It is now clear that although the IRA may not succeed in its declared aim of breaking the back of the Northern Ireland economy by the end of the year, the Army will be far from its target of defeating the gunmen by the same date. Between now and then, in a civil war of increasing brutality, the quest for a political solution is liable to be subordinated to the military quest for improved security.
The two are, of course, inter-dependent. This fact… increases the urgency of a decision about who is really responsible for security in Ulster – Westminster or Stormont – without which there can be neither full military efficiency nor confidence by Catholics that the Army’s efforts are directed to genuinely non-sectarian purposes. Is it not time to transfer responsibility for security in Ulster from Stormont to Westminster, thus ending the present ambiguous situation in which the British Government is open to accusations of partisan behaviour in security matters, when in fact it has no effective control over them?
Talking point
The human race is swarming like locusts, devouring ever larger hunks of the world’s diminishing resources, leaving behind far more excreta than nature can healthily absorb. In such a situation, our “permissive society” tends to enjoy as much as it can while it can get it. If our species is to prosper, what is needed is not just an international popular movement with a definite and realistic political programme, but also a genuine religious reawakening.
Hugh Montefiore, bishop of Kingston, on our survival.
Key quote
“Despite some of the most forgettable non-songs of all time, Willy Wonka is a good what-on-earth-can-we-take-the-children-to? buy, in that not only will they like it but there is enough to keep grown-ups awake.”
George Melly reviews Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
