Nothing new or surprising, basically a "We've done so much, but everyone's against us". Poor MOPEs.

Awww, diddums.

But perhaps we shouldn't be too dismissive of this, or else we will have to endure a follow-up from the 'RAfia as we did a few weeks back.

"Over ten years ago, the leadership of the IRA declared a complete cessation of military operations. We did so to enhance the development of the Irish peace process.
From then until now we have, on a number of occasions, demonstrated our continuing support for this process."

...."Óglaigh na hÉireann expects the highest standards of conduct from our Volunteers."
...."We salute you and urge you to remain strong and united."

I would say that from the language used reports of the threat from "republican groups" to London certainly cannot be considered to come from the PIRA. Whoever wrote this particular statement (and I assume the guy who issued the shooting offer statement has been given the sack) has returned to language that we all pretty much have heard before - but it still reads like there is absolutely no intention to return to violence (theres also no glimmer of a promise of stepping down either though). It put paid to the Observer reports of an increased threat - at least from the Provos.
The second thing I find relevant is the fairly clear call against criminality (ok maybe this has to be defined before we know exactly what is meant but still) and the highlighting of the need for discipline and unity to the volunteers and supporters.

1. IRA says "Forget about everything we have done over the past few months. We want to go back to the nice old peace process that is fixated with our never-ending wish-list, ignores everyone else in the process and which in return for we sort of maybe, might, do something subject to the causes of conflict being removed of course . Pay attenbtion to me, me, me, me." Has anyone found a large dummy lying about somewhere in Ireland?

2. IRA says to McCartney family "That's all your getting from us." They have managed to move from denial, 'support' and back to denial of their responsibilities again so quickly. A remarkably similar move to how respective governments tried to deal with issues like Bloody Sunday et al. It didn't work though and methinks the McCartney sisters will be as persistent as others.

All they have to say is goodbye and maybe a quick PS about where they hid the guns etc. As Mr O'Neill himself said "We have seen and heard it all before"

You know I’m beginning to wonder if this P.O’Neill guy isn’t just some resentful child who has never grown up, living at home with his mum; with touches of Enfield’s
“It’s so unfair” about him.
I mean we’re living in a Jerry Springer come Trisha age where everyone’s pain is in everyone else’s domain; where public therapy is all the rage, but none of this seems to have affected Paddy.
Where is the inner self-diagnosis?
If Paddy’s been abused then say so, we’ll see if we can help him understand his hurt frustration and resentment, maybe refer him to anger management.
I think there’s a lot of paddy’s’ out there with chips on their shoulders
or it could be a case of:
”You’re not the Messiah Paddy, you’re a very naughty boy”

There are always party guests who just don't know when it's time to leave. The hosts are looking at their watches, dropping subtle and not so subtle hints, yawning, talking about all the things they have to do the next day and why they need to get some sleep now.

Admittedly the party hasn't been much fun but it is well and truly over.

Taxi for Mr O'Neill!

I am reminded of some old loyalist graffiti on the shankill "Albert Reynolds, what part of f**k off do you not understand?"

"Irish unity and independence provides the best context for the people of this island to live together in harmony."

"The primary responsibility now rests with the two governments."

Isn't there a contradiction in these two statements?On the one hand they claim to want "independence", yet on the other hand they are waiting on the two governments (one of which is British) to act.

It's sort of like a young guy living at home, not working, who moans at his parents for not letting him be more independent.Why don't you go and do something?

Likewise, if the IRA are serious about "a lasting peace", why don't they disband?

Plenty on McCartney, but no denial of the Northern robbery. Interesting.

Aside from the content (nonsense really), it reads like a powerpoint presentation detailing the minutes of a residents association meeting crossed with the tedious ramblings of an ex-war codger. Awful stuff.

I think P O'Neill is a big fan of cutting and pasting intros.

Like my blog entries really(!)