“Bulk of South Derry Brigade” quits the Provos claim
An article in the Sunday Tribune claims that most of the membership of so-called South Derry Brigade of the PIRA have quit the organisation in protest at the policies of the leadership in particular on policing. This group of 25 men are said to be:
“…committed to the ‘tactical use of armed struggle’ and planned to carry out intermittent attacks on the security forces.”
A source for the article says the group have access to firearms and are intending to build linkages with other republican groups. A nail bomb was found in the area recently as well as a rise in sectarian attacks.
“so kensei, we agree that there could never be total decommissioning. You say the republican mindset has changed- unless there is a political vacuum.”
No, I think “total” decommissioning has happened. I disagree on what total is.
Also wrong on the political vacuum. Again with the fundamentalist streak. It’s not “there is a vacuum we’ll go back to war”. It’s that a vacuum allows conditons to arise where it is posible, and gives elements who want to distabilise things space. it doesn’t mean it will happen. Spilling petrol might not start a fire, but I don’t advise you do that, either.
“Respect for the Unionist section of the people and their aspirations seem unsurprisingly hard to find in that mindset. Just another tactic to get the Brits to lean on us for you, then. Yup, that seems about right.”
I respect your aspirations. I also respect your fears. But I do not think I should pander to them at the expense of all else, and you also need to respect mine. I’m perfectly willing to talk to you and negotiate some acceptable position, face to face, or in a commitee or ….. oh.