A Complex Peace

Tonight the Pensive Quill carries a stimulating piece by guest writer Henry Reid, Deputy National Chaplain of the AOH in the US. It was first published in The National Hibernia Digest.

Since my appointment as Deputy National Chaplain, I have been fielding questions on my position on Northern Ireland, and my immediate response is that I have always loved Donegal, but if you are talking about the six counties, it gets a little more complex. Complex is probably the best word to describe the situation in the Six, as well as my position on what is happening there. A friend asked me if I was opposed to the peace process. First of all, I am a priest, a Christian, and have many people that I care about living in Ireland, many of them in the British controlled section, who I worry about. I am all in favor of peace. But we also have to look at what we mean by peace. This is where it gets complex, because as well as being a priest, I am also an Irish Republican, and it is my firm belief that only through the establishment of a 32 county sovereign Republic, can there be any hope of peace, because only through a United Irish Republic can justice be assured for all. That being said, I don’t necessarily agree with the “peace” process that has been pursued by Sinn Fein (and for the sake of brevity and sanity I am not going to refer to them as Provisional Sinn Fein, as this is the one everyone recognizes as SF), since I think much has been sacrificed for various reasons, but peace and justice will not be served by the current direction.

Before I go any further, let me explain my position on “dissident” Republicans. Politically, I can see where there would be a great deal of frustration, not only among the older leaders who sacrificed their youth to the cause of an Irish Republic, only to see (remember it’s about perceptions) Gerry Adams and others abandon these principles. Keep in mind, many of the men and women that lead these “dissident” groups were involved in Irish Republicanism before Gerry Adams or Martin McGuinness were, some of them served alongside of the two. I think the biggest tragedy with the political groups is that they represent a failure of dialogue within Republicanism; the leadership of Sinn Fein failed to listen to its base (and for those who disagree with this last part, I’ll tell you later on why I’m not). As for the military wings of these different groups, I wish they would take their weapons and put them up in their attics for the next ten years, or more. Do I dispute that Irish Republicans have a right to be armed? No, especially since I believe that the right to keep and bear arms is a God given right of every free man and woman, that’s why it’s enshrined in the Bill of Rights of the United States. Neither do I deny them the right to the armed struggle, since it was the armed struggle that forced the British government to negotiate with Irish Republicans for peace, but this is just not the time. Now is the time for talking, for dialogue, and for envisioning what a future Irish Republic will look like.

There has also been a lot of talk about the killing of a Catholic PSNI officer by members of the RIRA. Is it tragic? Yes. Should it have happened? No. But I have a big problem with Sinn Fein and others exploiting this young man’s death for their own political agenda, or to use it as a club to silence anybody that may oppose the current political strategy. There are three concerns I have with the PSNI (Policing Service of Northern Ireland): 1) Before the Good Friday Agreement, the RUC, predecessor to the PSNI, numbered 16,000, which was 10,000 more than recommended by the European commission on policing, for the size of the population. The PSNI should only have 6,000 members. 2) Many of the members of the PSNI are former RUC men, who should not be allowed to police a herd of goats, let alone human beings. The human rights violations committed by them should have resulted in War Crimes charges, not pensions and promotions. 3) While Sinn Fein and others are complaining that the quota of Catholics (50% of the force) has not been realized, I object to the way that the Catholic recruitment was pursued. Advertisements in Polish language newspapers in Ireland, England, the US and Poland assisted in the recruitment of many Catholics, who really don’t give a damn about Ireland or the Irish. 4) While I can recognize that many young Catholics in the six counties viewed a position with the PSNI as a job, as a way to better themselves, and I realize that not all of them came from Irish Nationalist, let alone Republican, families, it is a concern that they are now committed to defending the interests of the British Crown above all else, since their careers and pensions depend upon continued British rule.

