RobDale,

Your remarks about the situation of IRA weapons shows a lack of understanding of the realities in the north, on the ground.

Like Big Mick said, the republican community has shown tremendous restraint and discipline on the ground in the north. The ceasefire has held longer than any ceasefire in any contemporary war-torn region. The republican and nationalist message that they will remain vigilant in their commitment to peace and reconciliation *is* getting through to the world, most particularly in Ireland, where Sinn Fein has made astounding electoral gains in the years since the first IRA ceasefire.

Change not only is coming to the north, it is already here. No amount of loyalist violence, or political failure on the part of pro-Agreement parties will be able to turn back the tide on the movement for peace and justice in Ireland. Not even cynicism from British and Irish citizens, who would rather cluck tongues and wring hands, than do the dirty work of actually reconciling with the neighbors with whom they have been at war.

There was no war between neighbors in Ciaran Cummings community, despite what you, and some other cynics here seem to be alluding to. Here is what a neighbor of the Cummings' family had to say in this morning's Irish News:

"Protestant neighbour Joe Jameson, who has lived beside the Cummings family for years, stared blankly towards their home repeating: "It is bloody disgusting, bloody disgusting." His children had played with Ciaran as a young lad and he recalled summer days in the back garden playing in the paddling pool. "We can't take it. He was a great lad. Happy-go-lucky. Always a smile on his face. The family is devastated."

Mr Jameson added: "We heard the screams coming from the house this morning and knew something really terrible had happened. We watched them grow up and all the neighbours, Protestant or Catholic, have always got on."

Ciaran's home is in a mixed Protestant/Catholic estate, which is often where political killings, intimidation, and harrassment take place. There are some who just can't stand the thought of people living together in peace.

But thankfully, and especially because of the changes which have occurred in recent years, those numbers are rapidly dwindling. They won't hold sway for much longer.

Unfortunately for this family and this community, it just didn't come soon enough. And in that, we all share their grief.