Thomas, this is indeed significant. I must say, however, that I, like many Irish people / people of Irish descent, get very uncomfortable when the players here are classified simply as "Catholic" or "Protestant". I mean, there's no question that those are factors here, but Northern Ireland's difficulties are political, with religious affiliations really just overlaying the whole to complicate matters.

I must say I never thought I'd see the day when this would transpire. When a very well-regarded moderate "Protestant" politician, David Ervine, died in January, Gerry Adams wanted to attend his funeral--and nearly didn't, because the safety guarantees were not forthcoming from the proper people. He did, in the end, get the okay, and there he sat. That was nearly a miracle itself--maybe it was meant to set a tone for Irish peace in 2007!
Madame Sosostris | 03.26.07 - 4:31 pm | #

Thomas, I know there could be some exceptions, but generally the Catholics of Sinn Fein are Catholics in name only. Sinn Fein is the political wing of the terrorist Irish Republican Army, although they have gained more support in recent years after "giving up" violence. I put "giving up" in inverted commas because I am hopeful rather than convinced that they will not go back to their traditional tactics of "the Armalite in one hand, and the ballot box in the other".

Sinn Fein is the most pro-abortion party on the island, a fact which they do not widely advertise.
Brendan | Homepage | 03.27.07 - 5:00 pm | #

i read up on this issue. it actually looks like a horrible step that was forced on (southern) Ireland. cutting off grammer schools in Dublin, water treatment plants, ect. were some the threats made if not signed...
Sebastian | 03.28.07 - 12:31 am | #