Following the Catalan government’s declaration of independence on Friday, tensions have festered both within the region and in the wider European community.
In a statement to the media, the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs says that they refuse to recognise the Catalan Unilateral Declaration of Independence.
“We are all concerned about the crisis in Catalonia. Ireland respects the constitutional and territorial integrity of Spain and we do not accept or recognise the Catalan Unilateral Declaration of Independence,” the statement read.
“The resolution of the current crisis needs to be within Spain’s constitutional framework and through Spain’s democratic institutions. Ireland supports efforts to resolve this crisis through lawful and peaceful means.”
Despite being forbidden by Spain’s Constitutional Court, the Catalan government’s independence referendum went ahead on October 1st – with an overwhelming consensus in favour of independence being reached.
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has dissolved the Catalan parliament and has called for fresh elections in December. Regional president, Carles Puigdemont, has been dismissed, and the head of the head of the Catalan police force, the Mossos d’Esquadra, has been fired.
Inishowen Councillor Jack Murray says that the Irish government’s decision to ignore the referendum is “shameful.”
“The decision to declare independence was taken by the democratically elected representatives of the Catalan nation after Spain attacked their democracy,” said Cllr Murray.
“Given the Irish historical experience and our own struggle for freedom, we should be standing to the fore in strong support of Catalonia. This government doesn’t speak in my name.”
The parallel between Ireland and Catalonia was previously raised by Cllr Micheal Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig in an interview with Donegal Daily.
Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig raised the Catalan flag over Dungloe County Council Offices in the days preceding the banned independence referendum.
“I think it’s important that we show international solidarity, considering our own country that is still under British occupation with the six counties, and as we strive towards unification we should show solidarity with the progressive independence movements throughout the world.
“In a historical sense, there is a local context due to Meenmore man Peadar O’Donnell’s involvement in the Spanish Civil War.”
The Spanish Civil War took place between 1936 and 1939 between right-wing Nationalists and left-wing Republicans amid political and social turmoil.
“Socialist Republican Peadar O’Donnell was in Barcelona and helped to organise international troops to go to protect the Republic.
“We have a long history of internationalism in the Rosses area, with a lot of West Donegal fighters pledging to the movement, such as Hugh Bonner who went out to fight against fascism during the Spanish Civil War.
“As we see fascism and right-wing politics rising and getting stronger it’s important for socialists to show international solidarity and organise against the rise of fascism, need that be here in Ireland or across Europe.”
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