Again this is taken from today's Independent. The IRA's terrorism failed utterly to achieve its aim of a united island. Peaceful political engagement may succeed in the (very) long run. (for what it's worth I am neutral on the issue).
"I want to begin my remarks by welcoming the statement by Ian Paisley. While it is disappointing that the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement have not been restored today, I believe the agreement reached between Sinn Fein and the DUP, including the unequivocal commitment, made by their party executive and reiterated today, to the restoration of political institutions on 8 May, marks the beginning of a new era of politics on this island.
"The discussions and agreement between our two parties shows the potential of what can now be achieved.
"Sinn Fein entered into these discussions in a positive and strategic way strengthened by our recently renewed and increased mandate. I want to once again thank everyone who supports our party.
"Támuid buíoch daoibh go léir [We are thankful to all of them.]
"In all of the initiatives we have taken in recent times we have been guided by the need to deliver for the people of Ireland. So, in our discussions we have listened very carefully to the position put forward by Ian Paisley and his colleagues.
"The relationships between the people of this island have been marred by centuries of discord, conflict, hurt and tragedy.
"In particular this has been the sad history of orange and green. Ach tá tus nua ann anois le cuidiú De [But there is a new start now, with the help of God].
"Sinn Fein is about building a new relationship between orange and green and all the other colours, where every citizen can share and have equality of ownership of a peaceful, prosperous and just future.
"There are still many challenges, many difficulties to be faced. But let us be clear. The basis of the agreement between Sinn Fein and the DUP follows Ian Paisley's unequivocal and welcome commitment to support and participate fully in the political institutions on 8 May.
"In the lead-up to restoration, important work has to take place preparing for government. And you have the outline of that also.
"As an immediate step both Sinn Fein and the DUP have asked the British Government not to issue the water bills.
"Tus maith, leath na hoibre - a good start is half the work.
"The two governments also have other work to do.
"We are committed to, and today discussed, further engagements with the British Chancellor, with the Irish government, and with others to ensure that the incoming executive has the best possible resources to fulfil our responsibilities.
"We have all come a very long way in the process of peace-making and national reconciliation. We are very conscious of the many people who have suffered. We owe it to them to build the best future possible.
"It is a time for generosity, a time to be mindful of the common good and of the future of all our people.
"I am pleased to say that collectively we have created the potential to build a new, harmonious and equitable relationship between nationalists and republicans and unionists, as well as the rest of the people of the island of Ireland.
"Sinn Fein will take nothing for granted in the days and weeks ahead but we will do all that we can to ensure a successful outcome and we ask everyone to support us in our efforts."
3 comments:
Where I live there is a sizeable Basque population. There are Basque museums, festivals, restaurants, etc. It's intriguing to me how people in the US are so supportive of a group of people who historically have been violent. I'm not saying that all are, by any means. I just think it's interesting how in this country how some ethnic groups of people really suffer for being a certain type of person (for example from an Arab/Muslim country), known for a history of terrorism recently, while another group (Basque) isn't. I don't know if that makes sense.
I wonder how similar the two situations are. Thoughts?
Here's a link to recent Basque stuff. http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/
newsdesk/L27190519.htm
I hope the Oyrish finally get it together over the long haul.
Pete
I do too Pete. I am not too bothered over unification (it could bankrupt the Republic, celtic tiger or no cletic Tiger!) I want to se peace and prosperity.
Interesting point Elizabeth. Historically Ireland suffered grievously at the hands of Britain, the Basques were repressed in Spain (they seem to be rather quieter on the French side of the border - I think the French took a "Don't bomb us, no trouble" attitude for a long time).
Both Ireland and the Basque country have specific national identities and and a defined and undisputed area that could be called Basque or Irish.
However, none of that condones the actions of the IRA or ETA though. The teary eyed 4th 5th and 6th generation descendants of emigrants needed to take the rose tinted view of the "old country" off and look at the reality of the armed struggle. That seems to have happened to a large extent with the Irish community (or so it seems from here - I could be very wrong!)since 9/11. Noraid doesnt seem to havethe support is once appeared to have. I really don't know if Basque americans ever had a parallel organisation to Noraid. I hope not.
Neither ETA nor the IRA ecver posed a threat to the USA. Therein lies the difference in attitiude, though both organisations rightly became proscribed
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