Struggle will re-ignite in Derry

A republican group in Derry has predicted that the conflict will begin again in the city as the conditions return for armed struggle.

Members of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement said there's widespread acceptance that support for armed struggle doesn't exist now, but the situation is changing.

"It all started in Derry and it's going to re-start in Derry," said a party spokesman. "We won't have to create the conditions for it - the British and others will do that."

The spokesman, from the new Phil O'Donnell cumann of the 32 CSM in the Shantallow area, said the issues of prisoners, 'interment on remand' and harassment were unifying republicans behind an alternative.

He said members of dissident groupings were coming closer to agreement about a new way forward in republicanism.

"Republicans involved with groups such as 32CSM, the IRSP, the Republican Network for Unity and various other smaller groupings are realising they have much more in common than dividing them," he said. "That's the fear for Sinn Fein. You could see significant movement before the end of the year."

He said anyone looking for evidence should check out those involved in last weekend's 'interment on remand' protest in Derry.

He said many ex-republican prisoners were not yet involved but were leaning towards an alternative to Sinn Fein.

The 32CSM spokesman added that that Sinn Fein members no longer have credibility in dealing with problems with anti-social behaviour.

"I was involved with Sinn Fein in dealing with anti-social behaviour and we were told fifteen years ago we could no longer do anything about it," he said. "If Sinn Fein activists go up to young people in the Bogside they're just told to f*** off. But they'll listen to a 32 CSM activist because we don't talk down to them.

"It's not about going in breaking legs or shooting people, it's about getting involved in a way that people benefit."

The Phil O'Donnell cumann are to open an office shortly at Knockalla Park, operating in the afternoons from Monday to Friday. Party members say it's to deal with growing demand.

The spokesman said there was real concern in local communities about anti-social behaviour.

He said the police couldn't have credibility when they were still trying to recruit informers.

"If there are people shot dead as a result of informing on any organisation, then the responsibility lies with the PSNI," he said.

Urgent Appeal