Comments on The Pensive Quill: Watch The Beetles Scuttle

Westie, I think younger more recent recruits to...

2009-08-27T06:11:04.483+01:00

Westie,
I think younger more recent recruits to 'the struggle'?? have less to battle with concience wise than us older people who lived through it all. I'm not from a dyed in the wool Republican family where it was like a family business or traditionn to be 'involved.' I never had that luxury. I was also more AGAINST the Unionist Taliban than for a Socialist Republic. But I don't think I'm mentally as fit as you are regardless of age because the mental gymnastics is giving my wee brain a cramp trying to square all the duplicity.
For example recent street theatrics and a 'real' incident in Armagh left Conor Murphy and the party looking daft. To be engaged in glorification on the one hand and condemnation on the other is mind numbing. Why not really go for it and suggest Denis Donaldson should not have resigned from the party but instead held up as a role model and been nominated as the first IRA man on the policing board? WHY NOT??
I genuinely hope SF succeed in getting the best possible deal for ALL N. Ireland citizens and wish you every success in persuit of that noble objective. But no offence Westie street theatre doesn't make me want to stick my chest out with pride-gloryfying how great the 'RA were,it's a reminder of a total and shameless surrender. I wish Adams and Mc Guinness would stop rubbing our noses in it-those of us who can see the wood for the trees that is.

Westie, no to your credit you did not over react t...

2009-08-26T22:55:14.375+01:00

Westie, no to your credit you did not over react to the criticism. I just thought it was a bit unfair to you.

On having respect for people's views - I think we respect the right for people to have views but there is no reason why we should respect the views they hold.

I think your last post just about summed things up - the IRA campaign failed lamentably.

As a result republicanism has gone out the window. SF are now into reformism pure and simple. Not being a revolutionary myself I am not going to lambast a reformist strategy for the sake of it. But there is nothing wrong with holding to the basic republican tenet that reformism will never deliver a united Ireland.

One problem I have is why SF continue to pretend they are into the business of revolution.

Talk again

Anthony

Anthony Just on the point of Padraig's speech...

2009-08-26T22:36:46.429+01:00

Anthony

Just on the point of Padraig's speech - I didn't mean to portray a simple argument that because he and other good guys are saying things, that they have to be right.

However, at the same time, their opinion and stance has to be respected in the same way as others, especially those who through their experiences and sacrafices, have earned the right to say whether they believe their actions and lives were worthy and necessary.

I think the fact that such guys remain politically active is testament to their lifelong dedication to something that they believe in, and wish nothing more than to see through to a fitting ending for themselves and their comrades, from whichever quarter they came from or moved towards.

There are many such men and women, who you don't necessarily see on TV or the newspapers but who continue to be a major part of the wider republican movement that would be aligned with the SF perspective.

I am content and proud to work alongside these people, as well as those in position of leadership throughout the actual party.

Slán

Westie

ps no worries about playing with the big boys - and didn't think I had over reacted to the 'criticism!ly to the

Larry Thank you for your misguided compliment if ...

2009-08-26T22:23:26.997+01:00

Larry

Thank you for your misguided compliment if you think I am younger than my years would suggest. (your comment about the attraction of youth and material to work with). I have been about for many's a year and have experienced a lot more than peacetime republicanism!

I do not share your view that I will be blackballed in any way for my participation on this site, maybe more naivety on my behalf?!

And finally, I do not agree that the IRA were at it's strongest in terms of capability or support when the discussions commenced about ceasefires and all that came thereafter. There may have been more weapons, but there was much more infiltration of the ranks, which were in themselves diminishing. in terms of quantity, and for fear of sounding arrogant, which I don't mean to be, quality. Personally, and not because the party says so, I think that was the right decision at the right time. You don't need to have an armed struggle to have a struggle and you don't need to win all wars by military means alone.

