Despite some vocal criticism, the taoiseach Bertie Ahern is to meet (subs needed) with the Loyalist Commission tomorrow. The reasoning is that within the current hiatus people on the fringe of Northern Ireland politics need to be listened to. Gary Mason, one of the clergy involved explains his reasons for being involved:
Methodist minister the Rev Dr Gary Mason, who is also on the commission, defended clergy being members of the body. Dr Mason, who ministers in east Belfast, said that “engaging [with paramilitaries] is not endorsement”. He added that if you “put 40 paramilitaries in a room you have a recipe for disaster. Put clergy in with them to show an alternative [to violence]” and you may make progress.
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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