“Maidin mhaith a gcomradaithe, 

Buenos dias camaradas,

Good morning Comrades.

It is an honour to be amongst Communists here in Havana at such a critical time for the Cuban Revolution. Cuba remains a beacon of hope for so many people around the world. 

On Calle O’Reilly in Old Havana there is a plaque on the wall which says in Irish, Spanish & English:- 

“Two island nations on the same sea of hope and struggle; Cuba and Ireland.”

Because like Cuba with the US base in Guantanamo part of Ireland is still occupied by the British government. We share the same experience of imperialism and that is why we will always stand with Cuba. 

As Communists we understand that the problem is not Trump, the problem is US Imperialism under any US President whether Republican or Democrat. 

US Imperialism is a criminal enterprise.

US Imperialist actions against Cuba are criminal. Imperialism is criminal. Imperialism is rampant around the world and that is our enemy. We cannot divert our resources into petty squabbles amongst ourselves over tactical choices. 

Ireland is ruled by a comprador class that aligns its interests with imperialism rather than building national sovereignty and liberation. Economic dependency is entrenched through Foreign Direct Investment. 

One of our key tasks in Ireland is fighting to defend Irish neutrality, to defend our “Triple Lock”. That means that no Irish troops can be deployed abroad without three approvals:- 

First, the approval of Dáil Éireann 

Second, the approval of the Irish Government 

Third the approval of the United Nations Security Council or the United Nations General Assembly. 

It is this third approval that the current Irish government wish to remove to enable Ireland to be part of the militarisation of the European Union. 

Ireland is also bound by a “Triple Lock” of Imperialism. 

Firstly, US domination through transnational corporations and Foreign Direct Investment. 

Secondly, by European Union neo-liberal and militarist structures undermining democracy and sovereignty whilst attempting to end Irish Neutrality. 

Thirdly, Britain through partition of Ireland and continued occupation and political control of the north of Ireland. Partition sustains sectarian division, blocks national liberation and cements dependency. 

The Communist Party of Ireland reaffirms, following Lenin and Irish marxist James Connolly, that class struggle and the struggle for national liberation are inseparable. The fight for Socialism cannot be realised without breaking the chains of imperialist domination. Equality, national independence cannot be secured on a capitalist basis. Our scientific and historical analysis demonstrates that imperialism in Ireland obstructs the development of class politics and divides the working class north and south. Our Party insists that national liberation and socialism must advance together as two sides of the same coin. 

This year our Party held it’s 27th Congress and passed these calls to action:- 

1. Continue to defend Irish neutrality, oppose militarisation and build a mass anti-war movement. 

2. Continue to build solidarity and aid for Cuba, Palestine and all anti-imperialist struggles. 

3. Continue to build working class power in trade unions, tennant’s movements, women’s and youth struggles and community campaigns. 

4. Continue to fight racism and defeat the far right by uniting workers around the issues of housing, health care, jobs and rights. 

5. Continue to advance the demand for a sovereign and united Ireland as an essential step in the struggle for national liberation and the transition to socialism. 

On the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Fidel it is fitting to remember his words on Ireland:-

“Ireland is one single country. 

One single homeland. 

My desire is that one day this entire Ireland will be united and at peace.”

Similarly we remember these words from Irish marxist and revolutionary leader James Connolly:- 

“The British government has no right in Ireland. 

Never had any right in Ireland. 

And never can have any right in Ireland.” 

Today in 2026 the Communist Party of Ireland says:- 

The US government has no right in Cuba. 

Never had any right in Cuba. 

And never can have any right in Cuba. 

I’m going to finish on this; 

We in the Communist Party of Ireland support Cuba with fund raising for containers of medical aid, solidarity and political awareness actions such as the Dublin Cuban Film Festival plus agitprop on the streets and bridges of Ireland. 

But Ireland is a small country and we can only do so much. 

So we say this:- 

We have the greatest respect for the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government. We recognise the substantial aid that China has given to Cuba with Ships containing rice and solar equipment. 

But, 

But, we plead with you now, 

Send the one thing that Cuba is desperate for and is in your capacity to deliver. 

Send ships of oil! 

Send them now!!

Thank you comrades. 

Viva Cuba! 

Viva Fidel! 

Viva Communism!”