As far as Sinn Fein goes, am I completely opposed to them? No. In fact I see that they could be the best chance of achieving an Irish Republic with the next generation. However, there is also the possibility that they could destroy everything Irish Republicans have struggled for over the past 213 years. I disagree with Sinn Fein on their abortion policy, not only as a Catholic priest, but as an Irish Republican; the Right to Life is the fundamental right of any human being, denial of that right is the denial of all other rights. As for Socialist politics, Sinn Fein has to make up their mind whether they are a Marxist group or not, instead of speaking Marxism on the Falls Road and Free Trade on 5th Ave. It is also discouraging to see Sinn Fein use tactics that were used for years by the British government against Republicans, to criminalize and isolate those who disagree with them. One of the big lies has been that all those opposed to the Sinn Fein leadership are lunatics wanting to turn back the clock, while many of those who have broken away, or been run out, had a long history with the party. Groups like Eirígí formed when members of Sinn Fein, many of whom had been advocates of the Good Friday Agreement, could not have their voices and concerns heard by the leadership. This was especially true over the issues of policing, and the abandonment of the Good Friday Agreement by Sinn Fein, in favor of the St. Andrew’s Accord, which was never approved by the Irish people. Yet all those who dare to challenge the Leadership are dismissed as opposed to the GFA, or told they do not know what they are talking about. Somebody asked me recently what gave me the right to talk about the situation in the six counties; my response is that God gave me Freedom of Speech. But if you want to know what makes me believe I am able to speak about the subject, without sounding like an idiot spouting off whatever some politician or party tells me to, then I would have to say: over 20 years of Irish Academic studies, an MA in Irish History, post-graduate research work in Irish History, living in Belfast for a couple of years, and for various periods before that, being active in the Irish Republican movement here and in Ireland, even when it was not popular or politically correct.

The fact is, I support peace in Ireland, but peace must come with justice, and anyone who advocates the democratic process, while at the same time silencing dissenting voices is not a champion of peace.

23 comments:

  1. Henry,

    a well presented piece. Thanks for allowing us to feature it here. Hope all is well with you. Be in touch

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  2. don't know what do say about that-
    aganist Sinn Fein- for Sinn Fein-
    wish he would make his mind up-

    This Priest is opposed to Sinn Fein
    on abortion- is he a supporter of abortion then-[ i believe in choice- but that is not Sinn Fein policy ] he says the Good Friday agreement is gone- funny there are 3
    police barracks being took down in my local area- is he opposed to this- he would be a fool to oppose the barracks comming down-

    He says that God give him the Freedom of speech- hang on to your frock father- the abused have got the Freedom of speech now also-
    wonder where this child of the pope stands on that issue-

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  3. Henry as I stated in a earlier post, psf and in particular Adams and his clique are to Irish republicanism what Mandela and his clique are to S Africa, they have sold out legitimate struggle for the perks and privilege of becoming the masters overseerer.psf like the anc are both parties of no principle other than their own selfish agendas which is the procurement of personal power and wealth.the cracks are well opened in the anc with what seems like an internal revolt against the old guard lead by youth leader Julius Malema,and I wonder how long Adams and his cronies can keep the party faithfull in line, its not a question of if but when that dissention begins.

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  4. Good piece. More right to speak on Irish issues than some London conservative. There's an understanding of the story here that shines through clearly.

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  5. keep the guns in the attick for a decade is a good idea. When Adams and McGuinness get deposited in a pissy carehome SF will fall apart. Get the gear back out then for the mop-up.

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  6. Michaelhenry-
    this writer has a very American writing style. ALways carefully weighing the pros and cons of everything trying to give a balanced account and not offend anyone. Whereas the IRish just get right to the point no prisoners taken. I prefer the IRish way.
    AM-never thought I'd see you praise a priest. I've experienced an earthquake and hurricane this past week and now this the world is surely coming to an end!

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  7. Ryan

    think after the Bush era and now the 'all talk' Obama crap, it's good to read something with understanding and merit from the US of A.

    Michaelhenry, u just proved how blinkered and nasty you shinners are...my paint-gun is in the attick paint you bright orange later.

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  8. Marty,
    Mandela won his war and never sold out any principles while serving 27 years in prison. No doubt some of his cronies are corrupt but he's a winner. Adams is nothing but a loser. Can't compare the two.