I believe that the armed struggle was necessary, kicking off with a means of defence of our communities in the late sixties through to a strategic armed campaign throughout the seventies and into the eighties in an effort to force britain to think about its continued presence in Ireland. Alas, it became ever more apparent that this was not going to achieve our aims and indeed was only going to result in more death and more jail with little benefits in return, which is why I think a new roadmap needed to be considered, and quickly.

The debate about the roadmap and the individual twists and turns that have arisen, I accept are up for debate, but not the original decision to end the military campaign.

Slán

Westie

I beg to disagree, SF ARE to blame for the failure...

2009-08-26T04:27:15.750+01:00

I beg to disagree, SF ARE to blame for the failure. The 'party' was never more than a mouthpiece for the IRA. Mc Guinness and Adams redirected all energies to popular electioneering. The IRA was a small group of unrepresentative patriots, who had the begrudging/tacit support of the population. The solitary man in the corner figure of the IRA volunteer? thankless cause? SF [ modern ] took an organisation that faught the brits with second rate weaponry for decades that had finally become well armed and had generated popular support after the hungerstrikes and laid it at the door of 10 downing street.
The Republican movement never had more support or weapons in 800 yrs of Irish history than it had when it was SOLD.
SF ARE to blame!

Seán Mór, 'I don't believe the Sinn Féin ...

2009-08-25T18:35:31.920+01:00

Seán Mór,

'I don't believe the Sinn Féin leadership are to blame for the failure... we did not have the backing of the Irish people, and we were largely cut off from the rest of nationalist/republican Ireland, both geographically and in terms of the time lapsed since partition. The Sinn Féin leadership are the product of a deeper failure, not the architects of it.'

As perceptive a comment as is out out there. I think the SF leadership is culpable for a lot of things but not for failing to win an unwinnable war.

Good article Mackers. I read it in History Ireland...

2009-08-23T18:55:36.960+01:00

Good article Mackers. I read it in History Ireland a couple of weeks ago. There is some succour to be taken from your point that the majority of informers probably started on this path under duress, insofar as it helps to understand the mindboggling sense of betrayal when one of our own turned out to be working for the other side. Given the fairly senior positions of some of the informers it is hard to avoid the conclusion that they must have had significant military and political impacts on the direction of the war and peace strategy. Minions like myself will probably never know the full impact. It should be taken as a fact that the British have informers and facilitators in every organisation on this island. But it would be equally important not to let this fact cripple us into paralysis, and incessant doubt, and wild unsubstantiated finger-pointing, which sometimes does happen.
It is clear to me now that we were not going to win the war anyway, even though for years I hoodwinked myself into thinking it was possible, and was in an environment in the Kesh where the more logical and realistic me was kept well in check. I don't believe the Sinn Féin leadership are to blame for the failure... we did not have the backing of the Irish people, and we were largely cut off from the rest of nationalist/republican Ireland, both geographically and in terms of the time lapsed since partition. The Sinn Féin leadership are the product of a deeper failure, not the architects of it. The same could be said of the various other traditional republican groups. We were always in a position of weakness, even if we didn't recognise it. And in this position, the informer can wreak twice as much havoc as he or she could in different circumstances.

I feel there's an innocence or [no disrespect ...

2009-08-23T12:01:07.854+01:00

I feel there's an innocence or [no disrespect intended here] nievety in Westies loyalty to the Party. Maybe that's why youth was always attractive to the movement? Fresh material to work with.If SF suss Westie's engaged in debate here it may end up in a less than pleasant experience. Like the 'cold shoulder' persona non grata and the black sheep/unclean syndrome all rolled into one.
Don't want to go into any more 'bashing'though I do feel my points have good merit and have not been addressed by anyone who can either explain either how I'm mistaken or explain why it's got to this. Let alone justify it all.
I enjoy this site because the articles are always an inspiring read and the people posting [whoever they may be] have good points to make and are worth logging in to catch up with.
Long may it continue...looking forward to the next post/article so we can get off the 'snitch' theme lol it gets everyones dander up!!

