19 March 1998 Edition
RUC must go
Unionism's dismissal of nationalist demands regarding the need for radical change in relation to policing in the Six Counties is looking increasingly untenable in light of pending revelations regarding the RUC.
A book to be published in the United States next month reveals more information about the existence of an inner circle of RUC officers which colluded with senior unionist politicians and members of the loyalist death squads, including former LVF leaders Billy Wright, in the assassination of nationalists.
The book, The Committee, will blow the lid on RUC collusion with loyalist death squads. It will also show links between senior Unionists and the death squads.
Also next month a United Nations report into the treatment of defence lawyers will highlight RUC harassment of solicitors including the use of death threats, and possibly further evidence of collusion with loyalist killer gangs.
As each day goes by the credibility of the RUC goes from bad to worse. This makes the fact that it was the word of the RUC which was the cue for Sinn Féin's expulsion from political talks, all the more ludicrous and unjustifiable.
The least nationalists expect from any political agreement is that issues such as their own personal security be taken seriously. For anybody to suggest that nationalists should accept or be party to an agreement which leaves the RUC intact is not serious about achieving a peaceful or negotiated agreement.
Defending the maintenance of the RUC and Royal Irish Regiment must now be dropped in a serious attempt at moving towards a position which can find some support within the nationalist community.
If Unionist political leaders,, despite all that has transpired regarding the unacceptability of the RUC and the existence of crown force collusion in loyalist murder campaigns, are still not prepared to face the reality that fundamental reappraisal of the policing situation is required, then the two governments must act to deal with this running sore.
A book to be published in the United States next month reveals more information about the existence of an inner circle of RUC officers which colluded with senior unionist politicians and members of the loyalist death squads, including former LVF leaders Billy Wright, in the assassination of nationalists.
The book, The Committee, will blow the lid on RUC collusion with loyalist death squads. It will also show links between senior Unionists and the death squads.
Also next month a United Nations report into the treatment of defence lawyers will highlight RUC harassment of solicitors including the use of death threats, and possibly further evidence of collusion with loyalist killer gangs.
As each day goes by the credibility of the RUC goes from bad to worse. This makes the fact that it was the word of the RUC which was the cue for Sinn Féin's expulsion from political talks, all the more ludicrous and unjustifiable.
The least nationalists expect from any political agreement is that issues such as their own personal security be taken seriously. For anybody to suggest that nationalists should accept or be party to an agreement which leaves the RUC intact is not serious about achieving a peaceful or negotiated agreement.
Defending the maintenance of the RUC and Royal Irish Regiment must now be dropped in a serious attempt at moving towards a position which can find some support within the nationalist community.
If Unionist political leaders,, despite all that has transpired regarding the unacceptability of the RUC and the existence of crown force collusion in loyalist murder campaigns, are still not prepared to face the reality that fundamental reappraisal of the policing situation is required, then the two governments must act to deal with this running sore.