Republicanism & Anti Facism

Republicanism and Anti Facism
The recent vandalising of the Sean Russell statue in Dublin has again raised the spectre of fascism in republican minds. Russell has been accused of being a nazi sympathiser. This is nonsense, he was an Irish patriot who sought to aid his comrades in Ireland with material support. The regime that offered it wasn’t a particularly appealing one but those who would condemn Russell should remember that as late as 1939 the British government were cutting deals with the Nazis, sacrificing Czechoslovakia to the Germans and only declared war when eventually Hitler invaded Poland with whom they had a treaty. Sean Russell was not a nazi but those that daubed swastikas on the memorial to him have given us an opportunity to address the issue of republicanism and fascism today.

The history of republicanism and anti fascism is long and can be traced back to such men as Frank Ryan and Kit Conway who led volunteers to fight against General Franco’s fascist armies. This was a continuation of the fight against fascism that had been going on on their home soil against Eoin O Duffy and his Blueshirts. The Blueshirts supported the anti republican Free State factions and were reactionary, mostly middle class conservatives. The vicious street fights between republicans and fascists laid the ground for the men who would travel to Spain to fight with their international comrades in the International Brigades. The republican volunteers served bravely and fought honourably in the Spanish Civil War, unlike the 700 men who followed O’Duffy who made a nuisance of themselves and failed to make any headway.

The recent passing of Bob Doyle, an International Brigade veteran, was an event that brought the relationship between anti fascism and republicanism into sharp focus. The cooperation between republican and left wing groups in commemorating him was inspiring. It also served to remind us that we cannot stand idly by as republicans in these present times as the threat of fascism re emerges across Europe and Ireland.

The flip side of the relationship between republicans and anti fascists has always been the cooperation between fascists and loyalists. This relationship goes back 80 years as British fascists in the 1920s had set up in Co Down and cooperated with local loyalists in pogroms against Catholics. In the 1930’s Glaswegian fascists travelled to Belfast for the 12th of July to engage in sectarian coat trailing with their loyalist comrades. It is not surprising to find links between loyalism and fascism/racism/neo nazis, the ideologies are markedly similar. They preach superiority, hate and intolerance. In the 1980’s the UDA had strong links with the national front in Britain and NF members frequently attended Loyalist marches, fundraisers and concerts. The young Johnny Adair was an ardent admirer of the racist skinheads and fronted a skinhead band in his youth. National Front publications often expressed ardent support for Loyalist organisations and held fundraisers for Loyalist prisoners. In the 2000 Drumcree standoff around 20 Combat 18 members travelled from Britain to support the Loyalists.

In June 2008 republican graves in Milltown were daubed with Combat 18 slogans by Loyalists, further underpinning the growing links between the groups in recent years. The expulsions of Polish and Romanian families by the UDA has been welcomed by British fascists. Racist leaflets have been distributed in the Waterside with National Front type material, they also called for a shoot to kill policy on “dissident republicans”.

The rise of the BNP in Britain is cause for concern for the left across Europe who have seen the right on the rise in France, Austria and elsewhere. It is also a timely reminder to Republicans that the links established between Loyalists and far right racist gangs look set to strengthen in the years ahead. The sectarian attacks on Catholics will continue and will broaden to include immigrants as has already been seen.

Republicanism is based on inclusion for all, this must be the basis for our staunch opposition to all forms of racism and bigotry. In this we have allies within the anti fascist movement that must be utilised and aided. They are not the type to daub swastikas on statues of republicans, they have long sympathised with the republican struggle and the overlap of the two must once again be renewed.

The proliferation of far right groups can be attributed to mainstream political failure as well as economic woe. These are two conditions in abundance in Europe but also in Ireland. The time to stamp out fascist groups is in their infancy before they are incapabable of being destroyed. The defence of the working class by republicans has long earned a respect for our cause. This must continue. The war is not only being fought in the occupied Six Counties but also on the streets of working class towns and cities in the Free State. The excellent example set by republicans stamping out anti social behaviour should continue and be extended to include any emerging far right groups in the present or future. With solidarity will come victory.
Beir bua