Martina Purdie examines effects that Gerry Adams’ latest statement has had on Sinn Fein’s political opponents in the pro-Agreement Unionist camp. The conversial three lines are as follows:
The IRA statement is a statement of completely peaceful intent. Its logic is that there should be no activities inconsistent with this. Secondly, the IRA has clearly stated its willingness to proceed with the implementation of a process to put arms beyond use at the earliest opportunity. Obviously this is not about putting some arms beyond use. It is about all arms. And thirdly, if the two governments and all the parties fulfil their commitments this will provide the basis for the complete and final closure of the conflict.
The word should in the first point is what is causing the major difficulty.
Mick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty
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