16.01.1997

IRSP statement

During the past two years representatives of the Irish Republican Socialist Party have been working quietly to urge the Irish National Liberation Army, whatever their reservations, to let the bogus ‘peace process’ run its course. Despite periods of high tension and many provocations it is to the Inla’s credit that their line has held.

Over the weekend the Ulster Freedom Fighters have threatened to attack the nationalist community ‘big time’ in the wake of any further IRA activity. It is the understanding of representatives of the IRSP who are in contact with the Inla that their tolerance is running out and can no longer be taken for granted.

The Inla feels that the marginalisation of the republican socialist movement, the ongoing RUC/British army campaign of oppression being waged in working class nationalist communities could already justify a resumption of armed struggle.

Republicans have been targeted for murder with the threat of more to come. Known loyalist paramilitaries have been observed in nationalist areas on ‘scouting’ missions. The playing of these ‘war games’ by loyalists is a very high risk gamble.

It was made patently clear to our representatives that, should attacks upon the nationalist community take place, an Inla response will be forthcoming - no matter what we in the IRSP advise or say.

Ard Comhairle member Willie Gallagher
January 6 1997