Analysis of the Latest IRA statement

The ink on Mr. P O’Neill’s latest carefully crafted statement has not yet dried but what are we as Loyalists to make of this latest statement made by the P.I.R.A.? Does this statement offer any indication that republicanism is moving in a new direction and if so what direction is it moving in? These are the questions that must be given careful consideration by Loyalism particularly within the present political milieu of political uncertainty.

Like most statements to come from the pen of the infamous Mr. P O’Neill there is yet again the same hackneyed reasoning and predictable blame shifting. I quote: “The political responsibility for advancing the current situation rests with the two governments, especially the British government…” Read between the lines, the British are responsible for the present situation and not the P.I.R.A. How many times have we heard this poor excuse? When will the republican movement realise if blame is to be apportioned for the present political situation in Northern Ireland it should be placed firmly upon the shoulders of P.I.R.A./Sinn Fein?

On the issue of decommissioning the statement reads: “We have authorized our representatives to meet with the IICD (Independent International Commission on Decommissioning) with a view to proceeding with the implementation of a process to put arms beyond use…” In other words they may, or may not, at some future date engage is yet another media constructed charade of decommissioning? The precedent for any act of decommissioning was established by the LVF when weapons were publicly decommissioned so as to inspire confidence that they had been decommissioned. Contrast this with the apparent act of decommissioning made by the IRA that was conducted in such a covert manner as to leave doubt in the minds of many Unionists and Loyalists that it even happened! The proof offered by the media was, a piece of paper that stated that is had happened and the word of General de Chastelain who was unable to answer crucial questions such as: how were the weapons put beyond use? (Was a skim of concrete placed over a bunker?) How many weapon dumps were put beyond use (What was the technological state of these weapons)? In what location the weapon dumps where situated and what quantity of weapons and/or explosives was put beyond use? He appears to have been struck by a severe case of amnesia with regard to the whole matter.

The one supposedly new aspect of the statement was the belated recognition that the IRA has killed innocent civilians and that they offer their apologies. I quote: “We are conscious that non-combatants were killed and injured as a consequence of some (a slight underestimation to say the least) of our actions. We offer our sincere apologies and condolences to their families and friends” Contrast this with the statement made by the Loyalist groupings who upon the announcement of their ceasefires did not hesitate to offer their “…abject and true remorse…” to all innocents who died as a result of the conflict that is euphemistically termed the troubles. This statement was made in October 1994, almost some 9 years hence. The truth of the matter is that whereas Loyalism has been quick to acknowledge the pain of conflict and the need for some process by which the wounds of this society can be healed republicanism appears to have little interest in this process. Indeed, the process of “post-conflict” policy towards injustices shows a very one-sided approach to the whole issue of healing the collective wounds of this society. Whilst the loyalist representatives appeared to have entered this process in good faith the republican movement has displayed time after time their bad faith and duplicitous attitude towards peace. As with the statement realised to coincide with “Bloody Friday” this “apology” smacks of political expediency rather than sincerity.

The P.I.R.A. have been content to break their ceasefire when they felt it politically expedient as in the example of the Canary Wharf bomb and whilst talking peace they use tactical violence as in the example of the City of London bomb in 1993 (damage estimated at more than £1 bn.) when they used their ability to break into the activity of the multi-nationals to send shock waves through the British political-financial establishment. They have also engaged in other activities that are a clear indication that their intentions are far from peaceful with regard to any future settlement within the context of Northern Ireland. For example, the intelligence gathering operation that was, and no doubt still is, active within the very government itself at Stormont. Indeed some commentators believe this just to be the tip of the iceberg with regard to the activities of Sinn Fein and the IRA. Does this demonstrate good trust? Or does this indicate nothing more than tactical maneuvers on the part of the IRA? A preparation for what is to come if they do not have all demands meet? The IRA/Sinn Fein states that: “Building the collective trust to achieve this is a huge challenge for everyone…” No more it would appear than for the IRA and Sinn Fein who through their actions they have left Loyalism with no other conclusion than their war is not yet over and that Loyalists may yet have to defend their people once more from republican murder gangs.

The IRA statement goes on to say: “We do not claim to fully understand Unionist perceptions. But we are prepared to listen and to learn. And we are committed to playing our part in creating the conditions in which unionists, nationalists and republicans can liver together peacefully…” Again, how will they demonstrate this? With yet more mealy-mouthed words for the benefit of the international media? The old cliché “actions speak louder than words” springs to mind. What less than a complete disbandment of the republican murder gang known as the IRA (and its various “dissident” factions) could ever assure the Loyalist/Unionist people who have suffered so much at the hands of these people? The act of decommissioning itself is not enough to inspire confidence given the track record of the IRA/Sinn Fein. It matters little that some rusty guns are put “beyond use” when it is easy enough for the IRA to re-arm through its various connections within the arena of international terrorism. It matters little whilst the IRA continues to gather intelligence and remain active.

All in all nothing new is being offered to the Loyalist people just more of the same media spin to come from Mr. P O’Neill in order to carry favour with a naïve international audience for their warped analysis of the present political situation that they find themselves in.