Has the Peace Process been all a big lie? Picking up on Martin McGuinness’ earlier quote, where those who are opposed to Sinn Fein’s efforts risk upsetting the apple cart by telling truths, Henry McDonald in today’s Observer quotes a former RUC officer, speaking about the recent O’Loan report into collusion.
‘Another similar inquiry would push people to the edge,’ said the officer, who has had more than 25 years in counter-terrorism operations. ‘A lot of these men have knowledge about the war, and what they would have to say might have huge ramifications for the entire political process.’
Has the process been built on a tissue of lies? Can it not withstand being pulled apart by truths? Is it all just one giant agreed-upon fiction? If so, what does that make the conflict that preceded it?
Meanwhile, it is being deemed in the public interest to not prosecute IRA fugitives and members of the security forces accused of collusion.
The UK’s Director of Public Prosecutions and the Attorney General are to be asked to shelve cases against on-the-run republicans as part of a final deal between Sinn Fein and Downing Street.
The government is also asking that no charges be brought against policemen and soldiers accused of colluding with loyalists. These include those named in files sent to the DPP by Sir John Stevens as part of his inquiry into the murder of lawyer Pat Finucane in 1989.