Murder of Dissidents in Belfast another blow against Republicanism

national | anti-war / imperialism | news report Sunday March 18, 2007 22:10 by Skippy p

Joe Jones and Eddie Burns brutal murders drag dissidents into the mire.

Joe Jones father of three was battered to death with a spade, Eddie Burns was shot to death his friend damien O'Neill barely survived.

These were horrific squalid little murders carried out by republicans on other republicans. Both the killers and the victims are variously described as former members of the CIRA, current members, members of a splinter group or dual members. After the hammering these elements took in the election you woul think if some sort of political perspective existed they might have paused for thought for few weeks to reflect on how things were politically. No instead an argument about guns and a lot of drink lead to this. On another thread on this site some one argues for disbandment or at least a ceasefire from the "armies" still in the field. If republicanism is to retain any currency surely now is the time to make a jesture. Keep your guns in hiding if you must , but acknowledge nothing can currently be achieved by resort to arms but the further marginalisation of republican ideas.