Roy Garland points out that some of the credibility problem that Sinn Fein are suffering over the whole OTR issue arises from their own past positions:
Sinn Féin faces further difficulties because they shouted loudest about collusion. If it’s good for the goose it’s good for the gander also and collusion between the provos and elements of the security services – remember Alfredo Scappaticci – is still collusion. If it’s not collusion then loyalists never colluded – we can’t have it both ways.
He calls for an end to the ‘war by other means’, and for Republicans to prepare for the business of helping govern Northern Ireland:
It is time to stop blaming others and get real. Most genuine grievances have been addressed and it is time to stop acting as if the war must continue by other means. It is time for peace, for compassion and for new beginnings. The one whose birth we celebrate this week was no revolutionary but he challenged wickedness and corruption and paid the price himself rather than instigate a supposed liberation struggle that could victimise so many others.
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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