On the Road Again

A Letter from Ireland - Ciarán Quinn is the Sinn Féin Representative to North America. Each week he writes a letter from Ireland with news and analysis. It is featured in the weekly Friends of Sinn Féin USA Newsletter. Be sure you are subscribed to stay up to date.

A Chara, I’m on the road again. This time I have the honor to attend the Ancient Order of Hibernians - Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Convention in Pittsburgh. The Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh/South Tyrone, Michelle Gildernew, will address a plenary meeting of the LAOH on Friday morning when you open this letter.

If yesterday is anything to go by, it will be a great event. The warmth of the welcome we received was incredible. We met up with many old friends. This is the first time I’ve attended the conference in 10 years and we could pick up the conversation as if it was yesterday. A mark of true friendship. It is an event marked by kinship and a shared history. It is also about the future. There is excitement about the potential to realize a new and united Ireland. A common dream passed through generations of Irish Americans. There is also a sense of urgency and anger over the British Government's proposals to cover up their dirty war in Ireland. Irish America stands on the side of our agreements, truth and justice, and reconciliation.

The goings on with Boris Johnson was met with incredulity. As some said, “I would be funny if it was not so serious”. Later we have the opportunity to meet with our friends in the Irish American Unity Conference and the wider Irish American community in Pittsburgh.

And then on to Washington with First Minister (designate) Michelle O’Neill for a series of meetings and interviews. To all the Hibernians, is mise, Ciarán

Ciarán Quinn is the Sinn Féin Representative to North America