Last week I was asked a question which I could not answer, it was; "What does Fianna Fáil stand for?"
And I could not answer it except for the obvious i.e. Republicanism, a 32 county Ireland etc...
Today proved to me that there are major flaws in Irish politics, especially in the current government.
Brian Cowen has refused to listen to the grassroots, and I, as a member of such, feel ignored, ashamed, and let down.
Fianna Fáil means a lot to me historically but it needs to examine what it stands for. I've started out to try and define what Fianna Fáil means to me and I suggest any members of the party reading this do the same. Fianna Fáil is more than Brian Cowen and everyone needs to realise this. We cannot, nor should we, toe the party line. Everyone has their own opinions and we should make them heard far and wide.
It's terrifying to think that if a General Election is called, that Fianna Fail will return the same old and out-dated politicians which currently plague our party. There is new blood in this party which is as passionate and outward looking as those who fill our benches were in the 60's and 70's. Brian O'Domhnaill, Sean Connick, James Carroll and Dara Calleary, to name but a few. It’s time that these people took on the responsibility of nurturing the party and cut ties with the decaying branches.
The Soldiers of the Rear-guard have been forgotten and those few sitting in the front benches are controlling the party, however, I think it’s time that those of us who believe in a bright future for Fianna Fáil make our voice heard. The Rear-guard need to be listened to and the stale branches at the front need to be cut off to allow the tree to bear fruit again.
Brian Cowen's position as leader may be gone but there is a huge youth movement within the party and Ógra that is willing to bring this party back to its roots. Fianna Fáil is by no means dead, it will rekindle itself and, if allowed, grow once again.
The Soldiers of the Rearguard are alive and kicking and looking forward to getting back in the game, let us have our say, let us have our chance and we will not disappoint. Fianna Fáil in its current state cannot continue, but the void can and will be filled. As Kevin Barry said, "The only message I have for anybody is hold on and stick to the Republic." and now more than ever we need that. We need to look at ourselves and decide what we stand for, then and only then can we rebuild this party....
Ar aghaidh le Fianna Fáil, ar agahidh le Ógra Fianna Fáil, agus ar aghaidh le todhchai tarraingteach....
