IT was excellent to see the article about James Connolly reminding readers about the 150th anniversary of the birth of one of Scotland’s greatest sons (The Scot who died for Ireland and freedom, May 22). He was one of the greatest Marxist revolutionaries of the British Isles and his contribution to the debate about nationalism and socialism was outstanding. It continues to be of great relevance to us today.
It has been a major gap in the British Labour movement that both James Connolly and John Maclean have been so neglected – perhaps partly because they shared radical views about national sovereignty at a time when the Labour movement was expanding beyond national borders and beginning to become more centralised in London.
The 1916 Rising Centenary Committee Scotland is holding a day conference in the STUC on Saturday, June 16 to commemorate this anniversary – “A Celebration of the Life and Politics of James Connolly”. There will also be the launch of our book, We Will Rise Again: Ireland, Scotland and the Easter Rising, about the Glasgow-based contingent of Irish volunteers who crossed to Dublin from Scotland to take part in the Rising. This promises to be an excellent day with both Scottish and Irish speakers. Tickets can be obtained through Eventbrite.
It is a very interesting time to be talking about Ireland and Scotland and the links that bind us through sharing a common culture, language and heritage. Political change including the debates about the Irish border has encouraged much greater positivity about Scottish-Irish links.
The National is to be applauded for encouraging this process with such articles.
Maggie Chetty
Glasgow
AN excellent piece by Hamish MacPherson, but I would take issue with one point. The execution of James Connolly and his colleagues cannot be a stain on British honour for the simple reason that the British state has demonstrated throughout the world and the centuries that it has no honour.
Les Hunter
Carstairs Junction
I AM very pleased by the First Minister of Scotland’s announcement that one million pounds of new funding has been allocated to support employers in the recruitment of people with disabilities. One in five Scots is disabled and Nicola Sturgeon has recognised the lack of support they receive and reacted immediately.
The funding will help those hiring in smaller businesses receive adequate support, advice and equipment when recruiting people with disabilities. Like the government, we hope this will help provide more access to work experience, internships and apprenticeships to help people gain necessary skills and career starts.
The British Polio Fellowship recognised the importance of equipping those disabled by polio with the skills necessary to successfully enter mainstream employment, with the development of a training centre and hostel in Jesmond, Newcastle. The success of this venture proved 50 years ago that disability need be no bar to employment, if those who had polio and now live with post polio syndrome (PPS) are given the chance to prove it.
The training centre closed as our ideas went mainstream but we now need to see these Scottish initiatives south of the Border. Full employment with equal pay is much more than a job – it gives people dignity and self-respect. Anyone who needs The British Polio Fellowship’s help can visit britishpolio.org.uk or call 0800 043 1935.
David Mitchell
National Chairman, The British Polio Fellowship
IT seems that The Church of Scotland has voted to draft new laws which would allow ministers to conduct same-sex marriages pending a final poll expected in 2021.
We earnestly hope that the Church finds its better self in this, but we are reminded of the privilege that has been its exemption from equality legislation for so long.
This is an internal dispute within the organisation but if it is to enjoy tax exemptions, be allowed to promote itself in government and schools and to conduct marriages which are acknowledged by the state, then maybe it should be held to the same laws as everyone else?
Neil Barber
Edinburgh Secular Society
I TOTALLY agree with Iain Bruce (Letters, May 22) that we are seen as a soft touch, but over the past two years there has been a growing resentment from Scotland to what Davidson and Mundell have been saying.
That leads me to believe many people see those two utter clowns for what they are: chancers.
We will fight fire with fire, there will be no holding back and hoping things might go our way. This Lion is rampant and by God you’ll hear it loud and proud.
Tony Hendrix
via thenational.scot
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