Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams in April called on the IRA to lose its arms after getting totally snubbed by the usual supporters in Irish America. Yes, even Ted Kennedy gave him the cold shoulder. This announcement seems several months in the making, though hardly anyone believed the organization would seriously embrace the message. They are saying that it will only work through peaceful, democratic means to achieve independence from British rule, though questions of their current political legitimacy still exist in my mind, given that they achieved their status through the “armed struggle.” But most importantly right now, if they keep their promise, today should be the end of all terrorist attacks permanently in over three decades.
The Irish Republican Army has announced an end to its armed campaign against British rule, and that it will pursue its goals through peaceful means.
The outlawed group said the armed activity ends Thursday. It called on its militants to peacefully work in developing political and democratic programs.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair said the move is a “step of unparalleled magnitude” in the recent history of Northern Ireland. Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern and the White House also welcomed the announcement.
Gerry Adams, the leader of the IRA’s political wing Sinn Fein, said the move will help revive the peace process.
The IRA said it believes its armed struggle was legitimate – but an alternative exists in ending British rule in Northern Ireland and uniting with Ireland.
The IRA is blamed for the deaths of 1,800 people in its armed campaign, which lasted more than three decades. A cease-fire has been in effect since 1997.
Most significant about this announcement is that it comes on the heels of the 7/7 bombings, Britain having reinforced its already strong willpower against terrorism. The IRA must have realized that in the face of a nationwide crackdown against such groups and activities that it must not have been far from the radar, making it a perfect time to finally make the announcement. In terms of the fight against terrorism, this is a big win. However, I still have my reservations, as the “armed struggle” is not the only dimension to the organization.
The most obvious problem with the statement is that the IRA will not be dismantled as an organization. This means that the intimidation, beatings, and illegal fund raising will still continue. Also, in order for Sinn Fein and the IRA to work toward a united Ireland in a democratic way, the north must consent to unification. Here’s why that doesn’t look to happen any time soon, and why this will be a problem for the IRA.
They explain that armed struggle is ending because the conditions are right to achieve a united Ireland. In fact, a united Ireland looks no more closer than it does when the Provisional IRA was formed in 1969.
As the last census found, Protestants remain in a majority in the north of Ireland, constitutional change is predicated on unionist consent, Ian Paisley is the leader of unionism, the post boxes of Belfast are still red and the union flag still flies on top of City Hall.
If the status quo remains in, say, five years’ time, how will the IRA leadership be able to explain to its members, past and present, that the slaughter and the carnage of the last 35 years was somehow worth it?
Today’s statement places Gerry Adams et al as hostages to the fortune of history.
What will the IRA do in several years time if its cause comes to a standstill? Will it resort to terrorism once again? Or is the cause of unification not as important as maintaining shadow political and economic control of southern Ireland? Call me cautious, but while the armed struggle may in fact be over, the root of its existence is still in play with all the other symptoms persisting.