Róisín Ingle finds it easier to meet a Spaniard with a backpack on the Falls Road than a local with serious reservations about decommissioning
Troubles tourism showed no sign of slowing on the Falls Road as locals assessed yesterday's big news.
With the shop that sells republican paraphernalia closed for the day, a dozen Spanish tourists from the Basque country were content to take photos of the Sinn Féin offices next door and soak up the atmosphere on the Falls.
Directing curious glances at the excited Spaniards, an unemployed local man, Anthony Coleman (31), recently returned from London, described the decommissioning announcement as "a very good thing". "It is another step towards peace," he said. "Yes it is difficult but that is just natural. Since I have been away I have noticed a change. People I know, republicans and nationalists, are delighted with the news. It seems like it is time to move on."
Further down the road, outside the Divine Mercy Centre ("First Communion watches now in stock") two 17-year-olds with huge silver hoops through their ears were not as confident.
"I think it is helping the situation, its a good step but I will still feel a bit insecure if the IRA give up their arms. We rely on Sinn Féin and the IRA to protect us because we can't trust the police," said Donna, from Turf Lodge.
"We need the IRA and Sinn Féin to keep the streets clean," said Monica, from the Falls Road. "But sometimes the punishment beatings go too far."
Waiting for a bus outside Culturlann, a cosy café, tourist office and bookshop rolled into one, Brian McCabe said the announcement would keep the peace process moving.
"It gives it a boost," he said. "As a person who supported the armed struggle I do understand people who find this hard to deal with. The armed strategy achieved much for nationalists but this is the way we can achieve even more."
Local chef Sean McKearney (42) said that for him it was a matter of trust.
"I trust Provisional Sinn Féin. I trust the IRA. For me there is no difficulty with this decision I supported the IRA and it has been a long struggle but the peace process is a struggle too and it also needs our support."
Most women approached on the Falls Road were unwilling to discuss the announcement, goodnaturedly suggesting their opinion wouldn't be valid because, as a few said, "I don't have a clue about politics". The men, however, were keen to talk and even to give their names.
On the whole, reaction was positive but Gerry Adams knew what he was talking about when he mentioned how hard this was for republicans, especially those unwilling or unable to accept recent developments.
Smiling pleasantly, a man with gold earrings outside the Red Devil pub (a little piece of Manchester on the Falls Road) said he just didn't believe the news.
"It has not happened, it will never happen, no way, never. It is as simple as that," he said. "The IRA will not give up guns because we need protection and without their arms we are not protected."
Most people in the community felt the same, he said, but on the Falls Road yesterday it was easier to find a Spaniard with a backpack than a local with serious reservations about IRA decommissioning.