1913 Lockout is drawing to an end. In bringing this key moment in the history of our movement and the country into the public consciousness the commemoration events were an undoubted success.
From the State commemoration of Bloody Sunday, to the reenactment of the arrival of the food ship the SS Hare, to ANU Productions highly successful dramatic portrayal of the impact of the conflict on the inhabitants of one tenement building, the commemoration events were truly memorable and will have a lasting effect on all who witnessed them.
In the coming years of commemoration we must all ensure that the story of the working people of Ireland is not diminished or overshadowed by jingoistic pomp of any hue. In particular, over the coming year, the events commemorating the centenary of the beginning of the slaughter of the First World War must not gloss over the barbarity and senselessness of this conflict.
However the main focus for trade unionists must now be on the future of our movement. The Lockout commemoration reminded us all of the origins of our movement and how far we have advanced. It also reminded us of what is still to be achieved. The emphasis is now on building a strong fighting trade union movement which can link up with and support all those involved in the struggle to improve our society.
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