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"Historic" Act Follows "Historic" Statement
A wise man (or wise arse) once said "A day like today is not a day for sound bites really. We can leave those at home. But I feel the hand of history on our shoulder.". 
That was one "historic" day. Recently, we've had another - ah I remember it well. That famous day (apparently it was the 28th July) when P O'Neill said he was going to stop using all those guns and assorted weapons he'd been using to mount his attack on Northern Ireland. I said at the time it was a non-story, a non-event and that I'd believe it when I saw it, given their failure to live up to their word in the past.
Follow up:
Now Mr O'Neill has apparently put those weapons beyond use (as promised), which, to be fair, is an important step along this road we're going down. Some day that road might even lead us to a peaceful and stable Northern Ireland. Somehow though, it still all feels a bit... well it doesn't really feel anything. BBC Newsline has a special extended lunchtime edition on to catch De Chastelain's speech. This annoys me - I missed Neighbours!! >
Why do I not care so much? I suppose because of the first announcement. Where's the surprise? Everyone knew this was coming. I presume this helps build the excitement for terror-sponsoring IRA supporters in America and elsewhere though. The other problem is I think we all know what's going to happen next. The DUP, voice displeasure at not getting 'their man' as the protestant clergy witness (and the lack of photographs). They might complain about some other stuff too, none of it that important in the grand scheme of things. Unionists will then make Sinn Fein wait (betwen 1 and 2 years, I predict), so they can confirm the sincerity of republicans' intent, before establishing some sort of power-sharing executive in Northern Ireland. I think this is only to be expected and they are right to ensure that proper time is given to build public confidence in republicans. However, at some point the issue of loyalist weapons and terror groups must also be addressed. Dissident republican activity will give them the excuse they're surely looking for to hang on to their arms and that would be a disaster.
Hopefully by the time we have Stormont up and running again, the DUP will have had a couple of their recent demands met too.
A couple of final things. While it doesn't excite me much I welcome the move from the provos (although it's a pity it's 6 years late). Once the 'probation period' is over, it's only fair to get back into government at Stormont again. I dislike d'Hondt though. Power sharing I can accept, although I'm not convinced it's generally a good way to govern (with no opposition). What's worst is the idea of Babs Brown and Martin 'Coco' McGuinness riding roughshod over public opinion (like the 11+ fiasco)and their cabinet colleagues. Fiefdoms like this were the result of the d'Hondt system and they bother me. I'm not sure if there's a better way of power sharing but if there is I hope someone finds it before we're up and running again.
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PS. Im Not impressed with Alan McFarland and Sir Reg's responses -- far too wimpy....thank god they don't hold the whip hand anymore..
More like 30 years and 3000 deaths too late but if and it's a very big if, it is truly all the weapons which have been deposited and the IRA engage in no more criminality, Sinn Fein promises to tell the truth on all occasions, Gerry gets his beard shaved and...
No, seriously, I think we're better waiting at least six months to see what develops, I remain sceptical abouth the true state of affairs.
I do hope that a significant page has been turned. Terrorism must end.
But defenders of this six county state have little to feel morally superior about.
If I may take issue with one statement, I'm not sure I talk of revering anyone, perhaps you'd like to explain what (or who?) you meant by that?
Nothing will bring about the S.F. version of a 'united' (i.e. dominated) Ireland quicker than the further degradation and disempowerment of the Ulster people, can you name the people most responsible for the degradation we see in the estates today , the 'survival of the fittest' atmosphere, the drugs , the social and cultural stagnation ?
I sometimes think the 'let be' attitude towards the Loyalist paramilitaries may not be so out of step with the British/ Irish Gov./ Sinn Fein agenda than it at first appears......
mad conspiricey i know but the fact that the 'loyalist inflluence' will degrade our people and that this in turn makes Gerry's job easier is a fact.
But then as the ligitmate platforms for our defence are removed , who will be left , even with the capacity to react militarily, to defend us ?
The Northern Irish blogosphere lit up yesterday with opinion pieces on the IRA decommissioning. Here’s a quick round-up from some of my favourite reads:
The Unionist Viewpoints
It’s all been a bit of an anti-climax for Beano over on Ever...
Full post
Ah, Irish America throws its two cents worth into the ring.
Phantom,
My friend, despite the mythology created by Sinn Fein in the US and elsewhere, many Unionists of the more modern variety recognise the mistakes that were made by the Unionist establishment in NI 1921-69.
However, this never justified the carnage that was leashed upon the innocent population(Unionist and nationalist) of NI and the rest of the UK.
"But defenders of this six county state have little to feel morally superior about"
I'm sorry, but compared to the IRA,UVF,UDA terrorists and those in the PUP and Sinn Fein who justify their murders, I do feel morally superior. Unlike many(including misguided so-called Irish patriots in your own country) I have never supported any form of terrorism.
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