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I
have neither the time nor the inclination to get involved
in a ping-pong letter writing scenario with Seamas
O'Neill but a few remarks on his letter are called
for.
Firstly,
this
letter bears no relation to his initial letter
attacking "Super Duper Republicans" who
campaigned for Eamon McCann in the last election.
His current position, vis-a-vis the salvatory nature
of the Good Friday Agreement would surely have us
all handing out leaflets, knocking doors and smiling
down on the "grass roots" from expensive
posters. Is it that only those who share his enthusiasm
for the Sinn Fein line have a right to free expression?
You can't have it both ways, Seamas.
Seamas
has me at a disadvantage, he seems to know all about
me while I know nothing about him. If indeed he knows
so much about me then he should be aware that I have
often "put pen to paper" expressing my position
as a republican, I have spoken publicly and on radio
on the same topic. Is the problem that I was not pushing
the Good Friday line but speaking with honesty from
my own long held beliefs?
As
for cheering his "noble sons and daughters"
to war, I can assure him that I would take no more
joy in seeing my sons follow their convictions to
prison or the grave than did my mother or the mothers
of all those who lie in Republican plots. It was my
free choice and I believe that we all have that freedom.
I
"dropped out" of the Republican struggle?
I have also heard the phrase "getting off the
bus" used as an abuse for people who disagree
with Sinn Fein policy - only a fool remains sitting
on the bus after the driver has changed destination!
The
personal nature of Mr O'Neill's letter is typical
of the totalitarian way his party approach any voice
raised against them. Other totalitarian parties, once
in power, followed such personal attacks with the
gulag or the firing squads. Spare us the day. I have
never been afraid of bullies be they in camouflage,
blue or green uniforms, in politicians' suits or writing
abusively in papers. You do not know me that well,
Seamas.
As
for my contribution to the Republican cause, it continues
to this day. I do not support the Good Friday Agreement
or Sinn Fein but I will never abandon my Republican
beliefs and state them wherever I choose. Nobody will
deny me that right.
This
letter closes my correspondence with Seamas O'Neill.
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