Conference theme attacked as 'Provo double-speak'
Republicans have been forced to re-examine how to achieve their goal of a united Ireland following the historic IRA statement, an MEP said today.
Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald also said unionists would have to learn to work with nationalists in the new political climate.
Ms McDonald was speaking after the Coiste na n-Iarchimi summer school in Co Armagh, which focused on whether Irish republicanism can be militant without being militaristic.
The Ulster Unionists condemned the theme of the conference and said it was nothing more than “Provo Double Speak”.
But Ms McDonald said it was time to look to the future and move away from the past.
The MEP said: “We are coming out of what was a very long period of struggle and to the end of the conflict.
“This requires people to stop some of their old demonising ways, that includes the UUP.
“I hope in time they can get to grips and come to some level of agreement.
“They may act to frustrate it but they can’t stop it.
“We all have to work together as we all live together in Ireland.”
Ms McDonald said the IRA statement was received positively by delegates at the conference, which was organised by the republican prisoners group.
She added: “People are very much focused on the future and on bringing about a united Ireland.”
But UUP deputy leader Danny Kennedy questioned the theme of the summer school, which was opened yesterday by Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris.
The Newry & Armagh MLA said: “Being militant and militaristic are both incompatible with democratic politics in Northern Ireland.
“For 36 years this province and its people had to endure republicans’ violent and evil militant and militaristic terrorist campaign.
“His comments last night will serve as a chilling reminder of what the republican movement are capable of.
“We are sick, sore and tired of Provo Double Speak and Mr Ferris’s comments last night were a master class in this dark art.”
The UUP MLA added: “Ferris’s comments will be seen as the green light for republican volunteers throughout Ireland to continue to indulge in their subversive activities.
“Four weeks have passed since the IRA’s statement and not one bullet, gun or rocket launcher has been put verifiably and transparently beyond use, despite the endless train of concessions to republicans.”
