Top Issue 1-2024

15 April 2004 Edition

Resize: A A A Print

A game of double standards, anyone?

Last week, a Sunday newspaper reported that the North's Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC) has adopted a "blood and thunder" approach towards IRA activity. The report went on to say that the British Government is let off the hook again in the IMC's soon to be published report, because it contains no formal yardstick by which to judge demilitarisation.

A good observation — but not news to republicans. We are well used to the double standards of the British Government, which is more than capable of rewriting or reworking laws to avoid having to answer questions about its own behaviour.

Take, for example, the Pat Finucane case. The British Government narrowly dodged a public inquiry into the Belfast solicitor's death — an inquiry which, when it does eventually take place, will have far-reaching consequences — using an ongoing criminal investigation into the case as an excuse.

However, not one to let their own rules stand in the way, the British have demanded that the IMC produce a report into the alleged kidnapping incident involving Bobby Tohill and make it public, despite that fact that four men are awaiting trial relating to that matter.

Confused, anybody?

Some people claim that non-existent IRA activity is the reason the Peace Process has stalled. Yet, since 1998 the IRA has made enormous gestures for the Peace Process, including maintaining its cessation and engaging in several acts of decommissioning.

Loyalist violence has remained at a steady level, and at times increased. In fact, throughout the alleged loyalist ceasefire, many people have been killed. Both governments and the IMC seem willing to overlook that small fact.

Republican politicians have worked hard at the Peace Process. Unionists have consistently refused to work the North's institutions, as set up by the GFA.

It was as a result of unionist refusal to participate that the two governments created the Joint Declaration. Republicans welcomed many parts of the declaration (particularly those that recommitted to the Good Friday Agreement), but pointed out that the IMC, included in its proposals, stood well outside the terms of the initial agreement. With its ability to unilaterally expel members of the Assembly, republicans feared that it would be used to alienate them from the political institutions. They were right.

The double standards in operation here are very obvious for all to see. The British cannot have it both ways. They either believe that an outside inquiry into an incident jeopardises a trial or they don't.


An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland