Kalimantan Gull
Well-known member
The PLO, RAF, ETA all met Sinn Fein too. Were they also ahead of the curve?
The people who brought peace to N Ireland did so by bringing Sinn Fein to the negotiating table. I've got an extensive library of books about the Troubles and there's not a single line about Corbyn offering to act as a mediator between SF and the UK government. His relationship wasn't to bring them to the table but was support for their cause.
He had their confidence for 20 plus years yet none of the main players sought to exploit his unique friendship with SF and as I've said, he didn't offer anything either.
Corbyn was no pacifist when it came to N Ireland, numerous times he could have declined to glorify IRA terrorists and he never once expressed anything other than a ready willingness to join in. These are not the actions of someone promoting non-violence and peace.
Corbyn's relationship with SF/IRA had any affect or influence on the peace process.
No, I don't think he had much influence at the time, because our government then was in full-on war mode. SF wanted to talk but not many wanted to, and of those who did, Corbyn certainly didn't have much influence. Nevertheless his chosen method was the one which ultimately proved successful.
I just think its ridiculous he's being vilified for attempting the same means of dialogue that eventually put an end to the troubles