Are Irish Storm Clouds Brewing?
Reuters video courtesy of: TheYoungTurksTC
Most people think of Ireland as being green, but many others know how red flowed so freely not so long ago. Historically, Ireland has been shafted, shat upon, raped and left for dead by those who profit from such things. The Irish nationalists fought the British for independence. The Irish Loyalists fought the nationalists to preserve their position and power. Despite declarations of peace, some say they’re still fighting.
Officially, The Troubles ended with the Good Friday Agreement whereby, in part, the British released known and suspected terrorists, even those who had committed murder, and effectively withdrew in exchange for “peace”, and although personally a very bitter pill to swallow given that my uncle’s murderers are now free after serving a fraction of their time, the net effect has mostly worked to the benefit of everyone but a few.
There have, however, been terrorist attacks since “peace” broke out, most notably by a group calling itself the “Continuity IRA”. Sinn Fein and, more specifically its president, Gerry Adams, have been quick to distance themselves from this “splinter group of dissidents”. And yet I wonder just how far apart the two really are, especially given they share the same goal.
Just this week Mr. Adams called for plans to create a united Ireland. This on the heels of a survey that found the majority of Roman Catholics in Northern Ireland would rather remain part of the United Kingdom, a huge blow to Sinn Fein which purports to represent the will and interests of the Irish in the north. So where does this leave Sinn Fein? If they *truly* believe what they’re saying, that they represent the will of the people, then let them act accordingly.
I fear, however, the desire to unite Ireland goes beyond the will of the people. I wondered at the time when the Good Friday Agreement came into being how long it would take Republicans to become dissatisfied with what became the status quo. Maybe they’ll campaign – politically, as they say, rather than violently – to raise awareness of their cause, though I find this idea very odd given the mood persistent even now in the Irish pubs – glory be to the struggle and those who died either for or because of it. Still, anything is possible and I have to hold out hope that this is just political posturing, an attempt to remain relevant.
And those who think “peace” is somehow something tangible, I read today that the UVF “orchestrated” a violent riot at a sectarian interface on the lower Newtownards Road and Mountpottinger Road in East Belfast. I’m accustomed to reading about stones and petrol bombs being thrown at the police, but in this case eleven shots were fired resulting in two people being hit and needing treatment in hospital. Even more disturbing is the report that six shots originated from the nationalists as I’m reminded of a conversation I had with a known IRA volunteer in County Cavan, Ireland not so long ago. “We keep the guns on this side of the border for when the hunting gets good again,” he said. I had no reason to doubt the man given what I’ve learned from other sources.
In Mr. Adams’ book, “Before the Dawn,” he talks about the various loyalist paramilitary groups being largely responsible for The Troubles. Even if one accepts his opinion may be slightly biased, I dare say he knows a wee bit more of the details than I do. As is always the case, wrongs are committed by both sides in any struggle, and history is written by the victors which, in this case, would be both sides if you’re a glass-half-full type of person. I’m sure between them lies the truth of what really happened, and as I wrote to Mr. Adams recently, I am hungry for that.
Mr. Adams has pledged his support to peace and the peace process. Peace in Ireland is too important to let loyalists or egos spoil things for everyone. Peace in Ireland should be the top priority and, knowing the history of the land, the only *real* priority.
