THERE ARE disaffected elements in Northern Ireland that would welcome a return to tribal-style confrontation and bloodshed. They cannot be allowed to succeed. In particular, the activities of those dissident republicans who present themselves under such labels as the “Real IRA” and the “Continuity IRA” should be comprehensively rejected. The people have voted for peace and for a carefully balanced political settlement: a tiny minority of militants should not be allowed to thwart that democratic decision.
The threat to life and to good community relations posed by dissidents is very real. A bombing outside a PSNI station in Derry by the Real IRA displayed a calculated disregard for human life and signalled their determination to damage the tourist potential of the city and prevent a return to normality. In Bangor, a booby trap bomb planted under a soldier’s car failed to explode. These incidents were designed to attract publicity and prove the lethal capacity of the splinter groups involved. But perhaps their greatest threat comes through an orchestration of street violence.
Since early July, sporadic street violence in Belfast reflected a deliberate cranking up of tension. Then, as widely expected, the July 12th parade led to full-scale rioting at Ardoyne. Trouble-makers were bussed in from outside the district by dissident organisations. For three nights, members of the PSNI were stoned, fire-bombed and shot at. Local children as young as 10 years were involved and, in some instances, they were cheered on by their elders. It represented a throwback to the bad old days and Sinn Féin members were powerless to control it. The main difference was the discipline and restraint shown by members of the PSNI and the absence of soldiers on the streets. Since then, a clampdown on rioters by the PSNI has been sustained. Forty-three people have been charged and photographs of 14 others the police wish to question have been released. Many of those come from outside the district.
Efforts are being made by politicians and community activists to get a grip on events. Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams met members of the North and West Belfast Parades Forum to explore the prospects of avoiding trouble at Ardoyne if the Apprentice Boys parade there later this month. Further discussions are planned. At the same time, the Alliance Party is promoting an Executive-led programme for cohesion and integration that will tackle sectarianism, racism and hate crimes and try to create a shared vision of the future.
These are important initiatives. But without economic growth and the creation of jobs in deprived communities, progress will remain patchy. In that regard, a commitment by DUP leader Peter Robinson and Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness to encourage cross-Border economic co-operation is a welcome development. The opening of the Belfast to Dublin motorway has reduced travel times to as little as two hours and will stimulate economic activity. These developments can break down traditional barriers and improve living standards for all.