Does Irish ‘Star Trek’ Star Swing Sinn Fein’s Way?

2 responses to “Does Irish ‘Star Trek’ Star Swing Sinn Fein’s Way?”

1. johnbroady | July 18, 2023 at 8:27 am | Reply

   Hello Mr Moloney, I’m a huge fan of your work A Secret History of the IRA. That book and some others (notably Eamon Collins Killing Rage) raise the question: When *exactly* did Gerry Adams decide the IRA’s campaign was going to be maneuvered to an end?

   In early 1990 you had Adams openly signalling on British television that Sinn Féin wanted to participate in partitionist all-party talks within Northern Ireland and the IRA declared its first Christmas ceasefire that year. In 1988 Sinn Féin entered talks with the SDLP. In late 1986 Adams sent his private letter to Tom King enquiring about a political settlement. In 1985 Ivor Bell and his allies launched their heave believing the leadership intended to run down the IRA in favour of electoral politics. According the Eamon Collins, already in 1984 there was significant anxiety in South Armagh that the leadership intended to do that.

   So at what at point from Sinn Féin running for election in 1981 the Hunger Strike did Adams begin to formulate such a move? Was it more gradual and progressive than a hard plan set in motion over two decades (reportedly Sinn Féin were somewhat vague and unsure about what they wanted during the GFA negotiations)?

   • The Broken Elbow | July 18, 2023 at 9:33 am | Reply

     I suspect and believe that the 1981 hunger strike was where it started, the impetus being given by the election and death of Sands. Although it was not planned as such and there were doubts and fears about him standing, the bobby sands election was the spark. I also suspect that his election signed his death warrant. Thereafter I suspect and believe that the nine other deaths were handled so as to cement the electoral strategy permanently so that the non-hunger striking part of the Provos i.e. sinn fein could also seek election. Thereafter it was just a matter of time before we ended at the GFA. Thank you for the cimpliment – much appreciated…..

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