28.03.1996

Inla statement

In light of recent political developments and the direct threat posed against our membership and supporters, the leadership of the Inla have reviewed our previous position in regards to our cessation of military operations.

We cannot look on idly as the British cynically draw out and fudge attempts at a negotiated settlement - while the full oppressive apparatus of the state is employed against the nationalist working class ... As and from mid-day today Friday March 22 our movement will operate from a position of ‘defence and retaliation’. Accordingly, all units of the Inla have been placed on stand-by.

... In conclusion we re-affirm our total and unconditional support to our comrades in the IRSP. We fully endorse the political direction they have taken in response to recent developments. We also recognise the danger under which they live and pledge ourselves to defend their right to organise politically free from the threat of attack.

The following is the text of a joint communiqué issued by republican socialist prisoners

The Republican Socialist POWs in Long Kesh and Portlaoise affirm their total support for the Republican Socialist Movement in these trying times ... We refute totally any suggestion of a feud within our Movement. Those who lead the present attacks against us are not members of the RSM ... Those who attack us do the work of British imperialism.

... It is important to note that no other political party or group in Ireland has defended the right of the IRSP to organise free from armed attack.

Indeed it is to the shame of Provisional Sinn Fein that they have exploited the climate surrounding Gino Gallagher and our Movement. Furthermore, in a cynical act of selective amnesia they have used the death of a child to call for the disbandment of the RSM.

Such an act of opportunism betrays a failure of thorough political analysis which in the long run could come home to haunt Sinn Fein.

... We now have an armed drug gang, working to a sinister agenda, attacking Republican Socialists. If encouraged by the results who might be next? It is in all our interests that these people are stopped.