SF decision offers hope to all sides

IT was a great relief that Sinn Féin, through a combination of skill and determination, had persuaded its membership to vote in favour of the party’s motion supporting a new era in policing in Northern Ireland.

It would be churlish not to express admiration for a leadership which enabled such a successful conclusion following an openly democratic process involving all members.

How many other political parties promote the same degree of hard-hitting and challenging debate among their members, free to express the kind of dissent that makes such a valuable contribution to debate.

Anyone who has taken the trouble to study the bitter history of division in Ireland will know the task ahead for Sinn Féin will be no easier than the one now facing the DUP leadership.

The management of the Sinn Féin árdfheis and its successful outcome will have been hard for many unionists to accept, especially for those who have had family members killed or disabled during the long years of violent conflict.

Whatever our background, it is beholden on all of us to acknowledge the hurt we have done to each other and, in so doing, to take account of the people most emotionally affected by Sinn Féin’s momentous decision.

There is now a chance to build the confidence of all of the people of Ireland so they may perceive change as a challenge to be overcome by democratic and accountable legal means rather than as a threat to be resolved by force of arms. We have had enough of that.

John Robb

Consensor Wes Holmes

Secretary

New Ireland Group

Hopefield Ave

Portrush

Co Antrim