SDLP Youth To Oppose Bush Visit

national | anti-war / imperialism | press release Friday June 13, 2008 17:17 by SDLP Youth liam.mcnulty at sdlpyouth dot com 07749330303

SDLP Youth will take part in the upcoming demonstrations to protest at the visit of US President George W. Bush on Monday 16th June.

Announcing the decision to protest, SDLP Youth Campaigns Officer Liam McNulty said:

"As the party of civil rights we will not be welcoming the visit of a man whose contribution to rights and liberties includes the Patriot Act, illegal wiretapping, 'extraordinary rendition' of terrorist suspects and Guantanamo Bay."

"We opposed the war in Iraq and believe that George Bush has unleashed a humanitarian disaster on the people of that country, has radicalised young men across Europe in a way which harms our own national security, has fundamentally damaged stability in the Middle East and has done untold damage to the global economy."

"SDLP Youth puts great importance on social justice and we are resolutely opposed to Bush's policies which can be summed up as tax breaks for the rich and tax burdens for the poor. For all their socialist rhetoric we are dismayed at the decision of Sinn Féin's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness to extend an invite to visit the North of Ireland to such a man."

"We would call on any right-minded person to join us in our protest on Monday to oppose the President's visit and for politicians to consult their consciences before extending the hand of friendship a man many consider to be a war criminal."