On the 26th of June Kieron Brady spoke in Hamilton as part of an Anti Irish Racism parade organised by Cairde Na hEireann. The following is a transcript of that speech.

Can I first of all say that I am humbled to have been asked to speak today at this event to highlight the historic yet still ongoing problem of anti-Irish racism in Scotland. Although not generally a proponent of parades I fully understand and appreciate the necessity for such public demonstration given the lack of preparedness from civic authorities, public services and sporting organisations to comprehensively address the racism and inequalities that impact upon the Irish community, Scotland's biggest ethnic and immigrant community.

Taking to the streets to specify a form of racism is something of a rarity in contemporary society but when we consider the depths of this racism it is imperative that all avenues are pursued which will help in facilitating a more equitable existence for the Irish community, not only in recognising that our community can and does suffer from racism but also to illustrate that we have the fundamental, moral and for many of us, the legal right to see ourselves as Irish. The struggle the Irish in Scotland have faced and continues to face is couched in rhetoric and belief that our cultural upbringing, which shapes for many their national identity is in some way different from those within other immigrant communities. The hostility that exists stems from the centuries old promotion that the Irish are somehow children of a lesser God and that mantra has been the subtext to both the racism that the Irish have had visited upon them both as an immigrant community but also on the island of Ireland itself. 

It is facile to merely look at anti-Irish racism and deduce that the problem can be exclusively sourced to those who persistently air such racist abuse through such extreme invective. This is folly and only serves to exculpate those in empowered positions and platforms of influence. It is imperative to continuously focus on all areas where there is a lack of equity for the Irish community and not be drawn into and simply absorbing that such vitriol is exclusive to those who are enveloped with a profound hostility and hatred of all things Irish. Both parties, whether the culturally ignorant or consciously intolerant are persistent in their attempts to demonize and sectariansie our culture and certain commentators in recent times have opined that any overt display of Irishness can justifiably have antipathy and contempt as a recourse. They disregard and are dismissive of some of the fundamental principles of Equality, the right to celebrate identity and the right not to be discriminated against as a consequence of identity. 

Last year In England, the Cricket 20/20 World Cup took place. Unlike it's footballing counterpart, taking place in South Africa presently, many of the competing nations supporters had not travelled overseas to watch the extravaganza. In essence there were cricket lovers who were born in Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, London and a host of other towns and cities in England, as well as I am sure from Glasgow, Edinburgh and elsewhere in Scotland. They turned up to support the land of their fathers, mothers and forebears, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the West Indies, all this despite the fact that the land of their birth were hosting and competing in one of the games most prestigious tournaments. These fans added colour and camaraderie to the spectacle. Consequently the tournament was viewed as an overwhelming success which was reinforced by the coverage in the sporting press. 

Yet in Scotland there is a contrasting view which emanates from many, including sections of the press around the issue of Irishness and those born in Scotland who are of Irish extraction and especially those who are overt about that Irishness.  Raymond Travers writing in the Scotland on Sunday opined that 'there is a section of the Celtic support in particular who turn my stomach with their allegiance to the Republic of Ireland in preference to the nation of their birth'. John McKie, writing in the Daily Record in asserted that 'the fact that Glasgow sports shops sell as many Ireland tops as Scottish tops is both pathetic and ultimately unhelpful' whilst Jim Traynor, again in the Daily Record comments that he offers 'no apologies for being a proud Scot and this fixation with Ireland that so many Scots have makes by blood boil' 

Many a commentator and columnist within the press actually believe in their musings that they are crusaders against the social cancers of racism, sectarianism, religious intolerance etc. Trust me, they are nothing of the sort. Their views are symptomatic of the anomalies and abnormalities that exist regarding the Irish in Scotland. Such opprobrium does not exist towards the Irish in England, or elsewhere. The racist invective that did exist in such a large scale has been eroded to the point of it being negligible, certainly when we consider it's more critical manifestations. 

Anti-Irish racism can be defined as any attack on any facet of Irishness, if the motivation is owing to Irishness, in full or in part, whether that is at a cultural or personal level, it can be the constant contempt of someone's cultural identity or national identity. This is as pertinent whether the victim was born in Coatbridge or Croy, Cork or Cullyhanna. The racism in Britain that impacts upon those of Pakistani, Indian or African extraction is generally directed at those who were born in some part of England, Scotland or Wales, yet there is no ambiguity or reservations in deeming it as racism. Whilst the reality is that many immigrant communities have to contend with and endure racist attitudes there is a constant attempt to undermine the cultural identity of the Irish who were born in Scotland. Broadly speaking, and again to give an example, those of Indian extraction born in Scotland are not vilified for wearing clothing, jewellery etc that is a reflection of where their forebears came from and this does not engender comments that they are Imitation Indians or encourage commentators to adamantly state that 'They are Scottish' and they should at once discard such adornments and attire. 

In August 2008 the same Indian community paraded through the street of Scotland to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Indian independence, they flew the Indian flag and no doubt played songs that pertain to the struggle of liberation. This commemoration was covered in a very positive light on the Scotland Today bulletin later that evening. I doubt anyone would contend that the Irish Community and the celebrations they have regarding the Easter Rising and War of Independence would be afforded such a positive portrayal. This again illustrates the inequalities that the Irish in Scotland endure. 

The proudest moment of my brief career in professional football was when I played for Ireland and I was permitted to carry our national flag into the national stadium in Tel Aviv. The fact that me saying this would not prove contentious anywhere, yet in this environment would seem provocative, is indicative of the fact that in this issue it is not my pride that is the source of the problem, it is the ingrained prejudice of those whose attitudes are not replicated elsewhere where the Irish diaspora have settled and made home. 

If modern Scotland wants to adhere to the promotion of 'One Scotland Many Cultures' and that we are all 'Jock Tamson's bairns' then it has to accommodate those that see Roisin Dubh as their mother. 

Go raibh maith agat 

Kieron Brady

Celebrate Identity Challenge Intolerance 

www.cici.org.uk