The Derry Journal printed this article today. I find the timing of this statement by the RIRA ( Real Irish Republican Army) to be a bit contrived. On the eve, of the 36 year anniversary of the Bloody Sunday Massacre in Derry, that did so much to bolster support for the Provo's, Gary Donnelly comes out and says the organization not only has become defunct, but shouldn't even exist. I'll write more on the Massacre later, for the moment I'd like to address Mr. Donnelly's comments.
I believe the people of Northern Ireland have spoken, in full, in support of a political solution to the issues at hand. By voting for Stormont, they said they are wearied of war, of the bigotry and hate that was so evident on that terrible Sunday in 1972. Mr. Donnelly wishes to continue the violent struggle, he has even gone so far as to reach out to the CIRA ( Continuity Irish Republican Army) in the hopes of an alliance to wreak more havoc on a populace that wants nothing more than peace and prosperity. I find this sad and disturbing to say the least.
I, obviously, disagree with Mr. Donnelly. His contention that the Provo's are dead is false in so many ways. I am not supporter of any of the organizations that promote violence, but I do understand that at one time they were needed. Does he think that this organization after 30 years of fighting is not ready to take up the mantle again if the new Government fails to represent the people? Does he not know that the Provo's are but waiting in the wings, quietly watching events? So what, Mr. Donnelly, that they are not setting bombs and killing policemen, perhaps the Provo's have listened to the people's wants. Read a bit of history and you will find that the underground societies that are the backdrop of Irish landscape, have been around for 800 years. They have remarkable resilience and patience Mr. Donnelly, patience which you are lacking. The 14 who died on Bloody Sunday, who were seeking an end to Internment, were trying to achieve a goal peacefully. You disgrace their memory by screaming for blood on that anniversary.
Slainte'
Blighter
A leading Derry dissident republican has called on the Provisional IRA to disband.
Gary Donnelly, a key figure in the 32 County Sovereignty Committee - the political wing of the Real IRA - said he supported "armed opposition" to British rule in Ireland. "It's legitimate," he said.In an interview with a national Sunday newspaper, the Creggan native, who was an unsuccessful independent candidate in the Derry City Council elections in 2005, added: "There shouldn't be a Provisional IRA anymore. What is its function. It was set up to fight the British in Ireland. It shouldn't exist if it's not upholding the IRA's constitution."
He said that the organisation had been "knocked for six" by the Sinn Fein leadership. "Remember what they said 'not a bullet, not an ounce'. Many republicans now realise they were conned."And Mr. Donnelly said he believes that the Real IRA and Continuity IRA "should unite" in armed struggle. "It is the obvious thing for them to do. There is strength in unity."I would love to see republicanism united. It would be more logical to have one group which would be more effective than two."Mr. Donnelly was among those arrested and quizzed following the shooting of Derry police man Jim Doherty at Bishop Street in November. He also accused police in Derry of breaking his arm during an "vicious and unprovoked assault" more than week afterwards.
The full article contains 237 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
Last Updated: 29 January 2008 11:01 AM
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