***Lonely Dissident Republican Group—Sadly Misunderstood—Must be Listened to—Very Few Friends—Will Travel Long Distance to be Offended:
Once every four years The Olympic Games take place. An event universally accepted as the greatest sporting spectacle on Earth. An event that originates in Ancient Greece and was revised in the late 1800’s by Pierre de Coubertin. An event that is much sought after as a host event for cities around the globe—occasions that have the capability of bringing much prestige—and revenue—to those lucky enough to be chosen. It is arguably the most watched event of any year and is eagerly anticipated by billions of people.
The last time the Olympics came to Great Britain and Ireland was in 1948 and was a huge success in the post war era and did much to higher morale of the War weary population. After many attempts to secure an Olympic bid Great Britain once again struck Gold for 2012. The interest has been phenomenal and the expectations for a successful Games is palpable. For weeks now the display of the Olympic Torch—a traditional event that heralds the approaching Games—has taken place throughout the mainland and has—since Sunday—arrived in Ireland. Huge crowds have taken to the streets to welcome the symbolic beacon and men and women of all walks of life have taken turns in relaying it around the island. With an enormous amount of pride, it must be added.
How sad then that the event, which is being closely followed around the world was marred by the actions of a lunatic fringe masquerading as Republicans. But then again going by recent history most shades of Republicanism can easily find something to complain about. They have perfected “gurning” into an Art form. Their beef this time is the mistreatment of prisoners currently in Maghaberry. Of course everyone has the legal right to protest—so long as it is done in a peaceful manner and no laws are broken. Protesting in front of such an event as the Olympic Torch ceremony—and blocking the planned route was bound to cause disruption and lead to the attempted removal of the morons involved. Of course the reasoning behind the protest was to maximise publicity and this they have achieved. But for all the wrong reasons. Their shameful actions have shown them up for the idiotic deluded people they are—ones who believe that they have anything to offer the community—theirs, or anyone else’s. What brand of dissident do they represent I wonder? Is it the gangster riddled one who go through a change in personnel the way a normal person would go through underwear—or perhaps the one who now offer the service of kneecapping by appointment? By their actions–these zealots who are representative of no-one of importance–have sullied the memory of great and worthy past Olympians who make the rest of us very proud–people like Michael Carruth and Mary Peters. How do they feel on witnessing protests such as this?
Mark Durkan has recorded his disgust at the actions and Gregory Campbell has labelled them as pathetic. Campbell is also very right when he says that there is no reasoning with these sorts of people. They belong in a different place and certainly have no part to play in the new emerging cross-cultural society we are now witnessing.
