The campaign defending members of the Republican writers group in Belfast from physical intimidation by the Republican movement has entered a period of difficulty. This is in part due to initial success.
The unjustified nature of the killing of real IRA member Joe O'Connor and the clumsy and brutal nature of the intimidation of the writers who investigated the killing provoked a backlash amongst republican supporters.
Unfortunately the leadership have faced many backlashes in the progress of the peace process, and have learnt that - in the absence of any political opposition -dealing with their unhappy supporters is simply a matter of making tactical retreats while refusing to budge on the main issue This is the case today. Initial attacks led to a wave of anger in republican areas of Belfast and a series of letters of support for the writers - Tommy Gorman and Tony Mclntyre.
Prominent sympathisers in Dublin expressed opposition to the attacks. SOCALIST Party Dail member Joe Higgins was contacted and the Irish Socialist Workers Party expressed strong oppo«lion to une witch nun.
Gerry Adams faced sharp questioning in the USA following pickets of his tour by the mother of the dead RIRA volunteer. In the face of the criticism, Adams announced ThAt na wollo cubbon as enquiry into the death. It looked like a republican retreat.
Worrying
However a closer look revealed a more worrying picture. Adams' support for an enquiry was conditional on his judging that Mrs O'Connor was not under the influence of other organisations like the real IRA: this was in practice a diplomatic way of refusing the demand.
The physical attacks have died down, but this is because Tony Mclntyre and his pregnant partner have been forced from their home. A new slander campaign has been launched.
Essentially the republicans argue anonmousiv in a series of letters that their attacks are based on the writers naming the gunmen who killed Joe O'Connor rather than on their political opposition. It has been demonstrated conclusively that the RWG members did not have those names.
Now the republicans allege a complicated smear in which some of the writers are linked to a website, with the bulletin board on the site containing information (not posted by the writers) speculating about the identity of a rumoured British mole called "steak knife".
The physical threat to the writers still exists. If the level of protest dies down the level of threat is likely to increase sharply.
Socialists and civil libertarians should contact the republican movement directly, and inform the RWG website that they have done SO.
IRWG at http://rwg.phoblacht.net/
How they are best remembered: RUC under fire from nationalists for protecting Orange marchers' "right" to march down the Garvaghy Road. Outlook Andrew Wiard tion. Involvement in implementation was required to secure further negotiation. Successful negotiation required confidence and stability ... and the road to confidence and stability was the surrender or destruction of IRA weaponry.
The SDLP face a difficulty. Westminster elections loom. Settling for the RUC with a new name is highly unpopular even with their members. ernment stands ready to help mean confessing that their strategy is in ruins and leave