- Brendan Hughes
Tonight TPQ runs another piece by Gemma Murray where she continues to explore the attitudinal response of former IRA volunteers not of the Sinn Fein mould towards the continuing use of arms by republicans. In this piece Gemma Murray interviews former blanketman Tommy Gorman. It initially featured in yesterday's News Letter, 28 December 2013.
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Ex-Provo rubbishes Haass truth recovery plan
by Gemma Murray
News Letter
28 December 2013
A former senior Provisional IRA man has rubbished any notion that former republican combatants would participate in a truth recovery process proposed by former White House envoy Richard Haass.
Tommy Gorman, 67, who joined the IRA in 1970 said: “It would not work at all. It would give people more grievances and bring things back to the surface again.
“It would also bring the suffering back for everyone, and the young families of those who carried out the crimes would have to live with it.”
Mr Gorman, who now lives in Co Donegal, spoke to the News Letter after former IRA men Anthony McIntyre, Richard O’Rawe, Tommy McKearney and Gerard Hodgins told of their concern about the ongoing dissident republican campaign.
All, in their own words, told of how they believed the dissident campaign had little support in the nationalist/republican community and should be stopped with immediate effect.
“A group of us have been making this point about dissidents for a long, long time,” he said.
“We would prefer they [the dissidents] used any energies they have towards demolishing Sinn Fein’s argument. There are sheep following them [Sinn Fein]. To my great shame I was one of those sheep following their rhetoric and I took it all in.”
Mr Gorman said he got involved with the IRA when he was 21 years old in 1970 after he “felt the civil rights campaign had gone as far as it could”. He said: “Then I decided I was going to join the IRA.
“What made it difficult for me at that time was I had a brother in the RUC and another brother in the British Army, so I had to think long and hard about it because my brothers were then part of the enemy.
“At the time when I was in the IRA I could not see any alternative.
“They tried the force of argument and that failed, so they tried the argument of force. At the time I saw no other way.
“We use the analogy that the struggle was like a bus journey, but the wrong people got behind the wheel and they have brought us into a constitutional right wing cul-de-sac.”
In the 1970s he was interned twice — in the Crumlin Road jail and the Maidstone in Belfast harbour. He says he escaped from both. In 1981, the republican was rearrested and charged with possession of ammunition and explosives and was released in 1986.
Mr Gorman said he started to question the “Sinn Fein machine” while in jail. He said Sunday papers they received had “pages missing”.
“The IRA staff in the jail were doing it and when we asked why this was happening they said there was stuff printed that were the figments of reporter’s imaginations,” he said.
“I pointed out to them they didn’t have the guts to question anything. There is this notion that you can’t get out of it [the IRA], but I just walked away. Then I started writing letters questioning Sinn Fein’s direction which had a mixed response in the street.
“Some people would blank me, others would say ‘fair play for saying it’ and others would whisper — and that was for just having an alternative political thought. These people who had carried bombs and ammunition were afraid of being in the possession of an alternative political thought.”
Yesterday Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said he believed the Haass talks could succeed a resolution was possible, with talks recommencing today and expected to continue into next week.
UUP leader Mike Nesbitt said: “In our opinion, the test of any proposal is whether it represents doing what’s right for Northern Ireland, and that will be measured in whether it is fair to all our citizens and advances society in a manner that does not disrespect the rights and needs of victims and survivors, nor disregards the rule of law.”
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You have every fear in holding an alternative political thought in Ireland in 2013- Ask Stephen Murney and his family.
ReplyDeleteOne of the most odious practices of the Apartheid regime was internal banishment.
Stephen was told he would be released from interment if he accepted not entering Newry and therfore not living with his family and not being able to associate with friends
When something similar happened to Winnie Mandela all the lovies swung into cake sale mode.
I feel so very held back with politics here. I have never voted but would like to if there was a viable party that represented me. Of which there is currently none. So yet again when the elections roll round, i shall have to not vote.
