A chara, - In his oration at the reinterment of executed Irish Republican Army volunteers, Mr Ahern justified their use of physical force on the basis of their democratic mandate, as expressed by the delegates to Dβil ╔ireann in January 1919. In contrast, he argued that "it would be quite wrong to apply, without distinction, any such presumption to other times and circumstances."
Does this mean that Fianna Fβil has decided to disown de Valera? After all, the founding father of the Soldiers of Destiny was prepared to continue armed struggle in pursuit of the Republic subsequent to ratification of the Treaty by the Dβil. Rather than stealing the mantle of Sinn FΘin, it would appear that Fianna Fβil is intent on adopting the garb of Fine Gael. - Is mise,
Sam Porter, Belfast 15.