An Phoblacht/Republican News, November 28, 2003
Analysis:
No coincidence
The surge in the vote for the DUP and Sinn Fein has been
dangerously presented in the media as a polarisation of public
opinion in the Six Counties.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
The fact that Sinn Fein is a resurgent political party is a
product of its peace strategy, a new assertiveness among
northern nationalists and the subsequent decline of the SDLP.
The rise of anti-Agreement unionism is a reaction to this
process, with unionist opposition to the Agreement growing in
tandem with support for Sinn Fein. Unnerved by the fear of
change and the perceived loss of influence, the wagons have
been circled against the perceived foe.
Meanwhile, the veneer of righteousness had faded from the
Reverend Ian Paisley. His outbursts of anti-Sinn Fein (read
Catholic) rhetoric must make even his devoted followers quail
with unease. At a time when cool heads are called for, the
77-year-old is still using the rhetoric of the seventies.
But the DUP, above all, is not immune to the trappings of
power. In terms of popular vote, it is now the largest party
in the Six Counties. This can command respect, as a boorish
Nigel Dodds tetchily demanded from an unfortunate TV
commentator last night. But it also brings responsibilities.
The DUP now represents the unionists of the Shankill Road
through its elected representative in West Belfast, Diane
Dodds. But how will the party lead that distressed community?
With more bombast and pulpit-banging? Or with a reasonable
strategy for ending its dispute with the nationalist
community?
The DUP's stated policy of refusing to negotiate with Sinn
Fein, the second largest party behind the DUP, is childish and
outdated.
It is almost ten years since the IRA declared its ceasefire.
It is now past time for unionism to respond with a ceasefire
of its own.