The IRA’s actions (and inactions) are currently shaping politics (insofar as it exists at all) in Northern Ireland. But who speaks for them. Certainly not Sinn Fein. But, The Economist argues that neither Sinn Fein nor the IRA are interested in much else but another round of concessions:”British and Irish intelligence services dismiss the idea of a clash between hawks and doves or a division between Sinn Fein leadership and the IRA. The two organisations are inseparable, as they always have been. There is debate, say the officials, but it revolves around the type and timing of concessions needed to get devolved government in Northern Ireland restored: promising to stop paramilitary operations; disbanding paramilitary structures; giving up weapons; and accepting Northern Ireland’s police service”.
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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