Sinn Féin ban?
Britain's colonial boss in the Six Counties, Tom King, has
revealed that he is examining ways to ``shut out Sinn Féin''. His
comments on Tuesday are seen as part of an effort to encourage
loyalists into entering into discussions with the SDLP and to
give up their disruption campaign in the North's 26 local
councils.
Coming from the man who has responsibility for defending British
interests in Ireland and has at his disposal an array of
repressive powers comparable to any in South Africa and a
military force which openly uses brutality and shoot-to-kill
policies as part of its formidable arsenal, King's opinion of
Sinn Féin will find little sympathy within the nationalist
community in the North.
According to reports in the media, it appears the British are
considering restrictions designed to exclude Sinn Féin from the
councils rather than an outright ban.
Several proposals are apparently under active consideration,
including one which would prevent anyone standing or election who
supports ``violence or unlawful acts''. Another idea being mooted
would involve prospective or successful candidates signing a
declaration renouncing `violence'.
It is not clear how these would cope with unionist support for
demonstrations which deliberately break the new public order
legislation, or the refusal of unionists to pay rates, licence
fees or car tax, not to mention `day of action' protests or
cooperating with organisations like the UDA.
Phoblacht 23 July 1987
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