Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Yonkers Endorses McGuiness Principles
Yonkers City Council First to Endorse
The McGuinness Principles
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| Members of the Yonkers City Council and AOH at City Hall |
On Tuesday, September 25 Yonkers City Council became
the first major city to unanimously adopt the McGuinness Principles.
The impetus came from Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH)
Myles Scully Division One Yonkers and its president Kevin Ellis. The council
meeting was attended by officers and members from national, New York State and
all of Westchester divisions, as well as LAOH members, officers of the United
Irish Counties, Hudson Valley Irish Center, Police Emerald Society of
Westchester County and many Yonkers residents.
AOH National Director Dan Dennehy and Division One past President Bob Stauf testified for the McGuinness Principles.
An AOH press
release stated that Dennehy testified as a proud son of Yonkers. He recognized
that the City of Yonkers has long embraced the rights of all citizens,
including its large Irish American community.AOH National Director Dan Dennehy and Division One past President Bob Stauf testified for the McGuinness Principles.
The McGuinness Principles seeks the same for all in Ireland, by instilling a bill of rights, language equality, justice on legacy crimes and self-determination through a referendum on Irish unity.
Stauf then testified that Yonkers was the first City Council to adopt the MacBride Principles and had issued the first proclamation that Gerry Adams received during his first visit to the U.S. (Which was delivered to Adams by then Councilman Liam McLaughlin who was at that time instrumental in their passage.)
Rubbo remarked that 20 years ago the Good Friday Agreement was ratified by more than 70 percent of the voters in the north of Ireland, yet much needs to be done so that McGuinness’ legacy may be fulfilled. He also recognized the former Council President and AOH member, Liam McLaughlin for bringing the McGuinness Principles to the attention of the Council and keeping the issues of Ireland on their agenda.
“This was an important first step.” said
Yonkers AOH President Kevin Ellis, “Tonight’s City
Council endorsement of The McGuinness Principles sends a clear and forceful
message that the Good Friday Agreement must be fully implemented without
exception.”
The McGuinness Principles were then adopted 7-0.
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