A Tangled Web

HOW THE PEACE PROCESS WORKS.



Liam Clarke, writing in the ST, makes a number of comments regarding the alleged Northern Ireland "peace process". Given the reach of this newspaper, it's probably fair enough to take a moment or two and deconstruct a few of the myths that Liam likes to peddle. After all, it's August and these well-paid journalists have to invent something to make up their (weakly) copy.



Liam's first error (wishful thinking?) is to pretend that the Northern Ireland political parties are "tantalisingly close" to reaching a deal next month. Really? And what would briefing is THAT based on, Liam? Have you obtained special information that is hidden from us lesser mortals? Is the DUP about to welch on on-the-record principles? Mmmm...I suggest that Liam is floating a Government/media kite here and the throwaway nature of the comment belies the stupidity of its substance.



Next, Liam shares his experience talking to Macedonian journalists. Macedonia has much in common with NI, seemingly. Apparently, the key learning here is that when things go wrong in Macedonia there are serious financial penalties for the populace but in Northern Ireland, when things don't go the way Government and the likes of Liam want, there aren't the same severe financial consequences. Hence his comment that we are "feather-bedded, flattered and spoon-fed."



Well, maybe we are, but if so, a major contributing factor has been those in the media such as the Sunday Times which cheer-leads for a political process that debases democracy and rewards terrorists. A bad deal is much worse than no deal but so much less copy.