campaigner connecting the past with the present

This book is unique because, paradoxically, it is not unique. It is a firsthand account rendered by a now ageing Irish republican.

Although a very individual tale it nevertheless illustrates a consistent current in Ireland's history. That is, the presence of the determined activist dedicated to the creation of a unitary Irish state governed in
the interests of all its people.

John McCluskey, now in his ninth decade, recounts his life story in this publication. The story of a childhood growing up on a small farm in rural County Fermanagh.

One of ten children, there was little money to spare yet his childhood memories are of an affectionate family life and kindly neighbours. However, living in a house less than fifty yards from the border, meant that from an early age he was aware that all was not normal in northern Irish society.

Forced, by lack of economic opportunity, to leave home and find employment in England while still in his teens, McCluskey became acquainted with other members of the Irish community in London.

Among his new acquaintances were members of Sinn Féin who recruited him into the movement.

As a result of the escalating conflict in the six counties, John's involvement in underground republican activity grew, leading to his arrest in 1974 and subsequent sentence of 10 years in prison.

Conditions for Irish republican prisoners in English jails in those years were often harsh and brutal. The author was subjected to many punishment beatings over the years of his incarceration. Just how vindictive the British prison system was at that time is illustrated by the refusal to grant him compassionate parole for his father's funeral even though he was in the last weeks of his sentence.

Released in 1984 he returned to Ireland where he became politically involved with Sinn Féin. Although supportive of the party line for the following decade he became disillusioned with the Good Friday Agreement and parted company with the organisation.

Although no longer formally connected to a political party, he continued to work and agitate for social and economic improvement within society. He was particularly active in demanding improvements to the National Health Service in his native County Fermanagh
fighting for the retention of GP services and the local hospital.

Such was the intensity of his campaigning that he was elected for a period to the local council.

Now in his eighties he is as committed as ever to his long held political outlook. Never one to avoid controversy, John McCluskey's views do not meet with universal approval as even his friends and colleagues would confirm.

Nevertheless, this unique insight into the life and life experience of an unbending old Irish republican brilliantly illustrates something that has long been existent in Ireland; the presence, no matter how few, of the politically uncompromising.

Tommy McKearney - 16 December 2025