SF takes over traditional IRA message

IN a sign of the changing times, the Easter message published in the Republican newspaper An Phoblacht was delivered not by the Provisional IRA but by Sinn Féin.

It is the first time in decades that the message has not been delivered by the armed wing and is intended as a sign that mainstream Republicanism is no longer interested in pursuing British withdrawal through the force.

However, for a number of years the IRA message has advocated purely peaceful means. While Sinn Féin used the publication to commend those who “gave their lives for Irish freedom” and to re-declare its determination to secure a united Ireland, it also attacked dissident Republicans in the light of recent killings of security forces.