Hadn't the chance to follow this thread up unt...

2009-08-23T08:39:24.966+01:00

Hadn't the chance to follow this thread up until now. Didn't realise how intense it was. Westie, I thought you SF types were long since told to clear off!! Saw nothing in PW speech that would ease the misgivings of a doubter. Thinking something is worth it is a subjective matter. I might think a couple of quid is worth a pint, someone else might think a couple of hundred quid. The best way to measure is to contrast and compare; what did they promise to achieve as against what they delivered; what they said about others who pursued what they themselves have delivered. We have the much referred to classic case of the comment that there would never be IRA decommissioning because it would be surrender. When decommissioning happened, up went the shout from the same source, ‘no surrender.’ People judge these things for themselves.

Your argument It is authority based rather than reasoned. 'PW is a good guy therefore what he believes must also be good' type thing. Don't think it computes. One of the early arguments against the Provisional critique of the Sticks was that Goulding, McMillen, O’Hagan etc had all done time, were good men and would hardly be selling out. What they say must be sound. Didn’t turn out that way.

These things have to be evaluated on their own merits and internal consistencies.

The blog is not a SF bashing one even though did not make that accusation against it – at the same time it will not curb free expression by stopping those who wish to bash SF. I think some of the criticism of you on this thread was unfair and without justification but we play by big boys’ rules – knocks go with the turf.

Westie I was not having a go at your conviction b...

2009-08-22T16:47:33.051+01:00

Westie

I was not having a go at your conviction belief and integrity your comment was in general about the site and out of context with this article. What you said is as valid as any other comment; I have no problem with your opinion. No doubt you have the balls to take it; the line would have been different if you had directed your point at the few comments that prompted such a swift response/defense?
Having a go at the site instead of the few people commenting is hardly an objective? I took my time replying I was in no hurry to get into we agree on disagreement.
I have a couple of good friends who read the site who would agree with your view so not everyone has the SF bashing agenda for visiting/reading the articles.
I also know a few readers who don’t comment as they feel they would be out of their depth. That being my main reason for saying you are wrong about the site not on a personal level on the debate/argument grounds.
I agree the posts strayed far from the article I had posted what I thought would be my last comment just before you posted, the comments had run past their course. If anything I was expecting a socialist to condemn me for mentioning Stalin.
Though on saying that your comment sparked a new round and considering you took the time to answer me obviously a fair reply is in order.

I stated the party is trying to salvage a victory from defeat!
The very recent loss in the elections would be a clear indication of a party that over stretched itself running on the ticket of nationalism/republicanism and showing so poorly I don’t see my comment as beyond belief?
Is this part of the long term strategy if so it is not convincing, if you view fact and see it with idealism then naturally an opinion can seem distorted. I am not mocking the party the voters have spoken.
As for the long war of attrition we can agree it is and has been over?
Now the political war of attrition has replaced the military one.

Perhaps I am completely wrong in questioning the date 2016 would that not be a war cry? Certainly I would see the Unionists accepting that position as a threat because of the historical importance and implications the Easter Rising brings?
If that reads as a mockery as you point out then I am out of order.
Though I dislike pointing out the fact that Irish people were being murdered long before 1916 or is that also a mockery?

Certainly mistakes are made but it seems blunders are made and being made by the leadership of the party, a change would not be out of the question.
Who else is at fault for losing support for the party if not the leaders?

I went beyond my comment and comparison with Stalinist similarities class it as having a go. Though I will state again SF would do well gauging support based on SF bashing and legitimate critique.
We may not agree Westie but hopefully in our life time we can continue not agreeing under the same flag in a republic that so much has been lost for.

Well said Mick…I think Irish Republicanism will survive this minor spat.

I was looking through you tube and saw Martin Mc G...

