Sunday, January 28, 2007
Spotlight turns to DUP as Ard Fheis motion passes with ease
The rocky road to Dublin was travelled by more than 3,000 republican activists today as the date of the Extraordinary Ard Fheis on Policing and Justice finally arrived. In the end, the ease with which the Ard Fheis motion was passed today (between 90%-95% of the delegates voted in favour) was a remarkable endorsement of the Sinn Fein leadership, coming as it did after seven hours of contributions from delegates. During his rousing speech, Martin McGuinness returned to a theme he employed earlier in the week when he remarked that, though January 28th 2007 would be a significant date for Irish republicans, Monday January 29th would be an even more challenging date for the DUP as its time to put up on the issue of Power-sharing would finally arrive.
I was amongst those arriving late to the RDS, wrongly expecting the event to run according to the traditionally tardy ‘republican time.’ I missed Gerry Adams’ arrival to the building, instead being informed by Radio Ulster when just outside the capital that a number of party opponents had heckled both Adams and McGuinness.
I did notice Willie Frazer standing on the lawn outside the RDS building hosting the Ard Fheis, and wondered as I passed would Willie be protesting outside a similar DUP meeting in the weeks ahead.
The introductory speeches by leadership figures were impressive, with each obviously conscious of the need to use this occasion to reassure the assembled grassroots activists that the path being charted was correct.
Having attended a number of the public meetings and party briefings on this issue, I didn’t expect to hear anything new in the many speeches, and in this sense I was not surprised. Gerry Kelly charted the history of the policing negotiations since Patten, whilst Gerry Adams sought to contextualise this issue in the development of the republican struggle, reassuring the party faithful. But it was Martin McGuiness’ impassioned speech which caught the mood of the thousands of party activists.
McGuiness launched a full frontal assault on the SDLP and dissident republicans, whilst being careful to distinguish republicans genuinely hurting over this development from the latter group, who he quipped hadn’t managed to even fight the British to a ‘start’ never mind a ‘stalemate.’
But it was in his outlining of the nature of the envisaged republican engagement with the PSNI that he drew sustained applause. He stated that republicans needed to confidently assert their position within DPPs, the Policing Board and the Executive (through OFM/DFM) to critically engage with the PSNI from a position of authority. He continued by claiming that it was up to the latter to gain the trust and confidence of the nationalist and republican community.
This issue was never going to be an easy one for republicans, and the numerous impassioned speeches in favour and opposing the motion illustrated the depth of feeling on this critical matter. But it was clear from very early in the day that the level of opposition to the Ard Comhairle motion was minimal, with Ogra delegates providing the liveliest speeches from a dissenting stance- contributions well received by the audience.
The level of opposition to the motion within the hall might have been minimal, but that probably doesn’t provide an accurate reflection of republican activist sentiment on this matter. As in the past, the party leadership has put considerable effort into bringing the grassroot opinion along during each critical stage of the peace process, and this proved no different. The level of engagement within the party within the past fortnight at all levels undoubtedly calmed many nerves and ‘won round’ many whose initial reactions were less positive.
In the past few weeks, it quickly became clear to most republicans that this was an argument that was being fought between the head and the heart- another theme alluded to by McGuiness in today’s speech. Whilst the media have been quick to pick up on the pronouncements of a small number of dissident/ disaffected figures, the reality was that the overwhelming number of republican activists saw this particular train coming down the track a long time ago and prepared themselves for it. The failure of the dissidents to articulate any plausible alternative to the stance being proposed by Sinn Fein leaders meant that they were always fighting a losing battle when attempting to battle for the minds of republicans.
Another crucial dimension not picked up by many was that republicans were confident that this development would not adversely impact on the party’s electoral fortunes in the impending Assembly election. Sinn Fein activists have maintained a constant presence on the doorsteps of the electorate from last Autumn right through to early January due to the party’s annual electoral registration drive. And through that constant engagement, the message from the nationalist/ republican electorate- as opposed to republican activist base- was a quite resounding endorsement of the Sinn Fein leadership’s proposals.
In the end, probably the most striking message was struck by the party’s Declan Kearney when, during his robustly delivered speech, he noted “dogma doesn’t win struggles.” The theme of the need to ‘grow political strength’ was a constant, underwriting virtually every contribution from those supporting the motion: a reflection of the pragmatic realisation by republicans at a leadership and grassroot level of the task ahead on the path to Irish unity.
