MP accuses Scots of anti-Irish racism as he praises republican group

MARTIN WILLIAMS

commemorating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Edinburgh-born socialist James Connolly, the prominent republican figure who became one of the founding fathers of the Irish state.

Mr Molloy has been accused of being involved in the shooting of 40-year-old former police reservist Frederic Lutton, by the IRA at the height of the Troubles in May 1979.

In 2007, Democratic Unionist MP David Simpson used parliamentary privilege in the House of Commons to name Mr Molloy as having been a suspect in the case and a police informant.

Mr Molloy has strenuously denied the accusations.

He told the Scottish republican group: “Cairde na hÉireann does invaluable work in advancing the cause of Irish National selfdetermination within the diaspora community here in Scotland.

“I do not doubt that sometimes it must feel like you are ploughing a lonely furrow over here – but on behalf of Sinn Féin, may I commend you on your work – and reassure you that it does not go unrecognised back home.”

He said Cairde provides a voice to the Irish community in Scotland, adding: “The Irish community in Scotland has long been subject to sectarianism and anti-Irish racism. In this post-Brexit referendum climate, it is imperative Cairde continues to stand resolute alongside the new immigrant communities now facing the brunt of rightwing hostility and discrimination.”

Of the James Connolly anniversary he added: “We look forward to working with yourselves in Cairde to appropriately commemorate this anniversary next year. Sinn Féin stands with Connolly when he observed that: ‘Ireland without her people is nothing to me’.

“That is why – as well as uniting the National territory – we work every day to unite the people of Ireland. Unity of our people must include our diaspora.

“We are the only political party which supports votes for the Irish abroad in Presidential, referendum, and Dáil elections.”

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