Editor:

I am writing this in response to Chris Lovato's comments made on Feb. 16 in reference to the Irish Republican Army's return to military operations. Although I do not wish to perpetuate a running argument over whether or not the IRA is justified in its actions, I do wish to dispell a myth or two about Irish nationalism, or "Republicanism," as it is known, and to take issue with Mr. Lavato's statement "Do not blame John Major for the actions of the IRA."

First, the IRA and Sinn Fein are not one in the same, and it is Sinn Fein (victims of the failed cease-fire themselves) who were attempting to enter into peace talks, not the IRA Army Council. Although some Irish Republicans have maintained membership in both organizations, they are two completely autonomous entities with different leaders, different structures, just a common goal: the end to the partition of Ireland. Sinn Fein is a legitimately recognized political party with legitimately elected public officials.

It was Sinn Fein that worked diligently toward persuading the IRA to halt operations, simply acting as a conduit between the Brits and the IRA. The British government claims to want a democratic end to the troubles yet can't even recognize a democratically legitimate politician. No real, important dialogue was ever initiated with Sinn Fein, because the IRA would not surrender weapons. It was not the IRA who were begging for a seat at the table, it was Sinn Fein.

Mr. Lovato says that you should not "blame John Major for the actions of the IRA." However, it was John Major and his government who ignored Sinn Fein with hopes of "dividing and conquering" the republican movement. Lavato says if you want to see how the people of Britain and Ireland feel, you should read the papers. I challenge Lavato to give up listening to and perpetuating the rhetoric, and to actually READ the papers. According to a poll in the Feb. 18 London Times, almost 50 percent of voters felt that the government of John Major was to blame "a great deal" or "a fair amount" for the failure of the Irish peace process. The poll also said two-thirds of voters overwhelmingly support the continuation of negotiations with Sinn Fein, two-thirds do not want Northern Ireland to remain a part of the U.K., and 40 percent want British troops out of Northern Ireland. Even his own country's citizens recognize the ineptness of John Major in delivering his end of the bargain. A check of the "Opinion" columns and "Letters to the Editor" in the Irish Times will reflect the same sentiment.

Irish Republicanism is not about killing and crime syndicates, although the government in Britain would like to marginalize the issue by having you believe so.

James Peeken
political science senior