12.06.1997

Honouring James Connolly

On Saturday June 7, over 700 marchers, including republican flute bands, took to the streets of Edinburgh in a successful demonstration to commemorate and celebrate the life and struggles of James Connolly.

Once again, this year saw the police and some Edinburgh councillors attempting to discredit or ban this republican march honouring one of Edinburgh’s foremost working class revolutionaries. In the week leading up to it high profile media coverage stirred up scare stories. Typically, the police harassed and attempted to intimidate those taking part. They removed red flags and placards demanding the disbanding of the RUC from demonstrators on the grounds that they were ‘offensive’ (to the BNP!) and had nothing to do with Connolly. This was a clear attempt to remove any political content from the march.

The rally was addressed by Sinn Fein councillor Michelle Gildernew. Although unable to attend, Arthur Scargill and SNP councillor Rob Munn sent their support.

Nick Clarke