A chara - The British insist on arms decommissioning before there are any talks to devise a political solution. They hope that this is an unacceptable condition.
The fundamental difference between today and 1921 is that the British were then anxious for a political solution. We know how they achieved it, with, as Churchill said "an economy of British lives". When a cease fire was agreed in 1921, negotiations began immediately to find a settlement. There was no question of arms decommissioning. Indeed, when the first Irish delegation went to London they brought with them Tom Barry in case the British had any dirty tricks in mind. Barry was one of the most intrepid of the IRA gunmen and as he was getting out of the taxi at 10 Downing Street, the 45 Webley he was carrying fell on the pavement. He quickly retrieved it and returned it to his pocket.
The last thing the British want today is a political settlement. They may well he getting a feedback that the Ulster Unionists are anxious for a settlement. When their forefathers in 1912 coined the slogan "Ulster will fight and Ulster will be right", the Home Rule Ireland they were determined not to be part of, was as different as chalk from cheese, to the 26 County State of 1996.
These hard headed Northerners realise that with their contribution to a peaceful 32 County state, released from the stranglehold of an empire in its last gasps, there is almost no limit to what this little island could achieve.
The British are determined to block a political settlement by insisting on what they believe are impossible conditions. The IRA could fool them by handing over all their weapons, which could easily be replaced if required. - Is mise,
Mooreen, Clondalkin, Co Dublin.