2009-08-22T13:17:31.832+01:00

I was looking through you tube and saw Martin Mc Guinness stating very forcefully that no amount of votes or electoral success would ever remove the British from Ireland, it would be the cutting edge of the IRA that would do that.-then there was the traitors speech beside the PSNI cheif constable.
I cannot for the life of me see how anyone can square that. No shame in the man. Also I notice the Aran sweater has been dispensed with for the fine suit. Some 32 county soverenty people were also posted and talked quite a bit of sense in that SF will involve itself in the Policing board and present it to grass roots as another 'tactic'on the road to a united Ireland. If involved in UK politics then better whole duck than no dinner, but I can't watch them in action.
It's a very long way from Teebane to the policing board. It's not SF bashing I just fail to see how there's any point in continuing to give unquestionable loyalty to a deviation of that magnitude-it's stunning. Without a change in leadership!! The ability to do a 'full circle' like that makes me wonder about their integrity in days gone by. I wonder what the RUC/PSNI members think of Martin? [barge pole springs to mind]
I tried to copy paste the video's without success. But it's there on you tube. I agree with the notion of voting for genuine constitutional polititians. At least you know what you're dealing with. It's all very sad.
As one of the speakers said if SF think a 25 year war and all the pain and suffering was undertaken for a few seats in Stormont then they are very much mistaken. I'd have been better able to retain some respect if the Provo's had dumped weapons and admitted defeat with some dignity rather than the lies offensive they are still engaged in.
It's personal judgement. I saw steaknife and Donaldson on their too and for some reason the sound had been deleted..But 20 yrs with Donaldson and 25 with Steaknife. There's collusion for ya! As I said before it's the families of executed informers who I feel for.How must they feel looking at Mc Guinness talking like that. What an awful waste.
Put ya off politics period.

TP Sorry I misquoted you I was just taking a broa...

2009-08-22T12:19:15.152+01:00

TP
Sorry I misquoted you I was just taking a broad view of the Post plus all comments. The biggest problem with Sinn Fein is that the game of politics that they have had to take up is hard to play. Most people understand their problems but when the leadership make crazy statements that sound more Unionist than republican and people react does that mean we are bashing them. Opinions are healthy .I think that a change of leadership is long overdue, is it a case of nobody wants the “job”. Most times now when Martin and Gerry speak they sound like not only have they gone stale .but they sound so silly “a United Ireland by 2016” is but one example.

Comrades, Like old solders the world over, Irish ...

2009-08-22T12:15:40.469+01:00

Comrades,

Like old solders the world over, Irish republicans love to chew the fat and when doing so spit the gristle into the bin, and there is nothing wrong with that, but let me ask this.

Would you have preferred the PRM's campaign to have gone down in glorious defeat without a trace left within the body politic, bar the broken lives and cold graves. Or as things have turned out today, have the contradictory world of Irish republicanism still playing in all its forms, a role within both the political chancellories and increasingly once again the street.

Irish republicanism, due to the nature of its English foe has never been a one act game. As with all struggles to bring about human emancipation, we must always play the long game, for if we do not, when we suffer a defeat, a setback, or events have not gone as we would wish, we as individuals can so easily spiral down into despondency.

Lutta continua

Westie... I will respond to your comment as fairl...

2009-08-22T12:00:19.151+01:00

Westie...

I will respond to your comment as fairly as I can after I have a proper think.

I have some experience of SF tactics and have expe...

