I think a lot of their success last year was down to the fact that they presented a host of young, dynamic candidates to the voter, who supposedly represented a Sinn Fein that was a sophisticated post-troubles party. I remember there was a lot of debate during the local and European elections, with people being interviewed claiming that their vote for Sinn Fein was based on real political issues, and that they did not think of the party as being the political wing of a terrorist organization. At that point, we were also getting geared up for the latest round of talks, which at that point held the promise of a final settlement, complete with total decomissioning. Sinn Fein looked to have a big future last summer, which is why it has been astonishing not only to witness the huge backlash over the past month, but also to wonder why in the hell did Adams and McGuinness, as has been alleged, give their consent for the robbery?
It amazes me to see Adams marching with thugs in fatigues chanting IRA, and then to have the gall to say that SF are seperate from the IRA!
Just on another topic. On a trip abroad last week, I had the unfortunate experience of bumping into a drunken hardened loyalist while between planes. He recognized my accent and hurled the most offensive abuse at me in a crowded place. I came across this alot when I worked in a London pub so it didn't phase me. But it does remind me of how sick these people are too - and how some posters here on FR while rightfully decrying the sinn fein, have an affinity with there psychopaths