IRA says armed campaign is over

[Robbie_James_Francis]

The IRA has formally ordered an end to its armed campaign and says it will pursue exclusively peaceful means.

In a long-awaited statement, the republican organisation said it would follow a democratic path ending more than 30 years of violence.

Full article

Excellent news! I don't think I can express how wonderful this is! Let's sincerely hope that the IRA keep their promise, that all of the volunteers consent, that the splinter groups also avoid violence and that there can be true peace and a just resolution in Northern Ireland!

 

[Robbie_James_Francis]

Any thoughts?

 

[ScottishJohn]

First of all I agree! FANTASTIC news. I hope the authors of the War on terror (or whatever it is called now) are paying attention!

I just hope paisley suffers some kind of brainstorm so that he is rendered unable to speak until power sharing has resumed and steps forward have been taken. If the IRA prostrated themselves in front of Paisley, renownced republicanism and catholicism, and promised to cut his grass for 3 generations Paisley would still say Ah but.... (insert various unreasonable insulting and inflamatory statements seasoned with a healthy dose of biggotry).

Seriously, I believe the IRA think they can get more out of the political process, than they can from violence so I think this is a genuine gesture. Whether they will relinquish their drug rings and organised crime is another matter. What really concerns me is that Paisley will once again open his trap and put the kybosh on it all.

 

[Robbie_James_Francis]

I just hope paisley suffers some kind of brainstorm so that he is rendered unable to speak until power sharing has resumed and steps forward have been taken.

That would be the PG version of my feelings towards the man.

Do you think that the loyalist paramilitaries will follow suit?

 

[ScottishJohn]

That would be the PG version of my feelings towards the man.

Do you think that the loyalist paramilitaries will follow suit?

I would hope so, however like the IRA I fear that their actions have less and less to do with politics and more and more to do with organised crime. Very profitable so profitiable I wonder whether they can walk away from it. Will be interesting to see. Several scenarios spring to mind. One being that the loyalist paramilitaries break the peace by attacking what would now be seen as 'undefended' catholic areas. Some of the people involved in the whole mess are nutters and as always it is these people who are hardest to chance. However it is also much easier to isolate the nutters when the reasonable people who have supported terrorism have decided to pursue negotiations.

 

[Robbie_James_Francis]

Yes, the situation has many complicated and difficult facets. A lot of work will have to be put in before there can be lasting peace and justice.



rjf

 

[Moros]

They say this every week.

 

[ScottishJohn]

They say this every week.

It would be more accurate to say that in the past they have occasionally made disarmament gestures, and encouraging noises maybe every 6 months...

As far as ordering all volunteers to dumb all weapons and cease all activity immediately that is a historic move and should be welcomed as such.

 

[Robbie_James_Francis]

It would be more accurate to say that in the past they have occasionally made disarmament gestures, and encouraging noises maybe every 6 months...

As far as ordering all volunteers to dumb all weapons and cease all activity immediately that is a historic move and should be welcomed as such.

Indeed. From what I can gather, the IRA have never made a move quite like this before. Of course, it all depends on whether or not they stick to it...

 

[Robbie_James_Francis]

bump...for those who haven't yet heard the good news. Or should I say potentially good news... Rob