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  9. Marty-

    That youth leader that you brag-
    Julius Malema- he wants to send
    A.N.C youth members [ not himself ]
    to help oust president Ian Khama of
    Botswana- but A.N.C leaders will not allow this- but if Malema had the courage of his convictions then he should go and fight instead of making a big song and dance about it in his safe south Africa-

    Larry-

    Like a good red indian i look forward to a bit of paint- but according to you and the fighting priest i will have to wait 10 years
    so keep the gun well oiled whilst in the attick-

    Ryan-

    Glad to see you supporting Mandela-
    he is one of the great living heros
    and he is also a supporter of Adams

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  10. Ryan,Has Mandela went deaf and blind,that some of his cronies are corrupt is an understatement a cara,Mandela his wife or former wife Winnie like Adams and his cronies have opted for a share of their snouts in the trough, while again those who did the heavy lifting have been abandoned, Soweto.Wallacedene,CapeTown.Kennedy rd.Joe Slovo.lnanda.Freedom pk nrth west.Cape flats, Alexandra Gauteng these slums still are in existence.and like west Belfast the people have been abandoned by a useless leader. I think a cara there is quite a lot to compare,once you peel of that veneer of a common man touch that both like to extrude.

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  11. @ John McGirr u must be thrilled to bits at this feature! Welcome back btw :-)ahaha Addiction is a strange thing is it not! The most unlikely souls hang out together.

    @ Anthony A priest article on Anthonys blog lolz what a trip - inclusiveness approach has it's moments - ok i read it.

    RE: ' 2) Many of the members of the PSNI are former RUC men, who should not be allowed to police a herd of goats, let alone human beings. The human rights violations committed by them should have resulted in War Crimes charges, not pensions and promotions.'
    Yes pump on the volume on that louder.

    RE: 'But if you want to know what makes me believe I am able to speak about the subject, without sounding like an idiot spouting off whatever some politician or party tells me to, then I would have to say: over 20 years of Irish Academic studies, an MA in Irish History, post-graduate research work in Irish History, living in Belfast for a couple of years, and for various periods before that, being active in the Irish Republican movement here and in Ireland, even when it was not popular or politically correct.'

    Personally i don't care whether you are a working in a shitkicker of a job or unemployed and have nominal education. All Irish have the inherent right worldwide to demand justice for their own people & land. However you have the lofty title of Deputy National Chaplain and choose to use it to speak out so ok by me.
    Why state you are a priest lst then a Christian though. Are you a rebel priest or a safe tiptoe through the complexities and appeal to Catholic nationalists... Ireland has been raped literally & figuratively as you well know...

    RE 'Neither do I deny them the right to the armed struggle, since it was the armed struggle that forced the British government to negotiate with Irish Republicans for peace, but this is just not the time. Now is the time for talking, for dialogue, and for envisioning what a future Irish Republic will look like.'

    That's very gracious of you but reality check no republican needs your permission or seal of approval... There was an old irish priest here in Australia now deceased who fought long and hard for Aboriginal Australian basic human rights. He is still talked about to this day. An elderly Aboriginal man asked me the other day what the hell went wrong over there in Ireland... It is complex i said but sold out, up shit creek is the answer.

    John McGirr will be in here soon bumpin his gums with glee at this feature. I don't take to nor pander to priestly self deification but the article was readable.

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  12. Ryan,

    I doubt if Henry is afraid of stepping on toes. I think he has tried to give an overview which teases out the grey areas and avoids the simplicity of black and white. My wife tells me that the Irish are not as blunt as the Americans in stating what is!

    Me praising a priest! Turn up for the books. He is a friend of mine and obviously we do not pull together in matters of religion. But there is more to life than the afterlife!!

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  13. The vatican has announced it is totally against surrogate mothers... good thing they didnt have that rule when Jesus was born.

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  14. Marty,

    he is just back and you are goading him already. Don't bite John!

