Sinn Féin: A Leap Backwards in Ireland’s Progress

The curious case of Sinn Féin — the political phoenix rising from the ashes of the IRA.

Ah, the curious case of Sinn Féin — the political phoenix rising from the ashes of the IRA. It’s like watching a blast from the past trying to make a comeback in a world that has moved on. In the last 40 years, Ireland has emerged from its dark days, transforming into a modern, prosperous European nation. But why, oh why, do some Irish folks seem to yearn for a trip down memory lane, back to a proto-fascist era that’s alienated from the West?

In 1992, Sinn Féin was a political blip, winning less than 1% of the vote in the Republic of Ireland. It seemed they had as much support down south as they did among Northern Unionists — not a whole lot. Fast forward to today, and the landscape has shifted. The Peace Process, while saving lives, also marked a political redemption for militant republicanism. Criticizing this newfound love for Sinn Féin was, and often still is, beyond the pale in Irish political and media circles — rocking the boat was a big no-no.

But let’s face it, the IRA’s strategic goal of “Brits Out” was a lost cause. The political branch, Sinn Féin, now seems left with little more than posturing at the graveside of their once-martyred heroes. Yet, they’ve managed to reinvent themselves as Ireland’s socialist party with a dash of nationalism. How do they do it? Well, it’s simple — they’ve embraced neoliberalism and American multinationals to fund their handouts. Groucho Marx would be proud: “Here are my principles, if you don’t like them, I’ve got others.”

Enter Mary Lou Macdonald, the fresh face of an organization with a hard core of radicals. The so-called “patriots” of Sinn Féin might do more damage — economically and ethnically — than the dreaded British ever did. It’s almost poetic, watching an economic miracle unravel under the banner of utopian socialism.

The young and naive are flocking to Sinn Féin, drawn in by a cherry-picked version of Irish history and a glamorous veneer over violence. Those who remember the Troubles and lived with security services on the streets might feel a deep-seated trauma. The illusion of peace achieved through surrender to violence exacts a terrible price in the long run. Lawless violence, once legitimized, becomes a tool of politics — a dangerous game that’s being played on the streets of Belfast and beyond.

As the Irish electorate grows disillusioned with the status quo, Sinn Féin stands ready to step into the spotlight. But as we ponder voting choices, let’s remember the words of novelist Anna Burns — the deep-seated trauma of ‘the troubles’ is not easily forgotten. Voting has consequences, and the Irish may want to take a closer look at the result for the Gazans who voted for Hamas.

In the end, it’s a journey back in time, a Toytown revolution led by those who might belong in the Students Union. The once-sophisticated ethical and political stance against political murder has faded away. What was once a heroic act of forbearance is now a distant memory. The peace process and Sinn Féin’s rise have shattered the illusion that political murder is irrevocably anathema. As the old ‘dreary steeples of Fermanagh and Tyrone’ loom large, one can’t help but wonder — is this the path Ireland really wants to tread?