Right Keith let's get this question of your cleared up. Sorry for the delay. Lacking sleep,very tired at moment.

You said,
"My problem with your apology is this.
Being sorry implies regret.
I do not understand how you can be both sorry for, and proud of, the same deeds".

I am sorry that there was loss of life in the North of Ireland. The grief of the family of a British soldier is no different than that of a family of a PIRA volunteer. Yes it does imply regret. Regret that life was taken (on both side).

The question you posed "sorry for and proud of the same deeds".

Sorry for loss of life, yes. Proud of the men within the PIRA yes. Regarding the "same deeds" I don't understand this.

Are you saying how can I be sorry for what they did, if the same people I am proud of carried out these deeds ?

Keith I imagine you are proud of the British army and regret the lives they took. Was their deeds any different ?

You will no doubt say here you agree with a British soldier shooting an armed volunteer. I am not going to argue with you.

We both have used names of people on these threads killed by both the IRA and British army. (Mrs McConville and Majella O'Hare).

Both killings brought grief and suffering, there are many other people s names we could use to score points. I have regret for the loss of both lives.

I could have brought the names of two members of my own family here who were murdered but didn't, no doubt if I did I would get it in the neck "expecting special treatment" as you once put it.


The difference that lies between us is simple Keith. I considered we fought a war. You considered that your army fought a war. You say our war was wrong and I say your occupation of my country was wrong.

We will never agree, ever. You say we would have got a lot more if we hadn't employed the armed struggle, sorry let's agree to disagree on that one.

So let's agree, you support the role of the British army in Ireland, correct ?

I supported the Provisional IRA campaign for the removal of British rule in Ireland.

There I hope your answer lies and accept we will never agree. We are two very difference people who will never alter the others thinking.

Enjoy Christmas and let's both hope for peace in 2007.