The announcement by the killers of Det Garda Jerry McCabe that they do not want their release to form part of negotiations on a comprehensive settlement in Northern Ireland reflects an altered political landscape.
Sinn Féin and the Provisional IRA are under tremendous pressure at home and abroad to complete the transition to peaceful, democratic structures. And there are some hesitant signs that the message is getting through.
As might be expected in the circumstances, the four prisoners sought to blame the Government for undermining the peace process and for withdrawing an earlier commitment to release them. They protested their own bona fides in the matter and went on to apologise for the hurt and grief caused to the families of the two gardaí who were shot in an Adare bank robbery in 1996. The statement was primarily directed at Provisional republicans. It sought to calm public anger over their possible early release. And, most importantly, it removed an obstacle to the resumption and completion of political negotiations.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, had ruled out their early release in a series of statements in which he demanded an end to all IRA criminality. But, as pressure increased on Sinn Féin over both the murder of Robert McCartney and the Northern Bank robbery, the party sought to present a more moderate, reforming profile in advance of the Westminster elections.
The McCabe family was not impressed and described the statement as a public relations stunt which had come nine years too late. The Garda Representative Association regarded it as a cynical and opportunistic ploy. And the SDLP leader, Mr Mark Durkan, whose party is poised to regain ground in the elections, dismissed it as an exercise in damage-limitation.
Sinn Féin is suffering serious erosion in terms of profile and prestige. Not alone has it been ostracised by nationalist parties because of the criminal activities of the IRA, but doors are beginning to close across the world. A cold, condemnatory wind is blowing. Comparisons are again being made with terrorist organisations and the Mafia. The Sinn Féin president has been denied access to President Bush while the McCartney sisters will be favoured White House guests. Senator Peter King, a former champion of Sinn Féin's interests, is now calling on the IRA to disband. And Senator Edward Kennedy has chosen not to meet Mr Gerry Adams.
The world has changed dramatically since 9/11 and the ratification of the Belfast Agreement. There is no place for the IRA and its criminal/terrorist activities. The people voted on both sides of the Border for democratic structures, for judicial process and equality before the law. Mr Adams and Mr Martin McGuinness know that. Hard decisions will be required to bring about devolved government and a properly-functioning Northern Ireland Executive. The preliminary step in that process requires the disbandment of the IRA.