ReplyDeleteTorn between a strategic vote but even if i do that, nothing here will really change. So what is the point?
Maitiu if your politics are what you make them out to be why wouldn't you vote for eirigi if they are standing in your area?
ReplyDeleteFair play to Tommy for his intervention here. I think it's fair to say we were all sheep to a certain extent at one point or another, in fact I remember arguing, to my great regret, against one of his letters to the Irish News in the naive belief that Sinn Fein's socialism was some form of a grass-roots socialism, borne out of its representation of the people as opposed to more traditional interpretations of that ideology. I got that crap from Jim Gibney many years ago and I actually feel embarrassed by the fact I swallowed it and felt the need to challenge Tommy's assertion that any pretence of being a socialist party had been abandoned by the leadership. We live and learn I suppose, what he was arguing has been shown to be bang on the money and even Jim's argument has been shown as redundant - the only thing the party now represents is itself and its own interests, the people and their needs are secondary. Nowhere was this more evidenced than in the decision to meet and greet the English monarch over and above the feelings of those like the Nash sisters and many others who had still to receive any form of justice for the actions of the said woman's military of which she was and remains commander in chief
ReplyDeleteMaitiu,
ReplyDeletePossible suggestions on the challenging the status quo, my opinion for discussions only.
1. People should Go to the election office and spoil their vote. Let all the political parties in your area know, that they didnt get you submit to voter apathy and not vote at all.
These people rely on low voter turnouts, apathy and what is the point in politics. Lets leave it to the bullshitters. It is their bread and butter, they do not want the electorate taking a interest in what decision they make on their behalf, only to turn them over once in power and focus on self interest, party mantra, career and self deluding power. Bear in mind stormount is the biggest British council there is going.
Most political parties rely on this in order for a low turn out and re-election into power, just look at the UK, Republic,USA voter turnout.
I think if memory serves me right in the last election upper bann, John O'Dowds ward had the most spoiled votes. S/F were pretty f..king concerned by all accounts, catholic people were letting him know, "here baye, we aint sheep here just ticking your wee green box, at the threat of the DUP winning the ward".
If no one represents you, I urge everyone to spoil their vote, I know it is pretty grim, but we must let these people know we actually turned up, are interested in an alternative to the shit they are selling and spoiled our vote to let them know, "NONE OF YOU REPRESENT ME TODAY, TOMORROW OR FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, YOU REPRESENT YOURSELF, I AM NOT FOOLED".
Unfortunately, Today,it probably will have the same electoral outcome based on birthplace, religion, and perceived nationality lines, until people realise the power they have.
But,lets not make it so f..king easy for them, lets make these guy think, pay,work, consider, rethink about their actions on austerity and maybe led the way for other independents in local areas to lead again challenging the status quo.
Another thing, possibly to do to challenge the status quo, is for example if you a catholic living in a catholic area, do not go to S/F with a grievance, contact the DUP and ask them to sort it out for you.
This could have the effect of rippling through the religious monopoly these sectarian parties rely on to get re-elected. It also could be highlighted in the press if the other party did nothing for you, you could basically call the sectarian card, you will win either way.
It could even have the effect of alienating these sectarian parties from their most sectarian base, thinking what are they doing helping the other side. Think Peter Robinson, alliance and the flags issue, IT WORKED.
I witnessed on tv the power of the casement park residents, confronting the environment minister Mark Dukham (TUBE) over plans for the new building without resident consent. He knows more about a big loaf than the environment, he just wants to add the construction of that building to his cv, possible new powerful friends he may network with, just in case it goes tits up for him.
They were pretty embarrassed, that they had to call a end to their nicely planned photoshoot and go inside to finish the smiles and lies.
One concerned resident quipped " I am going to ask the DUP to help as you SF/ SDLP have done nothing".
Now, that was people power,over the media, the only way to get things done by self serving politicians is by embarrassment.
