Secret Channels of Communication Exposed in Anglo-Irish Peace Talks

Strategic Insights -

As the Anglo-Irish peace initiative stalls, Peter Robinson, deputy leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, has accused British Prime Minister John Major of secretly working with the Irish Republican Army (IRA) to negotiate the details of a united Ireland. Robinson's allegations claim that Major is using secret channels of communication to relay information to Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams through the messenger boy, John Hume, leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP). This revelation has raised concerns that the British government is compromising its position by negotiating with the IRA, despite the group's refusal to renounce violence.

Key Takeaways:

  • Peter Robinson, deputy leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, has accused British Prime Minister John Major of secretly negotiating with the IRA through secret channels of communication.
  • Robinson claims that Major is working with Irish Prime Minister Albert Reynolds to force Protestants into a united Ireland, citing the Anglo-Irish peace initiative as a "down payment to the terrorists aimed at buying off their acquiescence and rewarding them with a say in shaping the future of Northern Ireland."
  • Major has denied these allegations, insisting that the agreement is clear and that the IRA is trying to draw Britain into negotiations before renouncing violence.
  • The IRA's political wing, Sinn Fein, is set to participate in negotiations on the future of Northern Ireland in exchange for an IRA renunciation of violence.
  • Ulster Unionist Party leader James Molyneaux believes the IRA has already decided to reject the peace initiative and is attempting to hold out for further concessions.
  • Military operations by the IRA and Protestant loyalist groups have not ceased, with more than a dozen bomb attacks on security bases and patrols since January 1.

Statistics:

  • Over a dozen bomb attacks by the IRA on security bases and patrols since January 1.
  • Series of fire bomb attacks by the IRA claim responsibility for millions of pounds (dollars) in damage to supermarkets and large stores in the greater Belfast area.
  • Loyalist groups have also continued their operations, concentrating on rocket and gun attacks against Catholics in nationalist areas of Belfast.
  • 60-year-old Catholic man shot in the head by UFF gunmen in north Belfast on Monday, but survived after grappling with the gunmen.

Sources:

  • Democratic Unionist Party (no specific date mentioned)
  • British Prime Minister John Major's interview with [no specified news outlet or date]
  • Ulster Unionist Party (no specific date mentioned)