Northern Ireland

Jamie Bryson: ‘Complete reluctance to address IRA chanting at Féile an Phobail’

Letter to the editor: ‘We often hear about a ‘lack of leadership’ from unionism/loyalism. Perhaps those who relentlessly promote this narrative could demonstrate their own leadership’

Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson has said a legal challenge is being planned to the deal which led to the restoration of Stormont
Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson has called for condemnation of IRA chanting at Wolfe Tones concerts (Liam McBurney/PA)

The Irish News has almost sacrificed a forest with pages and pages of stories in recent months focused on asserted ‘wrongs’ by the unionist/loyalist community, whether this be in respect of parades, bonfires or other perceived indiscretions. This week has thus far been dominated by a private event in Coleraine Football Club. As an aside, why anyone feels the need to record and post online such private events is truly beyond me.

In a private venue people can let off some steam, amongst their own community and those who have chosen to be there. There is no public money underlying such events as the one in Coleraine Football Club. I’ve given many speeches at loyalist events, and quite often much of what I have said wouldn’t necessarily be what I would say publicly. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

Footage has emerged of sectarian music being played at Coleraine FC Social Club
Footage emerged of sectarian music being played at Coleraine FC Social Club

However, despite the emphasis put on that event, there appeared to be a complete reluctance to address this year’s latest IRA chanting at the west Belfast festival. This festival receives public funding and has attracted significant media endorsement (there is a question as to the point journalism ends and activism starts).

The Irish News has become a partner for the festival, therefore attaching the name and reputation of the main nationalist newspaper to the events which take place over the festival.

In equal terms many journalists, including some who work for the BBC, have engaged in much promotion of the west Belfast festival and many prominent public figures have also endorsed and participated.

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All of those who have done so therefore have a degree of ownership for that to which they put their name. The IRA chanting is not the work of some anti-social element who have gatecrashed the festival or a rogue element, but rather with their eyes wide open the festival organisers book and promote a ‘rebel night’ and invite bands such as Shebeen and the Wolfe Tones.

Crowds at a Wolfe Tones concert for Feile an Phobail in west Belfast. Picture Mal McCann
Crowds at a previous Wolfe Tones concert during Féile an Phobail in west Belfast. Picture: Mal McCann

The above analysis may shed some light on what appears to be silence from all the west Belfast festival’s biggest supporters in recent days in respect of the IRA chanting. It’s rather hard to condemn that to which you have knowingly put your name.

We often hear about a ‘lack of leadership’ from unionism/loyalism. Perhaps those who relentlessly promote this narrative could demonstrate their own ‘leadership’ and let us have their view on the latest IRA chanting at the west Belfast festival.

Jamie Bryson, NI director of policy, Centre for the Union
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