Chris Donnelly @ 08:14 PM
translation of this stepford provo gobbledygook: mary lou mcdonald will lead us to the workers’ republic!
Posted by on Jan 28, 2007 @ 09:37 PMA good account Chris. Kearney is also right that “dogma doesn’t win struggles”. Unfortunately, supporting the PSNI doesn’t lead to a united Ireland either. The tedious “another phase in the struggle” dirge trotted out today failed to mask the scale of the climbdown. Adams offered to meet dissidents. Er won’t he have to be informing on them now, to demonstrate to the DUP that republicans (sic) are delivering?
Posted by on Jan 28, 2007 @ 09:37 PMCan’t wait to get my plastic bullet gun. it will also be nice to see what an interview suite in Castlereagh looks like from the other side of the desk.
Posted by on Jan 28, 2007 @ 09:38 PM“supporting the PSNI doesn’t lead to a united Ireland either”
Really?
Would you not need a PSNI to manage protestant dissent as the great day approached?
You lack ambition, or strategic nous.
Posted by on Jan 28, 2007 @ 09:49 PMOnce the shinners go down the road of endorsement, there is no going back. If nationalists decide to join the PSNI as a result of endorsement, PSF can’t turn around at any future point and pull the plug on support, abandoning those they encouraged to join - or turning their ire upon them. Life and career goes into this.
Since PSF were careful to ensure that MI5 fuck-ups would not embarrass the PSNI, all they have to do now is hope that the Ombudsman’s doesn’t publish anymore embrassing reports detailing collusion and lack of co-operation post-Patton.
Posted by on Jan 28, 2007 @ 09:52 PMExcellent report Chris.
Thank you.Posted by on Jan 28, 2007 @ 09:54 PMAquifer, PSF do not hold the office of Chief Constable of the PNSI, so they won’t be managing any operations. You seem a tad confused about Policing boards and police forces.
Posted by on Jan 28, 2007 @ 09:56 PMNice to see Gerry smile, and Mary Lou too.
Good photo.Posted by on Jan 28, 2007 @ 10:00 PMP O’Neill
Sorry mate they’ll be withdrawn...you’ll have a whistle though and i hear sticking the rubber duck aerial on your walkie talkie up a felon’s nose is highly effective.
Posted by on Jan 28, 2007 @ 10:03 PMIs my memory failing me when I recall Chris telling us that he’s leave Sinn Fein if they supported policing?
Posted by on Jan 28, 2007 @ 10:04 PMHe’s s/b He’d
Posted by on Jan 28, 2007 @ 10:04 PM“Would you not need a PSNI to manage protestant dissent as the great day approached?”
ROTFLMAO
I loathe and despise everything the republican movement stands for, their stated aims and goals but I have to say loudly “Well done Gerry”.
Channel hopping earlier I heard News24 state that republican support for the police will allow for devolution and a stable future for Northern Ireland.
I’m not overly keen on devolution but whereas it used to be a badge of difference for NI it is now de rigure for UK regions so I can run with it.
I’m not overly keen on empowering my political enemies but if Sinn Fein morph into a normal, law abiding party are they any longer an “ememy”, merely an “opponent”? After all a stable NI is a unionist goal and Gerry is about to deliver it. I quite like the idea of Gerry Kelly advising the Queen on judicial appointments. I look forward to him escorting HM on a tour of a police station with the Royal Standard flying proudly above it.
As I said above “Well done Gerry”. 2016 anybody?
Posted by on Jan 28, 2007 @ 10:05 PMChris,
As usual you are running way in front mate!
This headline is sheer crass:
Spotlight turns to DUP as Ard Fheis motion passes with ease
The Spotlight will remain firmly on Sinn Fein to deliver and the CONDITIONALITIES of the Sinn Fein position is gift from heaven to the DUP.
The 2 Govts have commited themselves to a position that is not reflected in the CONDITIONALITIES attached to Sinn Feins position.
Sinn Fein need to deliver BIG TIME or they get shunted into the Culde-sac Vincent Browne suggested may happen in the morning papers.
One little step along a very, very long and winding road.The first step is welcomed now keep walking on the straight and narrow and keep on the right side of the IMC .
Ding Ding
Ingram
Posted by on Jan 28, 2007 @ 10:07 PMAh well Yokel, at least we’ve got 30 day detention orders now if we need them, with that length of time you could shave off Gerry’s beard and it would grow back with no-one the wiser.
Posted by on Jan 28, 2007 @ 10:12 PMTAFKABO
I think you’ve mistaken me for another someone else.
