Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)

Tomás Mac Curtain once wrote, “Unity can triumph over fear." These are the famous words of the Irish republican and former ard-mhéara of Cork City Council, who was assassinated by the RIC and the Black and Tans to quieten him so that his voice would not be heard. However, his words have never been more important. True patriots know that only united will we defeat those who look to overcome us. Every small step towards unity is a step for a better future for generations ahead. We see the power and the spirit that positive, real and honest patriotism can have when we look at groups like Kneecap.

Mo Chara, a member of the band, is being tried in Britain under terrorist charges by a Government that was sending bombs to slaughter men, women and children in Gaza. That is another story but it is horrendous. Mo Chara has said he does not want British citizens out of Ireland; he wants the British Government out of Ireland.

The three young men in Kneecap have championed our language, people and culture in a positive way on a global scale. In November, however, they will not be able to vote in the presidential election. How is that right? A person on the Falls Road wearing an Antrim jersey and with a hurley in hand is as Irish as a young man or girl in Cork wearing a Cork jersey and with a hurley in hand. By not enacting legislation to give every Irish citizen on this island a right to vote, the Government is playing politics and denying people their constitutional right to vote. It is shocking.

See this speech in context