Hardtalk interview with Kieran Conway

I knew Kieran a bit in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when he was the main IRA person liaising with the Irish Anti-Extradition Committee, of which I was the secretary/organiser at the time.

I liked his book Southside Provo and I like his frankness in this interview.  He said he left in 1993 the night of the Downing Street Agreement.  This was the last straw for me too.

When I saw (and then read) his book earlier this year I was surprised that he had left that early as he always gave me the impression that he was a dour, politically conservative militarist.  I was really surprised to learn that he joined the IRA as someone who identified with revolutionary socialism.  And that he had a sense of humour.

One of the things that he says in this interview is that by the time of the Downing Street Agreement the IRA was beaten.  It was heavily infiltrated, boxed in and beaten.  He also mentions that no-one in the Army was supposed to say that.

It struck me at the time that the armed struggle was in a cul-de-sac and that it may well have been necessary to replace it – but the replacement needed to be militant unarmed struggle and NOT an accommodation with British imperialism, let alone being integrated into the institutions of continuing British rule in the six counties and manoeuvring into position in the establishment in the twenty-six.

Anyway, here is the interview: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04d5ffs 

 

 

éirígí events

Some upcoming events – can members please do their best to attend, and promote events on social media.

1. Tomorrow – Brian Leeson’s Housing Heist public talk, hosted by Dublin 7 Housing Action Committee.

2. Two events this Saturday, 5th November –

The Abortion Rights Campaign are putting on a workshop for people who want to help build a Repeal the 8th campaign in Dublin South, taking place in Loretto Community Centre from 10.30am to 1pm.

Remember Terence McSwiney. Dublin South Central will hold a short and dignified Black Flag Vigil to remember his brave sacrifice on Saturday 5th of November at 3pm on Dolphins Barn Bridge.

3. Saturday, 19th November – Éirígí Dublin South annual Race Night fundraiser in Ollie’s Bar & Lounge, Sandyford.

4. Saturday, 26th November – Official launch of the Party’s ‘Public Housing For All’ campaign,which takes place in the Unite office on Middle Abbey St, Dublin.