Is it because SF find violence so revolting?
If so, then it is a new-found principle given their refusal to condemn the IRA’s campaign of terror before the ceasefire and its vigilante activity and punishment beatings since.
Is it due to their anti-Americanism? If so, how do they reconcile this with their courting of the Irish-American business community for support, succour and funds?
Is it just an anti-British army stance? If so, they are following the old Mafia mantra: “The enemy of my enemy is my friend!”
Is it because of their passionate belief in neutrality? If so, then it is at variance with the philosophy they adopted during World War II.
Back then they wanted us to come in on the German side. So much for Sinn Fein’s long-standing commitment to neutrality.
Or is it just like their euro scepticism, merely an exercise in opportunism. I suspect it is and believe they have damaged the cause they now embrace.
Derek Mooney,
10 Eglinton Wood,
Donnybrook,
Dublin 4.
