As a Hard Line Republican, I thought Mr. Minihan was bang on the money yesterday when he said in the Dail:

"Terrorism is supported by a root network and while terrorism might be evil, the same cannot be said of this root network. This network consists of people who live with oppression, repression, poverty, hunger, despair and hopelessness. These are people desperate to survive. Hatred feeds the network of terrorism. We must address this side of the issue as well. It is also the case that some people play on these emotions to stir up feelings of hatred for their own personal gain, be it financial or ideological. They are the silent terrorists; the ones who use others and their issues for their own ends."

I never have thought it is the sole responsibility of SF to deal with IRA criminality / terrorism. ( so called )

It is unfair and a political cheapo to expect SF to get the IRA to give up all forms of paramilitary and criminal activity.
But what else would you expect from the British Establishment now joined by the Irish Establishment!

As a friend of mine once wrote:

" British Army, MI5, MI6, UDA, UVF, Red hand ..
all armed vs the Irish"
ENGLISH FAIR PLAY!
now add to that list Irish Army, gardai etc

Personally I don't give a toss about the robbery

Oooooh, I'm sure the Provos are quaking in their boots.

Pathetic.

'people who live with oppression, repression, poverty, hunger, despair and hopelessness'

Why is the way republicans run their own households everybody elses problem?

Spirit-Level, your comments amaze me!
If Sinn Fein is the political wing of the IRA and they are major players in devolved Government, do you think it is not their responsibilty to make sure the IRA remove themselves from any gangsterous activity?
Sinn Fein supporters have this brainwashed notion that everyone is picking on them. I suppose Spirit Level you feel that the Irish Government are conspiring now with the British????

Christopher

Blair has drawn so many lines in the sand, he's run out of beach.

Dear TT
we've spoken before .. amicably
"If Sinn Fein is the political wing of the IRA and they are major players in devolved Government, do you think it is not their responsibilty to make sure the IRA remove themselves from any gangsterous activity?"
No.
"I suppose Spirit Level you feel that the Irish Government are conspiring now with the British????
Yes.

Bad Provies, BAD, BAD!!

I'd hate to be a cop either north or south of Dundalk today. Blair and Ahern have abused them in this slippery game they are playing to get rid of the hard men. From what I've seen so far, they are winging it without a clue so the police may be further compromised in the future. There is some hope because it appears that some prosecutions are moving forward.

Don't get me wrong, I do have some sympathy for the plight of the two politicos..They realize that their governments are not sovereign in many sections of their countries and also that they are not in complete control of events anywhere on the island of Ireland. I'd have more sympathy if they would quit playing the waiting game but who really knows? There could be another Ruby Ridge or Waco waiting down the hall from a harder line so I'll cut them some slack.

The two governments have only recently adopted an emasculated version of the RICO legislation we got through congress once we forced Hoover to admit that the Mafia existed. It took us from the early 70's to the 90's knock out the New York families and to work our way up to jailing Gotti using this legislation. You've got a late start.

If Ahern and Blair feel they can take another route and smooze the paramilitaries into oblivion, I wish them luck but I'll hang onto the grocery money.