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Talks that reveal the war has melted away
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
Whether it happens today or whether it happens soon, loyalists at the most senior political and paramilitary level are now ready to meet a key figure in the IRA’s war and peace.
And meetings such as this are yet another confirmation that that war is now over.
The big decision to meet has been made — and what remains to be settled are the where and when. Martin McGuinness is available today.
When it happens, it won’t be a cosy conversation. These two sides have been in different trenches for too long.
The loyalists have their issues and concerns — the highest level of dissident republican activity in recent years, and the future of the political institutions at Stormont.
And Martin McGuinness will want to talk to the UDA about their continuing activities and what still needs to be done on the issue of arms.
But in meetings at this level you see the war melting away.
There have been other big steps.
Gerry Adams attending the funeral of loyalist leader David Ervine in east Belfast. Jackie McDonald sharing a platform with the republican Sean ‘Spike’ Murray at this year’s West Belfast Festival.
But Martin McGuinness — that man of war and peace — meeting a loyalist delegation that is expected to include senior UDA figures takes this to another level.
We shouldn’t have to wait much longer for the moment.
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William
Time for a reality check. From Nelson Mandela to the early leaders of the Jewish state, to at least half a dozen former British colonies, terrorists/fighters for justice, ended up ruling, and often not just 2nd in command.
Move into the real world, or let it flow over you, the choice is yours.
Posted by Fair Play | 17.12.09, 04:57 GMT
If the shankill butchers were still alive and had been democratically voted into Stormont then Yes the people of the North would have to accept them as a member of a legitimate political institution. People who disapprove of them can elect a representative to oppose and challenge them in an elected assembly. People who simply refuse to recognise them as being a democratic party are the very people who will only serve to legitimise violence as an alternative to politics, so William I hope this helps explain things a little better in your very small and narrow minded head of how democracy works.
Posted by belfastpete | 16.12.09, 16:56 GMT
war melting away??? It's not consociationalism and meeting at those levels to show that the 'war had melted away'. When will the interface wall and gates in Belfast be removed? When will we be able to get a taxi to a part of the city 'on the other side' without getting suspicious looks from taxi drivers? Tha's the day when the war will have melted away. And, unfortunately, it still seems faraway.
Posted by NicoleBelfast | 16.12.09, 16:31 GMT
This is another good news story for Northern Ireland, its just a shame we have had to wait this long. Conflict Transformation is a delicate process and needs caution but as we see delay after delay and foot dragging in political circles people with an active game plan to destroy our Peace are building support. We need faster movement in our tribes ot talk and act on issues that unite us other than the things that keep us apart! I hope this meeting happens tonight so another bit of our Peace Process is fastened tight and built apon.
Posted by Stephen Blacker | 16.12.09, 14:56 GMT
"killing innocent people is not war its murder". I take your point William, I really do and I agree, killing innocent people is murder. But in your other posts you are very 'pro' the 'wars' in afghanistan and Iraq. What's the difference there? Why are these not acts of mass murder in your eyes? After all the greatest count of fatalities in these two countries are civillians.
Posted by In The Name Of The Fada | 16.12.09, 14:18 GMT
To newry citizen why not reverse your argument and embrace the british traditions and cultures !!!!!!!
as for trust we will wait and see on that one !!!!!!
Posted by community worker | 16.12.09, 13:43 GMT
Top representatives meeting is a huge milestone for building better community relations by the main leaderships. Let the loyalists see that nationalists aim to preserve and share in unionist and protestant culture. Protestant traditions add to the cultural affluence of Ireland as a nation, can the protestant traditions take a leap of faith into One Ireland and secure its values and integrity in the annals of history......setting an example to the rest of the war torn regions of the world. As Kenneth said ''I'm a protestant man, and, I am an Irishman!''
Posted by newry citizen | 16.12.09, 12:45 GMT
killing innocent people is not war its murder, that a muderer can benifit from his actions no matter from which side is wrong ,would it be right for shankill butchers to be in stormont no more so than a self confessed provo
Posted by william | 16.12.09, 11:34 GMT