Impunity and the refusal to forget

THE Irish and Hibernophiles all over the world celebrated St Patrick’s Day this week.

- ASHLEY GREEN-THOMPSON

St Pat apparently drove all the snakes out of Ireland, and the Irish have been trying for centuries to drive out UK rule as well. Their struggle against colonial occupation resonated deeply with our own struggle against colonialism and apartheid, and a strong relationship of solidarity developed. The Good Friday Agreement that marked an end to formal hostilities and opened the way towards reunification of the country (six counties in the north have been under British rule since 1921) was hailed as the triumph of dialogue and compromise, much like our 1994 moment.