Will the loyalists prevent an escalation?
Peter Hoskin 9:04am
In today's Independent, David McKittrick highlights one of the most important questions surrounding the recent killings in Northern Ireland: Will loyalists seek bloody revenge? It's encouraging that the leader of the largest loyalist paramilitary group, the Ulster Defence Association, answers in the negative in the Times. Here's what Jackie McDonald tells the paper, in of the most resonant quotes of the past few days:
Coupled with yesterday's emotional peace rallies, this kind of contribution at least suggests an environment where violence will not be met with violence, and where the brutal murders of the past week will not provoke a grim escalation.“There is no danger of retaliation. I have to send my deepest sympathies to the families of the soldiers and the policeman. People came to me saying, ‘Please don’t go back to this, don’t let us go back’.”
Of course, this doesn't mean we should be unconcerned about the safety of our soldiers and of Nothern Irish policemen - especially given the inadequacy of some of the intelligence and security procedures over there - and nor should we be unprepared for more killings perpetrated by unhinged groups and individuals. But it does mean that a return to the worst of the Troubles looks unlikely. And for that we should be grateful.
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William
March 12th, 2009 9:12am Report this commentWhat about 'dissident Loyalists'?
Ivan D
March 12th, 2009 10:19am Report this comment"our soldiers and of Nothern Irish policemen"! Charles Moore must be turning in his editorial grave. They're *their* soldiers too, and *our* policemen too. What with them and us being British alike.
C Powell
March 12th, 2009 11:57am Report this commentYes - if this is all that happens. But what if there is more escalation on the IRA side? What then will Loyalists do? Especially if the security services/police are unable to catch those responsible? And that must be the fear - that the loss of experienced men in the reporganised police force will make it that much harder to catch those doing this, they continue with their mayhem, the anger on the Loyalist side increases and, heigh ho, back to the 70's again. So we must hope that this latest bunch of terrorists are caught - and quickly.
mac
March 12th, 2009 1:25pm Report this commentWoodward - doubtless every bit as naive an eejit as Blair in the Shinners' estimation - will privately entreat Adams to 'use his influence' and, statesman and moderate that he is, Adams will oblige.
Then we'll learn the price.
KB
March 12th, 2009 1:49pm Report this commentNow is the perfect time for a Provo revival. Consider:
The old men are fat and happy at Stormont, losing their grip on the machine.
Britain's virtually uncontrolled borders make sourcing materiel the easiest it's ever been.
The outgoing Labour party is terrified of upsetting the Good Friday Agreement, one of the few things still standing which will constitute any kind of legacy. Hence the ludicrously PC policies which have led to such lax security.
The incoming Obama administration while not terrorist-friendly appears at least ready to listen with a "nuanced" ear.
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