Posted by on Jan 28, 2007 @ 10:21 PMPresumably Sinn Fein will have to raid their own offices at Stormont from now on?
When is The Felons going to be renamed the The Peelers?
Posted by on Jan 28, 2007 @ 10:24 PMTafkabo
I don’t need to defend Chris. He’s well able to do that himself.
But my recollection is that Chris said he would leave if SF ADOPTED A MOTION THAT HE COULDN’T ACCEPT.So stop the crowing/naysaying.
Posted by on Jan 28, 2007 @ 10:25 PMWaiting to see how our darling friends the PROVOs prove their good intentions!
Heres a few wee pointers for South Derry:-
(1). Get all the dissidents rounded up in
Maghera, Bellaghy, Dungiven.(2). All Deisel Launderers in Maghera rounded up.
The Circus looked good today boys!
LITTLE BRITAIN starts in the morning!
Posted by on Jan 28, 2007 @ 10:26 PM“The level of opposition to the motion within the hall might have been minimal, but that probably doesn’t provide an accurate reflection of republican activist sentiment on this matter.” - Chris
Democracy not working well in PSF then? It sounds like they put on quite a show for what was a de facto rubberstamping of a decision made by the leadership in advance.
“In the end, probably the most striking message was struck by the party’s Declan Kearney when, during his robustly delivered speech, he noted “dogma doesn’t win struggles.” The theme of the need to ‘grow political strength’ was a constant, underwriting virtually every contribution from those supporting the motion: a reflection of the pragmatic realisation by republicans at a leadership and grassroot level of the task ahead on the path to Irish unity.” - Chris
Nice spin by Kearney that “dogma doesn’t win struggles.” It sounds sweeter than what it really means “unprincipled opportunism bets us more votes.” And that’s what it is really all about, as you said “the theme of the need to ‘grow political strength’ was a constant, underwriting virtually every contribution from those supporting the motion...” There is nothing that the vote-whores of PSF won’t say or do to gain extra votes. Ironically, that is precisely why the people of the south will not support PSF.
Posted by on Jan 28, 2007 @ 10:37 PMi like how without any trace of irony whatsoever the vote count keeps going up, and up, from 80% to 90% to 95% and i actually heard a shinner claim 96.5% with a straight face
c’mon 99!
Posted by on Jan 28, 2007 @ 10:46 PMDubliner
One person’s unprincipled opportunism is another person’s pragmatic politics.
Are you saying that sticking your head in the sand and mumbling platitudes somehow is better than trying to obtain power democratically and effecting real change?
Posted by on Jan 28, 2007 @ 10:49 PMSo they’ve abandoned a counter-productive armed struggle and decided to go the route of persuasion, anti-sectarianism and democratic engagement.
And they’re damned if they do and damned if they don’t.
I can understand traditional Republicans finding this development unpalatable, but those who have opposed the PRM for using political violence in the past should give credit where credit is due.
Posted by on Jan 28, 2007 @ 10:52 PMIn the end, probably the most striking message was struck by the party’s Declan Kearney when, during his robustly delivered speech, he noted “dogma doesn’t win struggles.” ...
Rich coming from Declan. He would do well to learn that spin doesn’t win struggles either. It may win some extremely weak votes but win struggles...no.
Listened to Declan many times, ‘sites of struggle’, ‘lightening rods of the struggle’, yawn.....all spin methinks.
I do believe that SF will take some hits this time round but it is over the next 5 years that their fate is doomed. It will be then that the republican core vote (whatever is left) will have concrete experience that the leadership can’t deliver on their promise. The working class wil tire of their attempts to look ‘responsible’ when attempting to manage capitalism better than the capitlaists a la De Bruin PFI Schemes for instance. And crucially it will be then that the remainer will relaise that there is littleto distinguish them from any other centerist party....enjoy it while it lasts lads.
Posted by on Jan 28, 2007 @ 10:56 PMSo Red Mist
I take it that you think there has been no change in the past 30 years in the ability of a certain section of the population to progress and have an equal opportunity to benefit from whatever the state has to offer?
Posted by on Jan 28, 2007 @ 11:05 PMA great photo of Mary Lou and Gerry, the Sinn Fein Chairperson and the Sinn Fein President. They have worked very closely in all of this.
Mary Lou has played a huge role in all of this, and strengthens further her position in the party.
Posted by on Jan 28, 2007 @ 11:08 PM
