Sir, - The IRA (October 24th) stated: "The IRA is committed to our republican objectives and to the establishment of a United Ireland based on justice, equality and freedom."
Whose freedom? Would the Ulster Protestant people have freedom to accept or reject a "United" Ireland? Is the IRA committed to perpetuating its own existence?
It also stated: "Unfortunately, there are those within the British establishment and the leadership of unionism who are fundamentally opposed to change."
What's the difference between people opposed to change and republicans committed to republicanism? As the IRA stated: "No-one should doubt the difficulties these initiatives cause for us, our volunteers and our support base." Tough. Are these "difficulties" not self-made?
There needs to be a fundamental change in republicanism. In short, it should cease to exist. What matters is Ireland and the people/peoples of Ireland, not republicanism or the republican movement. - Yours, etc.,
Malachy Scott, Belfast