Re:Dunphy & Ireland

Stephen McBride ([email protected])
Wed, 30 Dec 1998 08:20:21 -0000

Actualy, Elizabeth, Dunphy's description of the Ireland that U2
were born into was the one thing that he got right! Don't forget, he
is an Irishman. You are not! And you choose to be awfully one-
sided about what you quote!

I could refute every one of your republican points for a Unionist one,
but I couldn't be bothered. It's far too tiresome. And do you know
why? Because I used to have to do this every week between 1982-
6 at Queen's and eventually it hit me that all this theorising and
coming up with various historical/political/sociological viewpoints
meant fuck all. It wasn't going to change opinions, and it sure as
hell wasn' t going to change the fuckery that took place in Northern
Ireland.

Go to the funeral of someone who's been murdered by the IRA, to
see what sort of freedom fighters they are. And before you say,
yes, I know my lot seemed to have a hideous propensity for killing
Catholics too! Which equally sickened me. Which sickens all of
us in NI.

When you spout it off about how many books, periodicals, etc.
you've read, I can assure you I've read far, far more, including
Government files, released only to British Universities, needing to
be read under lock and key. But where does this sort of
oneupmanship get one? Nowhere.

What is for you a mildly interesting hobby, is for us our lives.
Whilst I respect your wish to find out, I wish you displayed
balance, and I wish you woke up to what the IRA really did. Along
with all the paramilitaries of all persuasions. And probably a fair bit
of police misbehaviour, and certainly British Army stupidity. see?
I can admit to the crimes of my side. But where does it get us?

Elizabeth, you are not a stupid person and when you write
regarding U2 and collecting, etc. I find you witty and amusing. We
will differ, and even though I argue the bit with you, it doesn't
diminish my liking for you as a person. But your defence of IRA
murder is hurtful and insulting to those of us who have suffered at
their hands. Whilst you can visit here for a holiday, etc. and see
the sites of "the struggle", we have to live here.

Stephen
"I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world" - Walt Whitman

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