Roger Millin wrote: > Peter stated: >> There are also examples that show the contrary. >> >> Where are the IRA now ? > > The IRA were never defeated by the actions of the troops. They were > reduced in power as Sinn Fein decided that it wanted to be more a part > of the democratic political system and the people of Ireland (N & S) > grew tired of the continuing conflict. There are still factions of the > old groups in existence now and some recent troubles had me worried > that it might flare up again at one point. My whole point was that no > conventional army has decisively and comprehensively defeated a > terrorist/freedom fighter (call them what you will) group to the point > where they are eliminated. The British Government were in covert > discussions with the IRA and Sinn Fein before the eventual cease fire > and American brokered 'putting the weapons out of use' (note, not > handing in the weapons but a self-declaration that they had been put > out of use with a few photos to prove it). I ask you, does that > suggest that the troops had defeated the IRA? I think not. > Roger
Shirley the IRA were "defeated" by the building of the Shannon-Erne Waterway? Interesting to note that one of the founders of the IWAI, Sean McBride, was Cheif of Staff of the original IRA, a great friend of another founder, Harry Rice, who happened to be a retired British Army officer. This was Sean's boat: http://www.tuesdaynightclub.co.uk/T07_Imag/15_07_07/Pict1942.jpg -- Neil Arlidge - NB Earnest Follow the travels of TNC, now in Ireland http://www.tuesdaynightclub.co.uk/tour.html
