IRA accuses govts of attempt to demonise republicans

The Provisional IRA has accused the Irish and British governments of attempting to criminalise and demonise republicans while pandering to the demands of hardline unionists.

In its new year message, published today, the IRA said the repeated rejection of the “substantial” contribution it had made to the peace process was creating deep anger among republicans.

It said it was prepared to commit itself to solely peaceful activities and put all its arms beyond use, but this was being held up by “an unachievable demand for humiliation”, referring to the unionist demand for photographic evidence of decommissioning.

The IRA said it would never accept a situation where the Irish and British governments continually pandered to the “rejectionist” agenda of certain unionists.

“We want to see peace on the island of Ireland and among all the Irish people, but a just and lasting peace is only possible on the basis of equality,” the IRA statement said.

“The days of inequality and of discrimination are over. There must be an end to bigotry, sectarianism and racism.”

The IRA also rejected claims that it is involved in criminal activity.

Here is the statement, carried in the republican newspaper An Phoblacht, in full:

“The leadership of Oglaigh na hEireann sends New Year greetings to our Volunteers and to our friends and supporters at home and abroad.

“We extend solidarity to our imprisoned comrades and their families.

“Time and again over the past 10 years the IRA has demonstrated its commitment to the Peace Process. On occasion, our initiatives have stretched the discipline and patience of our Volunteers and the wider republican base. To their credit, they have remained steadfast.

“We set out the contribution we are prepared to make to a comprehensive agreement to resolve all outstanding issues. This included moving into a new mode which reflects our determination to see the transition to a totally peaceful society and also concluding the process to completely and verifiably put all our arms beyond use.

“All of this is being prevented by an unachievable demand for humiliation.

“The rejection of our substantial contributions has created a deep anger within the republican and nationalist communities and indeed, it has generated significant frustration.

“We want to see peace on the island of Ireland and among all the Irish people. But a just and lasting peace is only possible on the basis of equality. The days of inequality and of discrimination are over. There must be an end to bigotry, sectarianism and racism.

“Pandering by the two governments, once again, to a rejectionist approach by a unionist leader will not work. The IRA will not accept it.

“We reject recent attempts to criminalise our Volunteers. Through two decades, central to Britain’s policy in Ireland was the strategy of demonising and criminalising republicans. In prisons and on the streets, similar attempts and tactics were smashed, most notably by our comrades on hunger strike in 1981. Current attempts by those hostile to republicanism will also fail.

“We commend our Volunteers and our support base. Their patience and discipline have been among our greatest strengths. We share a vision for the future.

“This vision includes the unity and independence of Ireland.

“While a Peace Process can produce an accommodation, and the IRA is prepared to assist this process, Irish unity and independence provides the best context for the people of this island to live together in harmony and prosperity.

“We remain committed to our republican objectives.

P O’Neill, Irish Republican Publicity Bureau Dublin.”