The Provos understood it was a real game changer for guerrilla warfare when the world was left horrified by the sight of two planes plunging into the Twin Towers.
As a former commander of the Dublin Brigade and Executive on the IRA Amy Council, John Noonan once told me: “September 11 definitely created a whole new mindset around the world against what would be deemed as terrorism.”
In the same vein, you’d hope it’s finally sinking in for the New IRA that the writing is on the wall for them too in the wake of the widespread condemnation of Lyra McKee’s murder.
But I wouldn’t hold my breath. I fear these dissidents are psychopaths similar in mindset to the ISIS extremists and are either in denial or in it to line their pockets with blood money.
Those calling the shots are not heroic patriots, but are Derry’s equivalent of what the Kinahans are to Dublin – a plague on society.
They’re robbing banks and committing other crimes to apparently fund their campaign of violence.
But I suspect they’re a glorified mafia using the Tricolour in a charade for their own personal gain.
I recoiled in horror at the sight of these scumbags in phoney military garb parading through Dublin City on Easter Sunday.
Three people taken to hospital following two car collision in Dublin on Friday night
The cowards were so afraid to show their faces that they camouflaged themselves behind cheap sunglasses and berets.
Poor Lyra wasn’t even buried, but already the New IRA and their political wing Saoradh were dancing on her grave.
Our government should hang their collective heads in shame for allowing the parade and must ensure new laws are introduced to prohibit such future carry-on.
There is a sea of change in Derry where the New IRA didn’t dare march last week because they would’ve been run out of town with their tails between their legs.
There was never any graffiti on the Free Derry Corner during The Troubles because the culprits knew they’d be kneecapped. But a poignant tribute to Lyra was allowed on it last week, which was a clear message that the entire community is steadfast against violence.
It was soul-stirring to see “Not In Our Name” scrawled along with a shape of a heart beside Lyra’s name on the wall of this iconic landmark, as well as those red handprints at Saoradh’s HQ.
The huge groundswell behind the #NotInOurName movement is reminiscent of #MeToo and I hope it gains enough monument to force real change in Northern Ireland.
Image of New IRA thug who police believe murdered journalist Lyra McKee in Derry
One Derry native told me: “People are not afraid to confront these guys on the street any longer. But the government on both sides need to get behind them.”
As when CAB emerged to fight serious crime following Veronica Guerin’s murder, it is time for both the Irish and British governments to introduce stronger laws or task forces to dismantle the New IRA.
Saoradh is an unregistered political party heavily linked with terrorism and therefore I can’t see any logical reason why it shouldn’t be outlawed. A vote for them is a vote in favour of more bloodshed, which can’t be tolerated.
I know internment was a dirty word during The Troubles, but would anyone in Derry object to New IRA members being rounded up to face the music in court?
There should be an automatic 10-year prison sentence for membership of these new terrorist organisations, as it would help deter impressionable youngsters being brainwashed to join.
Crushing the New IRA would be a fitting legacy for Lyra McKee.
Woman arrested in connection with murder of journalist Lyra McKee shot dead in Derry
