Would you have joined the IRA or did you?

Q: I think about Rose McGowan's comments, and I agree with her. I too would have joined the IRA to fight against oppression if I had been there in those days.. Would you? Did you? http://movies.yahoo.com/mv/news/va/20080918/122173439300.html

A: Yes there was oppression here in the north in the late 60's. If you were from a catholic background (and in all likelihood a nationalist) you dod not have the same rights with regards to finding work, housing or even to vote. At the time there was a civil rights campaign which rightly believed that equality could only be achieved through peaceful means. By the IRA adopting using violence as a means to means to not only equal rights for nationalists but to force a united Ireland onto a community the majority of who did not want to belong to. This Dual approach by the IRA meant that greater divisions sprung up between the two communities and the result was nearly 40 years of 'The Troubles' and 1000's of deaths. The IRA used their power to brutally control their own communities. Google the name Jean McConville and read the links that come up, especially ones sources from the Irish papers and you will see just how callous they were. The PIRA did nothing for my country but cause misery to countless people across both communities. So in answer to your question, as a person from a Catholic background from Northern Ireland no I did not and no I would not ever consider joining the PIRA. The Civil rights movement were proved right in the end, the Good Friday Agreement did not come about because of the Provos it came about in-spite of them.

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