And For Our Next Trick...Unionist Engagement without the Unionists

Sinn Fein have published a "Unionist Charter"(1) and if you thought their manifesto for the recent elections in the Republic was waffle, you should have a gander of this one.

And how are they going to convince Unionists that they really, truly, truly love them?

Campaign for a new agreed Irish Constitution based on the separation of powers between the executive, legislature and judiciary which would be endorsed by the people and also press for a charter of rights.

Decentralise decision-making to empower citizens and include minorities in the processes which impact on their lives.

Ensure all groups including those traditionally excluded from economic, social and political power are given equal rights and respect.

Make sure government delivers not only tolerance towards all religions, races and marginalised groups but eradicates sectarianism, racism and other forms of discrimination.

Guarantee a full separation between Church and state, with civil and religious liberty for all, everyone free to practice their faith and no religion having a preferential position in society.

Promote a national reconciliation process across Ireland

All nice stuff, "decentralisation", "the secular state", "tolerance", "reconciliation"; yes, lovely, but all basically meaningless in terms of genuinely wanting to "outreach"(whatever that really means) to Unionists.

"Dialogue" based on the above terms would be a harmless, but also thoroughly pointless exercise (especially when it's "volunteers" like Bomber Anderson who're being used to promote the message of peace and understanding).

If they are genuine about this "outreach", then:

1. They should not be continuing to glorify those who waged a terror campaign against the Unionist community.
2. They should accept 100% the right of anybody in not just N.Ireland, but the entire island of Ireland, to declare and regard themselves to be British, with all that entails (eg the right to a British passport)
3. There should be an end to the petty anti-British gestures.
4. They should start working for and stop antagonising isolated unionist communities such as the Lower Shankill.
5. They should be listening with open minds and ears and closed mouths when Unionists speak to them about their hopes and fears.

Before that happens, no true Unionist will believe their commitment to "dialogue", "outreach" or the "national reconciliation process".

((1)http://www.sinnfeinassembly.com/media/UnionistCharter[1].pdf)