2009-08-22T11:47:34.646+01:00

I have some experience of SF tactics and have experienced them in action. The art of smearing everyone is very finely honed. I remember how the Relatives For Justice [a broad calition against supergrasses] was hijacked by SF in the Felons club in Andytown. Also the relatives for justice was in Lurgan/Craigavon was sabotaged by SF after false acusations that the door of a house that was used by all political groups had been left unlocked. Totally untrue but any excuse was enough to start a slanging match and leave relatives deflated and disgusted enough to walk away. If they can't control it they'll wreck it.
This has gotten off subject for sure. But it's started with a PSNI issue and for me the lack of SF interest in these issues today is very revealing. Like the Greens in the South they'l do anything for a wee job in 'government.' That's what's depressing. Seems a disaster where these guys have ended up.
Physical force Republicanism was not interested in popular electioeering. It was designed to apply enough pressure and pain to the Brits for them to opt for disengagement. Popularity was never an issue. It's intriguing to see Gerry Kelly complain of a listening device in Stormont that time when it transpires that Martin and Deinis were filling the Brits in the entire time in advance..20yrs in advance ha ha. Don't think in all good concience Westie you could take a lie detector on that issue and say with certainty you disagree? Even if unproven Martin reeks enough to stay clear of.
I would'nt bash SF for the sake of it. It's simply not a sincere political party and I know politicians are generally rotten to the core, but that's no reason for me to support the Provisional Republican movement any more.
I admire your loyalty and we were all the same at one time. But stepping back from the unwaverying loyalty and looking at these people and where they are today..NO THANKS.

Larry If you can’t join them beat them… I may as w...

2009-08-22T02:52:22.566+01:00

Larry
If you can’t join them beat them… I may as well get my wooly bashing mask on.
You have now committed political blasphemy confessing to party bashing “shame on you for having your own opinion” picking on the hard pressed party.
If Sinn Fein had any sense they would use sites like this to gauge support factors and at least offer an opinion of why they refuse to hear any opinion other than the party.
I don’t think you will need to worry about closing shop the party is politically bankrupt after selling off their most important assets.
I don’t see a rise in support anytime soon the decline is nicely masked Mr. Adams sounds very unsure defending the party in recent defeats. Who is to blame for the defeats? The party!
I think I will stick to independent thought fair play to those who comment as we should be able to discuss the last 40 years freely.
Face it the political system in the six counties is and always has been a farce.

Best a luck

Just to finish on the latter, I will repeat as I h...

2009-08-22T01:26:08.404+01:00

Just to finish on the latter, I will repeat as I have on a few posts that I totally disagree with the line being taken on passing information about other Irish Republicans to the PSNI. I know that it does not sit easy with any SF member and supporter that I know and I would hasard an educated guess that it hasn't happened on too many occasions thus far. However it is a major issue that will need to be debated both within or outside the party - it won't go away.

Finally, finally, Interested, you asked me to explain those 'noble words, necessary and worthy' they were Padraig Wilson's words about his own time whilst on active service with the Army and including his many years during different spells in jail. So, I guess only he can honestly say what they mean to him in this context.

Slán

Westie

Tain Bo, I used the term SF bashing because it wa...

2009-08-22T01:25:19.635+01:00

Tain Bo,

I used the term SF bashing because it was referred to by you as a typical response from SF supporters so I didn't want to dissapoint you a chara! Mind you,I would ask the question, why would you predict such a reaction? - and talking of reactionary, I see you were quick to respond to my comments, and in what could be described as a less than complimentary post, you included the not uncommon jibe, 'why not try a little thinking without SF verse and line'. But don't worry, I have the BALLS to take it.

I have commented on many blogs that Anthony has posted and have given my opinion. On that point, I will retract my comment inferring that this is a SF bashing site, i.e. the Pensive Quill, but I don't doubt for a second that there are those who blog simply to have a go at the party, the provisional movement and anyone, well the very many actually, who are still so paddy thick that they just follow like dumb ass cows in the field because they haven't the wit to conduct any political analysis or formulate any opinions for themselves.

If you read down the comments on this particular article, as I was doing, I almost forgot what the actual blog was about, hence my first post. Read over them again yourself and tell me it isn't straying off the point a little and into a wider criticism of SF, which included the quotes and inferences I made in my original 'contribution'. And if you think they were all objective and fair comment, then I guess we'll agree to disagree again.

