Donal O'Cofaigh - Fermanagh socialist

11/04/2026

  This week’s fuel protests are just the first shocks to land after Trump and Netanyahu unleashed hell on Iran. Motorways across the country and O’Connell Street in Dublin city centre are under blockade as [...]

26/02/2026

Well it is 26 February 2026 and it might be finally safe to draw a line under the Fracking campaign.

Today the NI Executive has finally agreed to permanently ended petroleum exploration and licensing.

It has been a very hard fight.

In 2011 we were overwhelmed by Executive ministers and propaganda from all sides telling us how great fracking would be. And how it would be safe.

A handful of environmentally minded people came together regular meetings to start what over years of work became a big people-powered campaign which reached its peak in 2014 in a three-week siege outside Belcoo where the entire community stood their ground and refused to allow the gas companies to move in. Stormont was forced to retreat but the fight to close the door continued - including in the council (credit to Emmet McAleer - Independent for his unremitting support).

If it wasn’t for those who stepped forwards, our county would be fracked today (as well as suffering disinvestment and loss of critical health services). I think someone said we were to be a ‘sacrifice zone’…

Today is the day to pay tribute to all those – some of whom have passed – who played a role in the defending our environment and our county. 

The campaign against Fracking (like SOAS today) shows how by getting organised and standing strong everyday people can win against what seems an unsurmountable threat. Indeed it’s only that sort of cross community campaigning - whether it’s environmental, for health or public services, or trade unions which can really change things for the better.

Economy Minister, Dr. Caoimhe Archibald, has welcomed the Executive’s agreement to introduce legislation which will permanently end petroleum exploration and licensing here.

26/02/2026

Great statement by the largest health trade union Unison.

UNISON is calling for an immediate reversal of the "managed decline" of services in the West.

16/02/2026

Please sign & share to support a community standing up against polluting corporate mining interests.

I've signed this petition calling on the Planning Appeals Commission to make the Public Inquiry into the proposed goldmine in the Sperrins more accessible and transparent - will you sign too?

08/02/2026

Getting ready for the SOAS rally... Still over an hour away.

28/01/2026

Arise to defend our NHS!

12/12/2025

02/12/2025

Calling all school support workers, protest the cuts and rising costs for pupils, tomorrow Stormont 12.30pm 👇

28/11/2025

I've signed this petition to call on Paul Givan to stop the school meal price hike. Will you sign too?