GAA used 'as hate figure', says SDLP

Terry McLaughlin

A campaign by hard line Unionist elements to portray the GAA as a convenient soft target for a constant stream of negative publicity has been condemned by the Deputy leader of the SDLP.

Alasdair McDonnell said that "it was clear" the GAA was now in the frontline as far as being the butt of what he described as "a carefully co-ordinated campaign of bias and unfounded criticism". "The present climate of political uncertainty in Northern Ireland provides the perfect breeding ground for intolerance. Yet we still appear to have elements that want to use the GAA as a hate figure. The GAA ... is making tremendous efforts to ensure its games can be enjoyed by everybody.

"Criticism of the GAA makes headlines. The considered response of the GAA makes the inside ... There are still far too many in positions of power that reflect the ideology of old and discredited Stormont regimes. These political Neanderthals ... are frightened of change ... They are prepared to use certain images of loosely linked GAA themes in a totally cynical furtherance of their blinkered values."

The South Belfast MP warned that trying to turn the GAA into a divisive hate target would have far reaching negative consequences. His comments came after criticism of the GAA from the Northern Ireland sports minister Gregory Campbell.

The DUP minister said that he found it objectionable that Gaelic club grounds were allowed in some circumstances to host what he claimed were tribute events on behalf of dead IRA members.

September 21, 2008

Comments

#1 Blair commented, on September 22, 2008 at 10:08 a.m.:

Are some people claiming that these were not tribute events on behalf of dead IRA members?

#2 Unionist commented, on September 22, 2008 at 10:34 a.m.:

Unfortunately Unionist politicians have never gone far enough with criticism of the GAA.
The GAA is not primarily a sporting organisation; it's an organisation established to promote a 32-county Irish identity. One of its manifestations happens to be the playing of sport. It's like calling the Orange Order a walking club. Why should nationalist politicians get away with the lie that the GAA is for everyone? It isn't, it's for the Irish alone, not the British.

#3 Gareth commented, on September 22, 2008 at 3:38 p.m.:

As a GAA supporter I would say the GAA is for Irish people, a united Ireland and those that want to become Irish. That's very different from the Orange Order who ban all Catholics. We welcome converted Brits.

#4 ryan commented, on September 22, 2008 at 8:04 p.m.:

I fail to see the difference between Orangism and National Socialism.

#5 Bernard commented, on September 22, 2008 at 11:13 p.m.:

The goal of establishing an inclusive identity, that welcomes all is a much nobler one than the goal of maintaining a divided society, built on mistrust and intolerance.
Comparing the GAA to the Orange Order would be unwise for anyone who wishes to portray the GAA as anything other that a positive force throughout all of Ireland.

#6 Ulsterman commented, on September 23, 2008 at 9:18 a.m.:

If the GAA were really interested in an all inclusive agenda then shouldn't they consider the hurt and insult that the naming of grounds after IRA members causes to those whom they claim to attract?
The now almost defunct SDLP is trying to outgreen the IRA's own political wing. Perhaps this is the only way they can get a hearing these days.

#7 Unionist. commented, on September 23, 2008 at 2:26 p.m.:

Bernard,
Ryan contradicts you with the truth. The GAA isn't inclusive, it's a single agenda, 32-county Ireland organisation promoting Irish unity. Which part of the GAA could I join which would allow me to promote a British identity or ethos? I have no problems at all with the GAA agenda, it's a legitimate aspiration. My issue is: why do people think that I, as a British citizen and Unionist, have any interest in watching, funding or belonging to such a group? I don't hate it, it just stands for the destruction of what I hold dear. What's the big mystery about why unionists don't take part? Why don't nationalists just get on with it and stop trying to sell it as an inclusive organisation for all?

#8 Gary from the real world commented, on September 23, 2008 at 6:43 p.m.:

"Use certain images of loosely linked GAA themes" This south Belfast MP must be living on another planet. It was only a year or so ago that the GAA named ANOTHER GAA ground in Dungiven after a dead terrorist guilty of henious crimes mainly but not exclusively aimed at the Unionist and Protestant community. Are you having a laugh Mr McDonnell? But sure Sam Maguire was a Prod you know?

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