A mandate of sorts: The republican story

WITH reference to Cal Hyland’s letter (Irish Examiner, January 6), I think it is hypocritical to condemn violence while being prepared to benefit from its fruits by living in a state which gained independence largely thought its use.

I agree that republicans had a mandate of sorts from the 1918 general election, though it is doubtful if the electorate were fully aware of what they were voting for.

It would have been difficult for republicans to obtain a mandate during the most recent phase of their campaign, since both governments saw fit to ban Sinn Féin.