Stephen Farry: As a possible first minister, O'Neill has duty to represent everyone

Re Sinn Fein northern leader Michelle O'Neill speaking at a memorial even in Cappagh for eight IRA men shot dead by the SAS at Loughgall:
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd May 2017, 07:45 BST
Updated 9th May 2017, 20:18 BST
Michelle ONeill at the event to commemorate the Loughgall IRA men shot dead by the SAS in 1987. Picture Matt Bohill PacemakerMichelle ONeill at the event to commemorate the Loughgall IRA men shot dead by the SAS in 1987. Picture Matt Bohill Pacemaker
Michelle ONeill at the event to commemorate the Loughgall IRA men shot dead by the SAS in 1987. Picture Matt Bohill Pacemaker

While we respect families, friends and communities will want to remember loved ones, regardless of the circumstances in which it happened, there is a risk of remembrance also glorifying their actions.

Each death during the Troubles is regretted and every loss of life is a source of immense pain.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However, when the remembrance of people crosses the line to legitimisation of their individual or collective actions then a worrying message is sent out in terms of the reinforcement of divisions and ambiguity of the rule of law.

The commemoration in Cappagh, Co. Tyrone, for eight members of the IRA who were killed by the SAS as they were about to attack Loughgall RUC station in May 1987. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.comThe commemoration in Cappagh, Co. Tyrone, for eight members of the IRA who were killed by the SAS as they were about to attack Loughgall RUC station in May 1987. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com
The commemoration in Cappagh, Co. Tyrone, for eight members of the IRA who were killed by the SAS as they were about to attack Loughgall RUC station in May 1987. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com

As a possible first minister or deputy first minister, Michelle O’Neill should bear in mind under the Good Friday Agreement, she is not there to be solely the representative of republican interests any more than Arlene Foster would be the representative of unionist interests. Anyone holding senior office has a duty to represent the entire community.

There was never any justification for any activities from paramilitary or terrorist organisations. Attempts to provide a rationale today, around for example the reality of discrimination, and to rewrite history should be challenged and rejected.

There was never any inevitability about violence, choices were always made.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Furthermore, it is wrong to equate the actions of paramilitaries with those of the security forces.

The police and army had a mandate to protect lives. Of course, there were also serious issues, failings and illegal behaviour, and all of these should be subject to investigation.

Paramilitarism is not something consigned to our dark past.

It remains a challenge to deter young people from being easily swayed.

Stephen Farry, Alliance MLA, North Down

Related topics:Michelle O'NeillStephen FarrySinn FeinIRALoughgallArlene Foster