New Blair-era commission may not have understood Sinn Féin-IRA relationship, noted Department of Justice figure
This article reveals behind-the-scenes negotiations between Irish and British officials in 2004 regarding the Independent Monitoring Commission's (IMC) plans to publicly name the IRA Army Council. Both governments deemed this plan "daft" and argued against it, fearing consequences and a lack of understanding of the complex relationship between Sinn Féin and the IRA on the part of the IMC.
The article highlights:
* Disagreement with IMC's naming plan: Both Irish and British officials considered publicizing the IRA Army Council's membership "daft" and actively worked to prevent it.
* Concerns about IMC's understanding: The Irish government expressed worry that the IMC lacked clarity on the intricate dynamics between Sinn Féin and the IRA.
* Sensitivity surrounding IRA's role: The article underscores the IRA's continued influence in certain communities, noting its responsibility for "social control" and the impact its actions had on daily life.
* Political context: The discussions took place during a review of the Belfast Agreement, with both governments pressuring Sinn Féin for IRA disarmament, which ultimately occurred in 2005.
Overall, the article sheds light on the delicate political maneuvering and behind-closed-doors discussions surrounding the IRA's decommissioning and the complex relationship between Sinn Féin and the IRA during this pivotal period.
This article reveals behind-the-scenes negotiations between Irish and British officials in 2004 regarding the Independent Monitoring Commission's (IMC) plans to publicly name the IRA Army Council. Both governments deemed this plan "daft" and argued against it, fearing consequences and a lack of understanding of the complex relationship between Sinn Féin and the IRA on the part of the IMC. The article highlights: * Disagreement with IMC's naming plan: Both Irish and British officials considered publicizing the IRA Army Council's membership "daft" and actively worked to prevent it. * Concerns about IMC's understanding: The Irish government expressed worry that the IMC lacked clarity on the intricate dynamics between Sinn Féin and the IRA. * Sensitivity surrounding IRA's role: The article underscores the IRA's continued influence in certain communities, noting its responsibility for "social control" and the impact its actions had on daily life. * Political context: The discussions took place during a review of the Belfast Agreement, with both governments pressuring Sinn Féin for IRA disarmament, which ultimately occurred in 2005. Overall, the article sheds light on the delicate political maneuvering and behind-closed-doors discussions surrounding the IRA's decommissioning and the complex relationship between Sinn Féin and the IRA during this pivotal period.
