Top Issue 1-2024

11 September 1997 Edition

Resize: A A A Print

Who fears to talk?

If, as now seems likely, Unionists refuse to participate in face-to-face negotiations next Monday it will prove to the world who is serious about peace. Unionists have huffed and puffed for years about peace but now that it is time to put up or shut up, they have been struck dumb.

That will be no surprise to anyone who has taken even the slightest objective interest in Irish politics over the last years. Monday may well prove that Unionists are so afraid of change that they are willing to delay the best chance of peace this country has seen in many generations.

Everyone is involved in negotiations



Republicans are ready to put their case for self-determination, for justice and freedom at the all-party talks. The leadership of Sinn Féin has worked tirelessly to create the conditions for meaningful negotiations and they are prepared for tough talks. But negotiations are not a spectator sport. There are many issues about which nationalists must urgently protest. Not least, the issue of prisoners must be highlighted. That can begin on Sunday when Saoirse will hold a march and rally in Belfast. The Saoirse campaign are calling for a huge turnout. The prisoners deserve that those calls be answered.

Time for Scotland



Today the people of Scotland have the chance to vote for a devolved parliament. They should do so in overwhelming numbers. The proposed parliament is not Scottish independence and there are many limitations to its power which will be distasteful to any Scottish republican. But an overwhelming majority will be the first step to winning the full independence which Scotland needs and which is its right.

An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland