IRA 'has ceased its criminality' (more lies)

BBC News ^ | Tuesday, 25 July 2006 | Not stated

[Mac1]

"I think the IRA has higher aims than mere gangsterism - they want to overthrow Irish democracy,"

I think that you are right except that this is less likely than ever to happen. As I understand it, things have never been better for Ireland right now (both sides of the border) especially regarding standards of living. Things are just not the same as they were in say, the 1960s. Quite a lot of these benefits IMO depends on Ireland's relations with the rest of the (free) world. In other words, outside factors prevent PIRA from achieving its aims. I believe it could no more achieve those aims you describe any more than South Africa could go back to Apartheid white rule, Germany go back to Nazism. Its possible, but I think Ireland would be looking at a civil war type/middle east/african crisis for it to happen.

[Irish_Thatcherite]

I think that you are right except that this is less likely than ever to happen. As I understand it, things have never been better for Ireland right now (both sides of the border) especially regarding standards of living. Things are just not the same as they were in say, the 1960s.

Yeah, true - but the prosperity has brought about a lot of voter apathy, here - and people with a comfortable standard of living think they are immune from turbulent times.

Quite a lot of these benefits IMO depends on Ireland's relations with the rest of the (free) world. In other words, outside factors prevent PIRA from achieving its aims. I believe it could no more achieve those aims you describe any more than South Africa could go back to Apartheid white rule, Germany go back to Nazism.

That is true - it would depend on the international outlook, whether a blind-eye be turned, or pressure applied.

Its possible, but I think Ireland would be looking at a civil war type/middle east/african crisis for it to happen.

I think that's kinda what I'm saying - Sinn Fein could cause hassle here, even if they don't completely subvert Irish democracy - and I think this country is heading for civil unrest, if not a second Civil War if SF/IRA's rise remains unchecked.

I think, regarding the two governments delusional statement about the IRA 'ending' criminality - it more or less means Bertie Ahern will form a coalition with SF after the next election - we'll see what happens then.