OPINION: Unionist outrage at IRA documentary not met by actions
THE outrage of many unionist politicians at Gerry Kelly's account of shooting a prison officer in the head is not matched by their actions, commentator David Vance argues
THOSE people who have suffered at the hands of IRA terrorism will feel a deep sense of revulsion at the BBC Breakout documentary which afforded the likes of Sinn Fein Junior Minister Gerry Kelly a prime-time opportunity to reminisce about his role in the shooting of a prison officer in the head whilst escaping from the Maze prison back in 1983.
COMMENT ON THE BREAKOUT DOCUMENTARY ON THE BIG DEBATE
There are so many wrongs involved here that we do need to put a few of them right.
First, it is obvious that Mr Kelly, along with those other IRA terrorists who absconded from justice that day, has no remorse and no sense of shame.
Indeed, he is proud of what was achieved.
Through the perverse prism of republicanism, this breakout was a victory in the same way as butchering thousands of our fellow citizens was an essential part of their war.
To all decent-minded people, it is an insight into the depraved mind of an IRA man.
The lawlessness and brutality on display that day 25 years ago was the hallmark of the IRA and the fact that Mr Kelly showed no mercy or hesitation when he pumped a bullet into the head of a prison officer tells us all that we need to know about him.
Yet Mr Kelly now holds senior political office in Northern Ireland with every prospect of even becoming a future Minister for Policing and Justice.
Twenty-five years ago, such a situation was inconceivable but the Belfast Agreement has lifted up those like Mr Kelly even as the victims of IRA terrorism lie cold in their graves. Is this justice?
However, the outrage expressed by unionist politicians is as phoney as Mr Kelly's suitability for political office.
Whilst DUP and Ulster Unionists pretend to be offended, the truth is that all of them are well aware of Mr Kelly's pedigree and yet they are determined to share power with Sinn Fein come what may.
It is a matter of public record that Mr Kelly attempted to murder a prison officer in 1983 so why are they now so outraged when he merely confirms that which they already know?
When has the IRA ever shown remorse for its killing campaign?
If the DUP and UUP were not so seduced by the baubles of political power at any price their outrage might carry a little bit more sincerity.
The lesson of 1983 is not just the brutality of the Maze breakout but rather the accompanying breakdown in common morality and political courage which has allowed Mr Kelly to occupy his current office whilst the very prison that once held him lies demolished.
Wherein lies the greater shame – with Mr Kelly and his brutal IRA associates or with those unionist politicians who have turned a blind eye to the crimes of the past?
l David Vance is the author of Unionism Decayed (available from the News Letter bookshop) and the editor of political blog A Tangled Web.
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Tuesday 14 February 2012
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