peace, at last
the IRA has formally ordered an end to its armed campaign against the crown and pledges to pursue exclusively peaceful means. prime minister blair has recognised the unparalled magnitude of this event, which i see as the inevitable result of political recognition, growth and maturity. disenfranchised groups without political representation historically see few options beyond armed struggle through which they expect to at least be heard but end up also trying to impose political objectives often at odds with democratic principles. as a unionist sympathiser and as an atheist, who has found the protracted fight between protestants and catholics in the uk abhorrent, absurd and ridiculous (as all religious-based strife), i rejoice in this momentous occasion and am hopeful the IRA will keep their word.pax et bonum!
