Bradley’s comments simply “common sense”

Today’s Irish Independent editorial succinctly endorses the recent comments by Denis Bradley – “what he wrote was no more than common sense”.The editorial put the comments into perspective by reminding us of the scenario Denis Bradley envisaged, and, in doing so, condemns the criticism by the DUP –

“Denis Bradley, vice-chairman of the Policing Board, wrote in a newspaper column about the crisis that will arise if the Irish and British governments and the Northern parties fail to agree in the current series of talks. He has been criticised vehemently by various DUP figures who want him removed from the board.

Mr Bradley is a person who should command respect on all sides. He is a sharp and courageous critic of terrorism. He and his house and family have come under physical attack.”

and “If the parties fail to agree, if the British government cannot reinstate the Northern institutions, a limping form of direct rule will not keep the North stable.”

The Irish Independent points out that Denis Bradley’s reference to “republican areas.. not being policed” is equally applicable to loyalist areas –

“It would be disastrous if the PSNI lost wider nationalist favour, or failed to get control of loyalist ghettoes. Mr Bradley says republican areas are not being policed. That is true of loyalist areas too.”

The editorial ends with a call for an end to the self-indulgent stances of the DUP and SF –

“In any case, the time arrived long ago – when they [the DUP and SF] became the two dominant [parties] – for a deal. Little stands in the way of it but self-indulgence. Let them show a little good will and good faith.”