I have been quietly observing the unsightly exchanges over the latest Brendan Hughes mural to appear in Belfast.
The real life Brendan Hughes was a private individual who shunned public attention. Unfortunately, he was not always allowed to sit quietly over a pint without being pestered for his thoughts on politics.
There are two things worth consideration here. Firstly, his opposition to the peace strategy evolved as he carefully analysed it's implications for the struggle. He once advised me not to act hastily before understanding the public mood: by public he meant the republican constituency.
Secondly, the process reached a point where he no longer supported the use of armed struggle in the context of the peace process. He felt there was no longer a desire for it on the ground. At the time,
I personally disagreed with him.
The Dark was a highly intelligent, complex individual with vast experience of the struggle. One did well to pay attention to what he had to say on important matters.
Behave yourselves!
His memory and legacy are being contested in the public arena by self-appointed defenders and detractors.
I just wonder how much of this infantile behaviour has anything to do with the man himself: I would venture very little.
The real life Brendan Hughes was a private individual who shunned public attention. Unfortunately, he was not always allowed to sit quietly over a pint without being pestered for his thoughts on politics.
There are two things worth consideration here. Firstly, his opposition to the peace strategy evolved as he carefully analysed it's implications for the struggle. He once advised me not to act hastily before understanding the public mood: by public he meant the republican constituency.
Secondly, the process reached a point where he no longer supported the use of armed struggle in the context of the peace process. He felt there was no longer a desire for it on the ground. At the time,
I personally disagreed with him.
The Dark was a highly intelligent, complex individual with vast experience of the struggle. One did well to pay attention to what he had to say on important matters.
Therefore, it is an insult to his memory to claim his legacy in order to advance a political argument. Even worse than this is to label him a tout in order to protect powerful political interests and reputations.
Behave yourselves!
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Alec McCrory is a former blanketman. |
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