Oh, yes great article there by Tommy, very honest, it is what the place needs.
ReplyDeleteWhen is the electorate going to realise "We are sheep, being led by goats".
Glad for the honesty given by Tommy and his comrades over the past few weeks through TPQ. The experience and years of activism by them all gives them the right to express their views. It is also important given the rise in armed attacks by Republicans. It does add weight to the arguments against physical force Republicanism in modern Ireland. Although, it does not propose how armed groups currently in favour of an armed campaign address the core reasons for conflict here... The denial of National Sovereignty, social/economic inequality, Partition, occupation of six of our Counties. We also have Political Policing, active British Army/MI5 operations against our citizens, Political imprisonment, Internment etc... There are also a number of new Political Movements/Parties who can provide alternatives to armed attacks and these should be investigated by the wider Republican community if we are to help end centuries of terroritorial, social and economic problems.
ReplyDeleteArdoyne Republican
ReplyDelete"Although, it does not propose how armed groups currently in favour of an armed campaign address the core reasons for conflict here..."
I think you miss the point, what is being said is that an armed campaign is not justified to the point that it is actually divisive. Others have said that the 'armed campaign' does more to bolster SF not hold them up to scrutiny.
The 'armed groups' excuses for the "core reasons for conflict here" has been and is being re-soundly rejected. How the 'armed campaigners' wish to dispose of their weapons is I suppose a matter for their own discretion.
Sean,
ReplyDeletethe world is far from perfect and we all buy into bollix at some point. Years later we find ourselves wondering how the hell we went along with it.
Given the rubbish we were fed I think it will take a complete intellectual reappraisal and overhaul if need be to salvage anything republican from the rubble. And that is not going to be easy given the hostility to different ideas that republicanism is so notorious for.
But it is funny you blushing in public over Gibney. I realised many years ago he hadn't a baldy but at one point he did seem plausible.
Sean Bres
ReplyDeleteI really like the politics of Eirigi and would consider placing my vote with them. I was just always under the impression that they only stand in West Belfast. If they ever field a candidate for my area, then by all means I would.
James
Some very good points there that you raised.
I was once involved with an election whilst living in America. I was a volunteer at the Democratic office during the elections for Obama. I felt a an African-American becoming President was a huge step forward for America. Although I now look back and feel rather daft for helping him. He spewed nothing but false promises. So what is new to that in the game of politics?
I am looking forward to finding out which parties I shall be able to vote for come next year. I have never voted before so never taken any interest in who has stood for our area.
Funny that people from a unionist background going to SF for help is mentioned. I actually know of people from loyalist areas who did go to SF for help as the DUP treated them like crap.
I have only ever used SF for help too. Always been great people to deal with.
When I was needing my university papers signed and stamped by a professional so forth, I had gone to a DUP office by chance of driving by one day and they were rambling idiots and had no clue. One even asked me if I had even ever voted for them. I told them to forget it, that I would drive to the Falls and ask SF to help. They had it done within 24hrs.
Maitiu,
ReplyDeleteBusinessmen and farmers have been criss crossing the political- religious divide here for eons and going to the which ever political party would represent their interest the best. The money men do not discriminate over something as petty as religion, believe me they work together just fine in my experience.
They may come accross as ultra prod or taig, possible leaders of tribal sect's given the scenario,or company, blurt out the retoric in fine detail, but it is only theatre, when they return to work and £ is on the go.
I know for example numerous farmers with double jobs, and it is not because they had not the money, believe me.
For example,I know a farmer who was also a long distance lorry driver, property developer, whilst gaining financial aid to maintain his respective farm.
Where is the performance related pay award there. Any man that has grafted on the building site, factory, call centre and goes home f....d, understands where the money has come from and the value of it.
Now where do they get the time to do all that, that industry needs investigated. I looked into it, very difficult to find the information, funny that.
If the working class started to criss cross in numbers, then we would have a real game of chess on the go.
