Fourthwrite is edited and published by the Irish Republican Writers Group as a contribution to freedom of expression and debate.

The collective is defined by two positions shared by all its members. Firstly, we are all anti-imperialists and Irish republicans. Secondly we share a belief that at present there is, at best, insufficient discussion and debate from a republican perspective on current political analysis and direction and its implications for republicans and republicanism. At worst there is a conscious determination to stifle that debate.

In this context, we are gladdened by the new publication of Left Republican, following as it does in the wake of our own success - one more vehicle for voices to be heard, ideas to be expressed and debate encouraged. We are aware of the reticence of some Sinn Fein party members to engage in critical analysis outside their own organisational systems and encourage them to participate in debate through this new publication. Fourthwrite remains open to all contributors within the parameters of republican debate and debate on republicanism.

There has been some expression of concern that we do not exclude from this open policy those who are diametrically opposed to republicanism. An argument is made that we are providing a vehicle of expression for the ‘pro-British’ lobby. There has even been veiled hints that in so doing we prove ourselves to be sinister covert pro-British elements, or more benevolently expressed, leave ourselves vulnerable to the charge.

It is not our policy or practice to tour the vast lobby of anti-republican opinion begging for articulation of its position through our small publication; nor is anti-republicanism dependant upon us for a voice. It owns the means of mass production and distribution of information. It is, and will remain our policy to engage in debate with our opponents, and we cannot do that and deny them their voice at the table - popular though that philosophy has become.

Fourthwrite will continue to be open to those who wish to submit their opinions on republicanism, even to argue that anti-imperialism and republicanism are ‘non-viable’ propositions in the 21st century. If you don’t like their argument challenge it with one of your own. As our readership and contributors continue to grow, we will begin to organise contributions around key areas of debate, and may return to this subject in that context. For now, we are confident that if you didn’t buy the Good Friday Agreement the Framework Document or the Downing Street Declaration you will not be seduced into Unionism by reading Stephen King. And if you did buy...? It doesn’t mean you have lost the ability to think for yourself. Does it?