Peter, Yes I am delighted with the news that more of the demands we made have been answered, who wouldn't ? You and I are singing to the beat of a different drum. I am a Republican and dammed proud of it. If that gets to you, then so be it.I am not defensive Peter, I am there on the ground. As to the youth culture you seem to be in touch with, you must be staying up the Malone Road on your visits to Ireland. If only you knew the truth, I have been in 14 counties of Ireland since last Thursday. What I am hearing is so far away from your post. Units on the ground I am told have been refusing volunteers over the past twelve months,on both sides of the border. The swell of young men looking to join the ranks was never a problem. I imagine that to be on both sides. No recruiting occurred, yes Sinn Fein membership is sky high, that's the way we want it. As to the youth of the Irish Republic, Peter their views have never been as strong. Yes there were many that did not support our armed struggle, but now they are coming to Sinn Fein, which is our desire.As to the unionist/loyalists within the north, we can talk to them, as to the paisleyites, ten years ago they won't sit in the same buildings as us, now they do. Eight years ago they would not sit in a government building with us, and a year later they did. Five years ago they won't share local council and they now are. Last December you will never know just how close yo were to having a deal with them, can't print content sorry. That day will come again. So to your post, yes we will get our unity, yes youth who are tomorrows generation are with us and finally watch me gloat within the next two weeks for more demands being met, watch the news for this one, clue police and military.
Hope nothing I post to you causes offence. Just hold my views based on reality.