In a column in last nights Belfast Telegraph–Thursday 11th April-Gerry Adams–IRA man–former Sinn Fein president and current TD for County Louth, gives an opinion on how governments have failed to honour obligations on crucial issues. His take on the GFA 15 years on is that we have “stable power sharing arrangements and political institutions that are working and continue to enjoy popular support”. Arrangements being the operative word here. What we have all these years later is certainly an arrangement–one between the $inners–who beforehand were totally opposed to administering British rule, but obviously dont have a problem now after they have discovered how lucrative it can be–and The Dupe$-who collectivelly would sell their souls to the devil–or highest bidder-an arrangement that is very cosy and will see both sets of lovers tucked up in that King sized bed that is Stormont for the forseeable future.
Adams continues in a similar vein where basically he copper fastens the old tenet”Dont let the truth get in the way of a good yarn”. On this occasion he would have us believe that the Good Friday Agreement and the subsequent events since have given us ” an example of how deep rooted conflicts can be resolved”. You’re having a laugh Gerry? What the GFA and its aftermath has delivered to the already beleagured working class areas throughout Northern Ireland is more of the same and in many cases worse doses of it. Can we honestly say that post GFA that we are less sectarian than we were? That we are less suspicious of the “other side”? Flags issues–the perennial parading issues–accusations of discriminatory tactics by ” both sides”–acute polarisation within the working classes–and particularly from protestant/unionist working class claims of being misled by elected representatives and of feeling disenfranchised. Working class areas throughout Northern Ireland and Belfast in particular are most assuredly no better off than they were a decade and a half ago–despite what Mr. Adams says. Perhaps if we are told something often enough then we will believe it. Gerry argues that since the agreement Unionist leadership has sought to minimise the implementation of the agreement whilst republicans have argued for maximum implementation. When it suits Gerry. He blaims failures of both British and Irish governments to implement certain issues–a Bill of Rights for instance. For the north of Ireland he says..not Northern Ireland where his party help administer British rule. And pointedly he also asks that issues such as an independent inquiry into Pat Finucanes death should be addressed along with the abuse of human rights–quoting examples like martin Corey and Marion Price–nut unashamedly leaving out clerical abuse–I wonder why–or the ongoing witch hunt by the HET inpursuit of elderly loyalist ex combatants. But as always in good stories the best is left to last. The punch line if you like. I quote…” But it is in respect of a victim centered truth and reconciliation process that much work still needs to be done”. Yes..he wants an Independent International Truth Commission set up where governments and ex combatants need to be part of the process. Their can be no heriarchy of victims he says. And you know what Gerry? Virtually every reader would agree with all of these sentiments. That is if they thought you were genuine and not lying through your bushy beard. Lead by example on this Gerry….start telling the truth on matters such as membership of the IRA—your continuing role as a senior figure in the Army Council long after the ceasefires and GFA—your involvement in atrocities like La Mon and Bloody Sunday–your role as chief judge/jury/executioner in the saga of the so called disappeared. Hold your hands up to the McConville family and tell the TRUTH around the disappearence of their mother over 40 years ago. Until you do it is highly unlikely that anyone in this country could give any credibility to you even uttering the word.
