The IRA has declared that its armed struggle is over. Okay, fine. History aside, what does this mean? And is Tony Blair right to rush to dismantle army posts?
It’s a difficult one. While I broadly support the republican movement – the idea of a fragmented Ireland is illogical to me – I have never supported the IRA as it is an odious, self-righteous and hypocritical oranisation that is less about freedom fighting and more about criminal activity. Using as it did, the latter to supplement the former. Something its American supporters chose to gloss over or ignore completely when putting money onto the Noraid tins rattled by fund raisers in Irish Bars. Something that in the wake of terrorist activity on US soil they have been forced to reconsider, no doubt.
The piece written by Norman Tebbit today crystallizes my thoughts.
“Terrorists can be let out of jail none the worse for the loss of liberty for a few years but for victims the slate is never wiped clean.”
His comments are a poignant reminder of what terrorism is all about – the brutal murder and maiming of innocent non-combatants. Although, doubtless the IRA would argue that the British government was a legitimate target. Norman Tebbit’s wife most certainly was not and “collateral damage” is an abominable euphemism for the murder of innocents – whoever uses it. It is Tebbit’s comment that he and his wife will forever be paying the price – even though those who committed the atrocity will be free to continue their lives that strikes home the message.
“For her pain is an ever present companion, disability the load she never ceases to bear. For her, that quick shower and breakfast is a three-hour routine with a carer.
Not for the wheelchair-bound the quick decision to take the train, nor the cheap flight to Paris or Rome.
No more the shared laughter at the awkward stairs or the pokey bedroom of the village B&B in the heart of rural France and the fun of being off the beaten track.
Never will we take those adventure trips from the brochures falling through the post box every day. “
The little things we take for granted are torn away, lost forever. The 1,800 lives lost in the brutal campaign will never come back now that peace has been declared.
Yet….
Now is the time to make the most of this opportunity. Drawing a line under the last thirty five years means that the present generation can move on without the shadow of the IRA hanging over them – there will not be another 1,800 lost lives and the spiral of affected lives devastated by that loss.
I will still be unable to listen to the repugnant Gerry Adams smarming on the television, some phony, pietistic nonsense about the “political process” without wanting to throw up. However he along with his equally nauseating accomplice Martin McGuinness is the face of Sinn Fein and at least talking is better than bombing.