Destroying Harold Good
Hmmm. All very quick to condemn Harold Good, aren’t we? When something unpopular is said, why do people have to destroy the character of the person saying it?
I have read in a number of places that Harold Good lost members of his own family to the IRA.
Now, this leads me to belive that he owes nothing to the IRA and that his motivations are to the bigger picture - removing terrorist violence from Northern Ireland.
Perhaps those critics should remember that any terrorist organisation decommissioning weapons will not want the media at it’s door. Nor will it want rival factions poring over an inventory of its former arsenal. The need for confidentiality is essential.
These are sensitive times for Republicanism in particular - there exists a body of people who do not agree with decommissioning, and if pressured could become next year’s dissident group. Do you want that? Do you?
I know there are Unionists out there who want to rub the IRA’s faces in it, have it officially labelled surrender. Particularly those who’ve lost relatives throughout the troubles.
I would say to those people - find a kindred spirit in Harold Good. He has faced the same losses, yet in spite of his personal grievances (perhaps because of..), he has helped the IRA along the path to peace in a confident and dignified way.
There’s a long road ahead, particularly in terms of smashing the criminal ring that exists in the wake of the IRA. Let’s take the next step and get Sinn Fein involved in policing and let the rule of law apply to the gangsters.
Just leave Harold Good alone.
I just read an excellent profile of Harold Good over at Slugger. Definitely worth a read to prove that this man is sincere and honest.
Poor Harold. Imagine questioning the bona fides of an IRA stooge. Whatever next?
Don’t worry Mr Levee you can never satisfy Unionists, they are so terrified that Northern Ireland might become a society in which they are equal and not superior that they will criticise any positive move towards long-term peace. You can not hope to change the mind set of those who resent equality.
The IRA are not trustworthy, but give them a chance to prove us wrong. Harold Good on the other hand has done something brave and comendable, he has no ulterior motive and to say otherwise is again an attempt to halt progress, you should pity people that feel the need as a protective mechanism to supress others and be cynical about every positive step.
“you can never satisfy Unionists, they are so terrified that Northern Ireland might become a society in which they are equal and not superior that they will criticise any positive move towards long-term peace. You can not hope to change the mind set of those who resent equality”
Good to see there’s no stereotyping or generalisations going on here. Why bother with constructive debate when you can have a good snipe or a MOPE, eh?
I’m all for equality, but frankly I don’t see what that has to do with deommissioning or Harold Good.
Sorry Levee, I know she’s family but that was uncalled for and the sort of unintelligent paranoid drivel you’d expect to find at Love Ulster.
It’s difficult not to agree with Mr Levee. At every junture in the Peace Process everytime there was a crisis someone comes along who’s good intentions are so honorable that a few, feeling the media spotlight has gone of them, resort to blame and ridicule. The Rev.Harold Good never sought or desired the limelight yet kis committment to conflict resolution was so great, at the time of need, he did his duty for Ireland and he did it well.
Thanks for your comments Parnell.
Beano: I can’t speak for the Sister In-Law’s comments on this thread, but I would agree that the sweeping generalisation is something which we should all try to steer clear of.
With regard to Harold Good, I read an interview with him in today’s Sunday Life. I wasn’t aware that he’d been present at the Balmoral Furniture Shop bombing in 1971. That a man could witness that travesty and choose to seek peace rather than revenge is something special indeed.
I apologise Beano my comments were not intentionaly addressed at all Unionists although I did not make that clear, only those who find it necessary to ruin any attempt at peace in this country. Although I do stand by my point that many Unionists, not all, are terrified of losing power and at the same time many Nationalists/Republicans are terrified of giving up the ‘armed struggle’.
On the other hand Beano I resent being called unintelligent and paronoid, my comments were taken out of context although the fault lies with me and the wording of my statement and were specifically aimed at those on both sides of the community who are afraid of resolving the Northern Irish ‘problem’ in case it leaves them with no power or hold over their community, or those who hate change, even progressive change.
Just to make clear SIL, the “unintelligent”, “paranoid” and “drivel” was directed at your comments, not yourself and I appreciate your clarification.