Republican grassroots wary of more demands for 'humble pie'

Many republican activists and Sinn Féin voters in Belfast are uneasy at the compromises being demanded, writes Suzanne Breen , …

Many republican activists and Sinn Féin voters in Belfast are uneasy at the compromises being demanded, writes Suzanne Breen, Senior Northern Correspondent

It's not enough for unionists and the British government, but Gerry Adams's statement on the ending of Provisional IRA activities has left many republicans uneasy.

In north and west Belfast last night, many IRA activists and supporters, along with Sinn Féin voters, voiced concern about the compromises demanded from their community.

Some believed the Sinn Féin/IRA leadership had gone too far at the behest of the British government and the Ulster Unionists. But most, however uncomfortable with the situation, retained confidence in their leadership.

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Sinn Féin voter Mr Brendan Kelly said: "This is the second time in days that republicans have had to eat humble pie. The IRA statement should have been enough for Trimble and the Brits, but they demanded clarification.

"Gerry Adams gave that but they wanted more. So he has done that and they still say it's not enough. Do they want blood?"

Sinn Féin voter Ms Eileen Keenan accused Mr Trimble and Mr Blair of attempting to humiliate her community.

"We're expected to accept what they say at face value even though they've broken promises, but we are asked to spell everything out again and again. Gerry Adams shouldn't have bothered making any statements to them, but I can see why he did."

Republican Sinn Féin member Ms Geraldine Taylor said the Provisional IRA had "surrendered".

"Gerry Adams is telling the truth when he says the Provos will do anything to save the peace process - that includes betraying republicanism," she said.

Mr Michael Devlin said he had supported the peace process "with grave reservations" but had now lost faith in it.

"We shouldn't have gone crawling. We should have told the Brits and the unionists to get lost.

"The IRA hasn't demanded the British army stop its activities and hand over weapons, so what right has Britain to order the IRA about?" he said.

A former IRA prisoner, who asked not to be named, said: "People are genuinely concerned the IRA mightn't be around in the same way, but we must encourage the community to embrace change. We all must move on."

An IRA member in Andersonstown was "furious" that Gerry Adams was talking about the IRA effectively going out of business. "I'm very disillusioned. The IRA should be about fighting to achieve republican goals. Instead, we seem to be dedicated to saving the Good Friday agreement."

Another IRA activist said he would wait for an internal briefing before passing judgment. But he was angry that IRA members still hadn't seen the statement from their own leadership. "The statement has been shown to David Trimble and Tony Blair, but not ordinary members. That's wrong," he said.

A Sinn Féin election worker in Andersonstown believed the party's vote would increase in the Assembly elections.

"We have gained from the political stand-off. It'll help get the vote out. We can say we went the extra mile for peace but Trimble and Blair wouldn't," he said.

A former Sinn Féin election worker in Derry, Mr Frankie McMenamin, said: "I've full confidence in Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness. The British government and the unionists shouldn't mess them about. They should be grateful the IRA supports peace and isn't going back to war."

A party voter, Terry Donaghy, said: "Some people might feel anxious about Gerry Adams's remarks on the IRA winding up, but if it's necessary for peace, we should accept it."

A former IRA prisoner, Anthony McIntyre, said Gerry Adams was committed to "defeating physical-force republicanism". "He now has more in common with David Trimble than with the average west Belfast republican," he said.