Blair and the unionists facing moment of truth
We republicans have always been willing to talk on the basis that we would be part of inclusive negotiations aimed at removing the causes of the conflict.
We accept that we have to take some pain and some historic steps such as the movement of the IRA on the arms issue. Sadly, however, the views of the British government and of unionism have failed to evolve in tandem with the changing political landscape.
Tony Blair has faltered at times when breakthroughs seemed imminent by yielding to the unionist veto.
The unionist mindset remains unchanged - intransigent, uncooperative and intent on preserving the status quo. They remain unwilling to share power with republicans and see the eradication of the IRA as the only thing worth talking about.
The Good Friday agreement is the generally accepted framework for progress. It is up to the British government to make unionism as accountable to the process as everyone else.
If real progress is to be made then the option of collapsing the process when the going gets tough has to be removed from unionist hands.
We have already shown that we are willing to make sacrifices to further the political agenda. Will the British government show the leadership required to end the impasse? Will unionism mature politically? Only September will tell.
Darren O’Keeffe
Leesdale
Model Farm Road
Cork
