I think that recognition of Palestine is at least a good first step. Also, to stay on people's good side I'd avoid putting the IRA in such a good light. Catholics here in Ireland don't even do that.

I think that's a very generous reading Vinny. It's been very clear for some time that 'new' SF is trying hard to navigate a dilemma of its own making: on the one hand responding to widespread revulsion among its core supporters against the recurrent slaughter being carried out by Israeli forces and on the other being extremely careful not to overstep the boundaries of American pilicy in the region. Don't forget that SF now plays a role in US-sponsored 'conflict resolution' right around the world including--incredibly--in Baghdad at the height of US occupation. The same dilemma marked their involvement in the protests against the Gaza onslaught last summer: their rank and file wanted to mobilise, but the party was careful not to step on the wrong toes. Thus not a single SF banner on the 3000 strong March to the U.S. consulate in Belfast. And strangely their billboards around Belfast read 'palestine: stop the persecution' but NOT 'stop the occupation'. Their retreat is obvious, and disgusting, and consistent w their transformation into a safe pair of hands in all matters, foreign and domestic.

Sinn Fein has accepted British rule over the six north-eastern counties of Ireland, thereby essentially accepting a two-state solution through partition. Those who oppose continued British rule and partition are now called 'traitors' by the Sinn Fein leadership, and accused of being 'anti-peace'. Sinn Fein also supports a police force with access to some of the most draconian and repressive legislation in Europe; a force which is largely controlled by Britain's MI5 and which can deploy covert British military forces such as the Special Reconnaisance Regiment whenever required. As a coalition partner in the six county administration, it has implemented austerity programmes which have seen over £1.5 billion of cuts in recent years to essential public services such health, education, etc., and will implement a further similar amount of cuts to public services over the next 4-5 years.
Both SF and the PA are well-matched to one and other. Both appear to be more interested in seeking and maintaining the small vestiges of powers bestowed upon them by their respective colonial masters than in achieving real freedom, real justice and real peace in either Ireland or Palestine.

Gerry Adams' endorsement of Zionism comes as no surprise to observers familiar with Sinn Fein's style of government in the power-sharing arrangements in Northern Ireland. And today, as polls in the Republic record a surge in SF support, with the prospect of a coalition role in the next Irish government, the party's leaders are following in the footsteps of Fianna Fail, the right-wing populist movement that rose to power from outlaw status in the Civil War. Adams' opportunistic endorsement of left initiatives such as the current anti-privatisation campaign against Irish Water is just one example of a deeply conservative party probing the weaknesses in a rotten political system in order not to initiate real reform, but to gain power in an old, familiar way. Support for the utterly moribund and cynical "two state solution" in Israel/Palestine is entirely consistent with the self-serving attitude of Adams and co. In calling for partition, he is speaking to his American funders and key institutions, the great bulk of them located on the right wing of the imperialist spectrum.

This article is most welcome in bringing to readers' attention the contradictions of Sinn Fein's policy on the issue of Palestine, when contrasted with the high-minded rhetoric given out by the party in carefully crafted position papers. Thanks, Ali, for the analysis.

I am in favor of the only logical solution for the conflict: one secular democratic state where Palestinians and Israelis live together in peace. Yet, in many European countries, and certainly in a country like mine, Netherlands, which is extremely zionism-oriented, discussing 'the recognition of Palestine' would be a big step ahead compared to the no--discussion at present. Here in Holland, Palestinians in general are offhandedly branded 'terrorists' (also because they are muslims). Once 'Palestine' is recognized, debate will inevitably move on cause eyes will open to the impossibility of a two-state 'solution', since there will be no 'Palestine' entity left. Or am I naive?

Given that Ireland is about the 137th country to recognise Palestine as a state, I wonder why Ali hasnt seen fit to write articles slamming all the other countries and their Politicians, instead he personally goes after Sinn Fein and Gerry Adams, Hmmm, agenda....

If we look at the wider question Partition, be it in Palestine or Ireland or India, is an imperialist 'solution' to the divisions it itself has created. It freezes those confessional/religious divisions and far from being a simple first step towards a final solution - as it is often sold as - becomes an impediment to any solution.

Gerry Adams and Sinn Fein has sold the pass on the Irish Question in order that he and Sinn Fein can get their hands on the trappings of power. It can and will do nothing for the nationalist population nor to foster unity between Protestant and Cath olics. The divisions are still there because the only reason for the 6 County State is as a Protestant Supremacist state.