Cause of conflict hasn't gone away

The decision of the Provisionals to abandon Republican principles and embrace the police and administer British rule is Ireland is being described in some quarters as a "dangerous experiment" but the truth is the move is treachery of the highest order.

The soft words used by Kerry Republican Richie Behal only serves to throw a veil over the true extent of the sellout by the Adams leadership.

Describing what has happened as "a dangerous experiment" is fudging the issue and I am surprised by Richie Behal who should be far more forthright in his views.

The fact is this policing decision is no dangerous experiment - it is the final step of  the Adams leadership embracing and administering British rule in Ireland.

No fancy words or soft soap like dangerous experiment will disguise the reality that the Provisionals have sold out and are now in the pay of the British Crown. It is as simple as that. The only hiding place for the Provisionals now is inside a British uniform.

However true Republicans who still adhere to traditional principles and seek a united Ireland will take courage and strength from the fact that there are men and women who are not prepared to accept British rule and take the Queen's Shilling.

For as long as partition remains there cannot be a real and lasting peace because at the core of the conflict in our country is the British presence. The real cause of conflict has not gone away you know!

Des Long, Chairman Munster RSF Executive, Limerick