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  15. Marty

    There is a reasonable take on Julius Malema, to me he looks nothing more than a young man in a hurry whose ambition outstrip his abilities.

    Henry Reid.

    Your attempt to equate socialism with Marxism is dishonourable and clearly designed as a smear. I find your sheer arrogance on a woman's right to choose breathtaking but oh so typical of your church.

    You’re a man who in all probability will never have children, thus you will never have to take responsibility for them. As a non christian, if I was to demand a say in how the vatican is run you would correctly howl me down, Yet you somehow feel you have the right to decide what a woman does with her body, shame on you.

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  16. St?MH

    '@ John McGirr u must be thrilled to bits at this feature!'

    An excellent article, most of which I would back 100%. I particularly like the right to bear arms, and oppsositon to abortion. I also think the 10 years in the attic has merits, but I would back-date it!

    'Welcome back btw :-)ahaha Addiction is a strange thing is it not! The most unlikely souls hang out together.'

    Thanks. It is a welcome refreshment from some of the nastiness of some of the Catholic Blogs out there, :)

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  17. Mick and Mickeyboy ,I wouldnt dispute that which you both posted re Julius Malema, the point I,m trying to flag up here is that the anc must be in serious diffs if someone like Malema can sow division and garner such support,the reason I believe he is being successful is simply that the grass roots now see no difference between their past and present masters other than the colour of their skin,the people of S.Africa imo have been sold out and as Mickeyboy rightly says Adams is a clone or a wannabe clone of Mandela and if its good enough for the anc to screw their supporters then psf will and are having a damm good go at screwing their,s.its only a matter of time that the support base of psf will see the grab all similarities between both psf and anc.

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  18. Anthony I,m hearing thats our Nuala,s better half is in hospital, now we all know of Alberts fondness for outdated food,now rumour has it Nuala has acquired some of Scott (yip him of the Antartic fame) supplies now that is truley out of date stuff. hope the big lad is ok and good wishes to both Albert and Nuala..

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  19. He carefully sidesteped the kernel of the 26 counties being bankrupt for the past 90 yrs.

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  20. He craftily avoided the kernel of the 26 counties being bankrupt AND THE POISONOUS IMPACT OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN IRELAND.

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  21. Marty,

    yes, Nuala told me. I hope he makes a speedy and full recovery.

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  22. @ Kieran 'He craftily avoided the kernel of the 26 counties being bankrupt AND THE POISONOUS IMPACT OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN IRELAND.'

    Yes he did and kudos for stating it clearly. Maybe Anthony can invite him to write a piece on it all but you see really the whole Catholic bizzo re clergy abuse is treated by the Vatican and their foot soldiers as a non imperiative.
    They hope the victims will shut the f,,k up or top themselves.

    It is not a topic you will find many priests chaffing at the bit to address. He was writing about specific issues here but one smells the grandiose priest authority stuff permeating some of it methinks...

    @ Mick & John McGirr I am anti abortion meself. Not even the animal kingdom rips their unborn from their wombs. It is an insanity to sanction it and i think those who do would do well to attend a suction abort session and witness what goes on. It is not a woman's right to murder ever and it is not liberty it is just tragic hideous termination of an innocent life.

    It IS a woman's right to not concieve and use contraceptives. It IS a woman's right to access appropriate healthcare and not die from botched, homejob abortion BUT it never makes ripping an unborn fetus/baby from the womb a liberty or right... never.

    And to all those stereotypical butchy type sisters out there ranting and raving my right my right... STFU u ain't got a clue. I will only listen to you post your attendance of an abortion or you having had one. Then see how loud you rant... then & only then.

    @ Mick but u are dead on right re your critique on what right has a priest to dictate to others about sex, abortion and such when they are purportedly celibate and so on. How can they u/stand... (mind i suspect this celibate status is dubious at best of times).

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  23. Comparing South Africa and Ireland only makes fools of us, correctly I agree with Marty that both leaderships have sold out the base but the fact remains that Mandela fought for black rights and democracy and he won, The I.R.A. fought for a socialist united Ireland and they lost.

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