The Nomenclature of Groups

by Councillor Sean Hayes

The nomenclature of groups, organisations etc., is more than a lexicographer's dilemma. Labels, names and terms denote characteristics and properties that help form opinions and viewpoints. It is, therefore, important that political groupings are correctly named and labelled.

There is currently a helpful media who allow self proclaimed 'dissident' groupings to label and name themselves. This is contrary to their attitude to the IRA who they have insisted for thirty years be referred to as 'Provos' and never as Oglaigh na h- Eireann, its proper name.

Given the unholy relationship between the Brit sponsored media and some of these groupings it is obvious they are being promoted as 'Real ' or as some sort of 'Continuity' of the Republican struggle. Even a passing perusal of their activities, stated policy positions, etc. shows these groupings to be anything but what they claim to be. They really aren't the IRA and they certainly are not continuing the same struggle.

These darlings of the media are projected in this manner to sow confusion among the Republican base in order to help undermine the ability and capacity of Republicans generally to operate within their own community. Why else would they be given such air time and column inches out of all proportion to either their relevance or support especially when the representatives of the Republican community still have such major problems being heard?

It is a sad sight that former Republican activists have to go to increasingly desperate criticisms of Republican leaders, policies and, now it seems, personal lives. They have fallen into the age old trap that in order to justify their new found media friends' approval and continually massage their own egos they concentrate not on the Brits but their former comrades. It seems they want none of the responsibility of the struggle but want to direct and criticise, mostly from the security of their well paid jobs.