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.
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?
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