Safety fears raised over Irish hunger strike commemoration in Glasgow

Anxious east end residents have raised concerns about an upcoming political rally to commemorate the 1981 hunger strikers.

Cairde na hÉireann, which represents the Irish community, is hosting the National Hunger Strike Commemoration 2019 this Friday, August 16th at Barrowland Park from 7pm onwards.

They will be remembering those who died in the hunger strikes almost 40 years ago.

But Calton councillor Robert Connelly says he has been flooded with emails from locals who are concerned for their safety.

Councillor Connelly said: "I am concerned about public safety as tensions in the area have been rising since this event was announced.

"I have raised these concerns with council officers but that doesn’t seem to have been taken into account.

"On Friday they will be remembering a dozen Sinn Féin supporters who volunteered their services with the IRA and died in prison during the 1980s."

Cairde na hÉireann was founded in 2004 and their goal is to achieve a united Ireland.

They say: "In Scotland there is huge potential for Irish republicans. It is our responsibility to turn that passive support into political strength."

Glasgow City Council spokesman said: "Cairde na hÉireann applied for permission to use Barrowland Park for a political rally on August 16 between 6.30-8.30pm. This permission was given on July 9 after statutory consultation with Police Scotland."

Police Scotland confirmed that the event would be policed appropriately.

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