You yourself referred to SF supporters staying within their safety zone etc. and Not to worry, the 100 year anniversary is nearing so SF will have the magical road into a United Ireland well paved just in time for Easter 2016.

What does this latter point actually mean? It reads like a sarcastic mocking of the aspiration for which so many have suffered and died. But I'm sure that is not the case.

You also have a go at the 'Strategy' again, almost as if it is a sin or simply downright folly to keep talking about a United Ireland.

Do you wish to see the day, and do you have ideas on how it could be expedited?

Larry talked about forgetting the national question and just get on with social political progress. (I paraphrase)

I'm sorry but this isn't an option in my world. The national question is what it's all about. As for socialism in politics, what does or would that look like right across the 32 counties of Ireland? Is this any more or less achievable than a 32 county republic would be?

Larry is keen to have alternative Independent Republicans contesting against Sinn Féin in elections. I don't have a problem with that at all. It could be healthy and I am all for exploring as many options as possible to promote, not demote the 'National question'.

Sinn Féin and the wider Republican family has too many good people who have sacraficed their lives or the best part of them, taken courageous risks and remain as steadfast and respected leaders within our communities - these are the people I will defend when it appears to me that they are all being labelled as unworthy or less worthy of being Irish Republicans.

You do not read too many blogs from SF supporters castigating those who do not think the same as they do on this site, perhaps I reacted to what I deemed an unbalanced series of comments for this blog?

Interested, how correct you are. The same leade...

2009-08-22T01:14:51.905+01:00

Interested,
how correct you are. The same leadership is the problem I rekon. Trimble and Paisley are gone...maybe time Gerry and Martin took a bow too. If there's a bad smell in the fridge toss the source the f@#$k out. And boy do they smell.

Westie, Like Larry, I hope you stick around and k...

2009-08-22T00:45:51.507+01:00

Westie,

Like Larry, I hope you stick around and keep commenting. I don't visit this site for the Sinn Fein bashing. But given my negative experiences of SF (in the South) I can't help but join in.

I follow this blog because I want an intelligent republican perspective on Northern Ireland.
I have been following a very good moderate unionist blog for a while now, and yet for ages every nationalist blog I hit was either a stunningly boring Sinn Fein party line, or utterly juvenile.

I like this one, the writer, and the commentators seem to know what they are talking about and at the same time manage to be entertaining. I don't know any of them.

Apart from a very brief period working with SF down here (that was disappointing on every level), I have not been involved in Republican politics or the armed struggle. That said I am a republican and a socialist.

Tain Bo there is no 'magical' strategy....

2009-08-22T00:19:56.417+01:00

Tain Bo
there is no 'magical' strategy. That's the point I think. SF basically should shut up shop and stop contaminating Ordinary Decent Politics. They should leave the career blarney merchants to get on with it and stop insulting and antagonising those who contributed to 800 years of Irish history. Casement must be spinning in his grave and I bet he and Slab Murphy will have a rite oul chat when Slab checks out!

I rekon we ARE doin a bit of SF bashing to be sure...

2009-08-22T00:07:37.211+01:00

I rekon we ARE doin a bit of SF bashing to be sure,but it's not doing any harm,likely doin little good![head and wall]This is a site where people who put their own wee flags to the mast in the bad old days can'talk'and it's important that we have somewhere to express ourselves. I wouldn't put Westie down too much as he at least has the decency and dignity to put his case.Please keep posting Westie.
It's not like we're getting at the UK labour party from afar-we know these guys,we did jail with them.I just find it incredulous that the likes of Kelly who did big time is surrounded by Ego's who did very little of it. He should know better.
I was blinkered in the past myself and truely believed Gerry and Martin had the answer. To have met them would have been awesom. It's crazy to be in a situation now where looking at them doing what they are doing, I would cross the street to avoid them if they were in town. [at best-..mite throw a dog turd at em at worst lol]I never thought I would or could say that. I'll say it once more-if this isn't an ego trip for these guys why don't they step aside and let the SDLP get on with it? Why do we need SF it's laughable if it wer'nt so depressing. 'Come in number SF your time is up.'If it's over then its over. We don't need a nordy FF. Go and get a proper job and try and fit back into society-the one you near demolished and let the ordinary career politicians get on with it. I wonder where do SF have a beer? maybe they have a wee bar of their own where no one says anything controversial and the duke box hasn't any Dan Breen music on it lol
I read on your site Anthony that Keiran Nugent was in a bad way. I've been there myself, not through politics but family matters near had me in rehab. I'd like very much to have been able to sit with Keiran beside the river and listen to him. In my heart of hearts I would. In my heart of hearts I'd not sit in the Carlton club with Gerry and Martin. They have bogg all to say.

