Easter Lily Not A Fashion Item

national | crime and justice | press release Friday March 10, 2006 15:22 by Des Long - lris lris at eircom dot net Shannon Banks,. Corbally, Limerick (061) 343314

Wearing the Easter Lily must not be regarded as being fashionable

The Eater Lily has always been sold to raise funds for Republican political prisoners - it should not now be regarded as a fashion accessory for women

Media release from
Des Long, Chairman
Limerick Republican Information Service
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For the attention of News Editor/Newsroom…
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EASTER LILY NOT A FASHION ITEM

The wearing of the Easter Lily in remembrance of 1916
must not be demeaned by being relegated to a mere fashion
accessory, the chairman of the Limerick Republican Information
Service said today.

Des Long from Corbally said that the Easter Lily was always
sold in aid of Republican prisoners and has been done since
1926.

“Now we have the leader of the Provisionals saying that his
party will use the Lily to attract more women,” said Mr.
Long. “This is demeaning the wearing of the Easter Lily
and promoting it as a mere fashion item.

“Republicans will be appalled by this “dumbing down” of
the Easter Lily but not surprised because it is all part of
the campaign to demonise Republicanism and denigrate
the aspiration to a new and united Ireland.

“The Easter Lily should not be used by any one party as
a recruiting gimmick or in fact to boost the coffers of a
political party.

“The proceeds of the sale of the Easter Lilies should go
to the Republican political prisoners fund and that is
through CABHAIR who support Republican prisoners
and their dependents.

“Instead of wearing an Easter Lily as a fashion statement,
I would appeal to women to wear it with pride and in
solidarity with the Republican prisoners. In short, wearing
an Easter Lily should honour all those who gave their lives
and freedom for national self-determination.”

(Ends)
Issued on Friday 10th March 2006
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for confirmation please contact Des Long, on (061) 343314
or e-mail contact: lris@eircom.net. website http://www.iolfree.ie/~lris/