| To coincide with the English Queen’s visit to the Garden of Remembrance, Sinn Féin today released black balloons in the sky over Dublin City to remember those who have given their lives in the cause of Irish Freedom. Speaking from Parnell Square, Sinn Féin Dublin South Central TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD said: “Sinn Féin believes the English Queen’s visit is premature and will cause offence to many Irish citizens, particularly victims of British rule. “During Elizabeth Windsor’s 60 year reign almost 400 people have been killed in Ireland by the forces of which she is Commander and Chief – this figure does not include the many Irish people killed as a result of collusion between her forces and loyalist death squads. “Today marks the 37th anniversary of the Dublin Monaghan bombings, in which 33 people died. It is widely believed that this attack was carried out with the involvement of British military intelligence. The British government are still refusing to hand over their secret files in relation to these deaths. It's time for the truth. “We are living in changed and changing times but the fact that €30 million is being spent on security surrounding this visit and Dublin City is on lockdown for the week makes it clear that the relationship between the two islands is still not ‘normal’. “Sinn Féin wants to have good relations with all our neighbours but that can only happen in an atmosphere of equality and mutual respect and with the reunification of our country. Republicans have been to the forefront in working to bring this about and we will continue to do so.” ENDS |