Linking criminality to republicanism is wrong
It is an attempt to demonise all those who hold strong traditional republican views. No one condones cold blooded murder by criminals as in this case, but common sense must also be brought into play; it is certainly not in the interests of true republicans to tarnish their cause. The age old aspiration of the Irish people to a new and united Ireland should not be demonised by those institutions engaged in the normalising of British rule in Ireland. The fact is partition is still in force, our country is divided and the six counties are occupied by British troops. A former commissioner is on record as saying that for as long as British troops are in Ireland, there will be an IRA to oppose them.
The aspiration to a new and united Ireland is still a valid political objective.