TP “necessary and worthy “ Would love to read...

2009-08-21T20:30:09.110+01:00

TP “necessary and worthy “
Would love to read your understanding of these noble words. I am absolutely galled in this year of 2009 to be reading that here we have the great Sinn Fein leadership calling for the good people of Northern Ireland to inform on fellow republicans, Jesus Christ was nailed to the cross for less . How can anyone support such traitors? When the British offered the people of this state a better deal than we now have in 1974 we were told by the same leadership to shoot and blow it into hell and that is what we got. On the question of Sinn Fein bashing, boy do they deserve it telling us one version for years and then when they got the sniff of power they very quickly took the British stance on how to run our wee six. What next form them maybe intern all dissidents ?

Westie Padraig Wilson can justify himself howeve...

2009-08-21T10:10:00.410+01:00

Westie
Padraig Wilson can justify himself however he sees fit and if he can live with that then good for him. Personally I recon if at 17 yrs old I'd been told where we'd be ending up I'd have saved myself+my family a lot of pain and been a good wee boy and joined the SDLP.
That's all. What do ya think yourself? Would Martin Mc Guinness sit ddown with David Mc Veigh's brother and explain why he's now calling on people to inform? I was sent to the mans house to collect photo's from the cages at 18 yrs old not knowing who the man was coz the SF locals hadnt the BALLS to go there!
Delighted your posting-obviously you aren't in a mental straight jacket. God Bless ya.

Part 2 I could reverse your comment and pull a Si...

2009-08-21T03:52:11.176+01:00

Part 2

I could reverse your comment and pull a Sinn Fein and accuse you of TPQ bashing? Did you consider the article and actually notice the commenter’s and based on the few comments you go off on a tangent “Objective?”
I am not speaking for anyone who commented or comments on this site and I have no objection to their opinions… would you feel better if I whispered behind the party’s back?
I wish Sinn Fein followers would comment considering the party wish to promote dialogue?
This article I was not going to make a comment until “Stalin” that sparked my interest as I enjoy reading history and the histories of conflict. I was writing a comment on the more interesting article in my mind “Understanding Terrorism and Political Violence.” I ask a question can you honestly call the site an SF bashing ground or hypocrisy is a tool for a failing party.
“If so why would they publish pro SF comments?”
You should show some balls and admit you are wrong and accept that people have opinions that differ from yours!
Freedom of speech no censorship these are rights for people if the party cannot stand up to minor criticism without the “we are right everyone else is wrong, party bashers feeble excuse” then good luck.
Your comment exposes once again your total lack of conviction the pendulum effect, there is but one party and their name is SF, curse the infidels who dare not accept these gods.
SF is there to serve the people yet they dictate to the people from the new testament of the SF bible… I am not a believer.
Your comment done nothing but reinforce what is true no one should say anything about the great party.

“This is my own opinion”…so please direct your misplaced words to the correct comment and try a little thinking without SF verse and line.
To those who read out of interest maybe “Westie” would explain why the site is here solely to beat up a party that really needs no help as it blunders through its political infancy.

Read my comments and explain why I am just bashing SF? Wait Stalin bashing is ahead of SF bashing.