Eire said:
Generally I try to ignore the existance of the IRA since I don't like politics, but in my own opinion they should be stopped. At the start their aim was to have Ireland back as one Island, but I don't think that will ever happen. At this point they just seem to be running drugs and weapons about the country. They are killing people for stupid reasons, one example: A woman was murdered leaving behind about 8 children to fend for themselves. The reason behind it is becasue she stayed and comforted a dying man, who had been one of their targets.
Reuniting the country is one thing, but killing people for such reasons as above is worse. For me, at this point, I don't care if it is reunited or not. My reason for this is I have friends in the Republic and the North of Ireland. They are my friends regardless of what side they live on. Thankfully, most of the metal fans in Ireland are all cool with each other. The recent gig Amon played in Derry is a good example of how well we mix. Bands from both sides were playing and there was no disputes among them.
No disrespect to you, but there are a couple of points need to be made here. Like yourself, I want to see an end to the IRA, BUT ONLYWHEN THE REST OF THE ARMED GROUPS GO AWAY ALSO _ BRITISH ARMY, RUC/PSNI, UDA,UVF ETC.
Like you, I have many friends north and south of the border, indeed many family also. My mothers side of the family are all from Fermangh, Tyrone and Armagh. Events like Sacrifice are class but that has nothing to do with the political situation. Regardless of their viewpoint, I have no problem with any metalhead, or inded anyone, regardless of whether they are nationalist or loyalist, Irish or British, swedish or danish or whatever.
However, people need to recognise the reality that the IRA re-emerged in 1969 because of the denial of civil and human rights to nationalists in the occupied six counties and the attempts by loyalists and RUC/UDR personnel to burn nationalists from their homes. In areas such as the Short Strand of Belfast and the Bogside of Derry, right beside where Amon Amarth played their gig, it was only the prescence of IRA volunteers that prevented the overrunnng of these areas and the widespread slaughter of nationalists by the loyalist mobs supported by the RUC etc. While those groups still pose a threat to nationalist communities which they do, and while the civil/human rights of nationalist/republicans and the electoral mandate of nationalist/republicans is ignored, then wishing the IRA to go away while these groups stay intact and British troops occupy Ireland is a foolish prospect. Who would defend thee areas if the IRA went away? The British army, RUC/PSNI, Irish Government? I dont think so. The IRA have been the only group to defend these areas. regardless of what we might think, and the propaganda spouted by many politicians.
The woman that you refer to was killed over 30 years ago and was actually killed because she had informed to the British occupying authorities, not the reasons that you said. While I dont condone such a killing, there were many other families left without a father or mother because of the murders by the British army, RUC and loyalist death squads supported by British Government agents. Terrible killings that should not have happened occurred in this war. A fellow county man of yourself, Eddie Fullerton, an elected representative was shot dead in his own home by loyalist death squads operating with the assistance of British army/RUC inteligence agents
The IRA, unlike the British army, RUC/PSNI etc have been ceasefire since 1994. No disrespect intended towrds you, but your point alleging IRA drug involvement is just completely off the wall as the IRA, and republicans generally, are totally opposed to drugs.
I do believe that Ireland should be re-united and the british occupation ended. Just as the US occupation of Iraq and the Israeli occupation of Palestine are wrong and should be ended, so too should the British occupation of Ireland end too.
As I said at the start, no disrespect intended. i have a very different viewpoint from you. Fair pley to you for your efforts in promoting metal and I hope that you continue to do so. However, I would check your source of info for suggesting IRA involvement in Drugs as it is totally wrong and incorrect.
It would be like suggesting that Quorthon adn Chuck Schuldiner were really disciples of Christ after all.
p.s Amon still fucking rule Yeeeeaaaaahhhhh!