History tells us what you would get from the respective sectarian political groupings going on a series emotional/physical/financial manipulation control tactics in the respective communities,to suppress the beast and herd in the sheep.
Using possible controlling institutions, media, religion, education, legal, community, sports, the list goes on to manipulate and eradicate and possibly impose some sort of emotional guilt in order to maintain the tribal-sectarian "haves and have nots" powerbase curve up.
Tactics would include possible isolating,shamming, negative labelling, employment blacklisting, physical and mental bullying.
Hey, dont knock it, it has worked thus far. Think about it. They say politics and drink dont go, try alternative political view and employment here.
If reality was reflected it would be the book 1984,George Orwell, will we become a nation of possible Winston Smith's? Are we, already?
When you have an all controlling mechanism ie your elected so called government, managing by division, what do you expect?
Division. Not even a joy division.
Hass et al, is only offering possible methods of managing division here.
What we will see AT tomorrows deadline is nothing of substance again. Some glossy speech about how constructive the talks were, the infamous political SF/DUP leadership line here knocked out and kicked about "There is much more work to be done". S/F saying it can happen, DUP some aspects not practical. Says who Jeffrey Donaldson, you, you representing yourself again on rethoric soundbites keeping you in power.
Maybe another date arranged for nothing of substance to happen again, and again and again.
I mean where is the bill of rights and civic forum set up as part of the GFA. I tell you, it is shelved from 2002, it has the potential to monitor and suppress the executive about potential legislative decisions, they do not want that at all.
Christ most people I know do not even know they exist or what they are, hidden from view by the executive and its media outlets.
Christ, Stormount has not even an opposition for that. F....d up this place bigtime. They talk about kangaroo courts? I am in the frame of mind to take my chances there!.
While I agree 100% with what the lads said I feel it was lost in the pages of the News Letter, a newspaper read solely by Unionists.
ReplyDeleteNo disrespect to Gemma Murray but I believe we need to speak out in a place where our voices will be heard and hopefully listened to.
Even though it is also carried here on The Quill and to a lesser extent on Facebook pages the argument to end armed actions isn't getting to the right people and by that I mean the grassroots of these organisations.
These are the future generation of Republicanism, another generation we don't want to see wasting their lives in jail or carrying the horror of having killed for nothing around with them until they die.
The hard fact is, that Republicans are disappearing into the prison system and the only sign of their whereabouts or what is happening to them is a hand full of protesters at street corners or online comments.
And while they waste away Republicanism has become apathetic because the majority of us who would still claim to be Republican see no logic in carrying on an armed campaign with no clear reasoning other than it is continuing as it always did.
What we are seeing is nothing more than something which the Shinners can point to and claim it is a threat to 'Our peace process' and if you don't vote for us you are giving tacit support to the continued use of violence.
What we are waiting for is the one bad job - the next Omagh - because we know that the Brits are capable of arranging such; especially if it is seen that Republicanism is getting stronger.
Its hard to do this if Republicans are no longer engaged in armed actions.
We need to begin to challenge and I believe that should come in face to face meetings and open debates where no threatening looks are caught from the sidelines, as in the past.
We need an alternative to armed struggle which is not assisting the British institutions under the guise of a so called peace process. So lets start out on the road to finding one.
JAMES..On the subject of farmers double jobbing wait to this casement job starts see how many local are started.Every site in belfast is full of rednecks.
ReplyDeleteReading some of the stories on nuzhound...There is another article in the Newsletter from a former provisional..
ReplyDelete‘Dissident republicans must learn from what happened’, says ex-IRA man
“I found myself in the Kesh and in 1976 I got suspended and dismissed from the IRA because I wrote outside against the wishes of the OC complaining about the sectarian turn of the IRA campaign,” he said.
“I wrote this because I was basically sick the night Kingsmills happened. Kingsmills was and is and remains a war crime. You cannot have it both ways. As was Teebane, Ballymurphy and Bloody Sunday.