Endemic Anti Americanism is one of the key reasons that Congressman Peter King cites for cooling off on Ireland, and in particular in his support for Sinn Fein and the IRA. According to Ed Moloney, he hasn’t set foot in Ireland since before 11th September 2001. It is hard to read whether it has more to do with the Bush charm offensive towards the liberal finge of the Republican party and the internal repercussions of offering public support to anti government guerrillas overseas, than with a singular disillusion with the Irish Republican project per se.However since the Northern Bank raids, he is clear what future the IRA should choose:
“I would still support Sinn Fein’s right to be part of the peace process,” Mr. King said, “but I would be very critical of the IRA for not disbanding. No, they have to disband. Northern Ireland is at the threshold of being a democratic society.” What will he do if, as is now speculated in Ireland, the IRA refuses to disband? “With the IRA, I will reconsider my relationship,” he said. “The IRA really has to disband. Whether they do it this week or next week, they have to do it pretty soon, and if they don’t, I will consider speaking out against them.”
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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