3 September 1998 Edition
Agreement must now be implemented
Sinn Féin took further important steps this week to move the peace process forward. Their series of initiatives are designed to open the way for the construction of the institutions which form the heart of the Good Friday Agreement.
In line with the historic trend of the peace process Sinn Féin has once again taken the lead in forging a political route out of conflict. It is now time for David Trimble and his Unionist party to recognise that the only way forward is by way of an inclusive process. It is time for him to deliver.
Sinn Fein has been consistent in their strategy. It is aimed at removing the causes of conflict in Ireland. They cannot do that on their own, despite what most of the media and politicians say. Conflict resolution must include British demilitarisation and it must include a Unionist acceptance of Sinn Féin's mandate. There must be no more excuses. It is now time for those who constantly evade their responsibilities to move forward.
The most worrying aspect of the new repressive laws currently going through Westminster and Leinster House is the powers being given to the RUC and the Garda.
Both these forces will soon have power to imprison someone on the word of their own officers, with minimal corroboration, which could be further evidence from the RUC and Garda themselves. Anyone with the slightest working knowledge of these two forces knows that these laws will certainly be abused. Moreover, far from being targeted at the so-called Real IRA, the net will almost certainly be widened. State forces given powers such as these will be endlessly creative in applying them. Innocent people will be among those to suffer.
The irony is that the new laws will not have their intended effect. All talk of ``combatting evil'' is so much rhetoric. The problem is a political problem. The only effective way to defeat those who would wreck the peace process is to push forward with the political process. After thirty years is it too much to ask that the two governments learn that simple lesson?
In line with the historic trend of the peace process Sinn Féin has once again taken the lead in forging a political route out of conflict. It is now time for David Trimble and his Unionist party to recognise that the only way forward is by way of an inclusive process. It is time for him to deliver.
Sinn Fein has been consistent in their strategy. It is aimed at removing the causes of conflict in Ireland. They cannot do that on their own, despite what most of the media and politicians say. Conflict resolution must include British demilitarisation and it must include a Unionist acceptance of Sinn Féin's mandate. There must be no more excuses. It is now time for those who constantly evade their responsibilities to move forward.
RUC and Garda will abuse powers
The most worrying aspect of the new repressive laws currently going through Westminster and Leinster House is the powers being given to the RUC and the Garda.
Both these forces will soon have power to imprison someone on the word of their own officers, with minimal corroboration, which could be further evidence from the RUC and Garda themselves. Anyone with the slightest working knowledge of these two forces knows that these laws will certainly be abused. Moreover, far from being targeted at the so-called Real IRA, the net will almost certainly be widened. State forces given powers such as these will be endlessly creative in applying them. Innocent people will be among those to suffer.
The irony is that the new laws will not have their intended effect. All talk of ``combatting evil'' is so much rhetoric. The problem is a political problem. The only effective way to defeat those who would wreck the peace process is to push forward with the political process. After thirty years is it too much to ask that the two governments learn that simple lesson?