Dissidents ‘not ready’ for talks
The Sunday Times journalist, who first disclosed that dissident republicans were involved in secret talks with the British government, says they are not “politically mature” enough to engage in the process.
Last week, John Mooney revealed that the British Government was seeking to talk to dissident groupings through intermediaries, despite opposition from the Irish government.
“I believe that the British security services are attempting to engage in conversation with dissident paramilitary groups. I am not sure whether those talks have progressed very far but certainly those attempts have been made,” he told UTV on Friday.
“Any contacts I have with those organisations, they say they are not interested in any political debate unless it involves a British withdrawal. So any sort of communication or talks are really inappropriate at the moment. In so far that these groups aren’t politically mature enough to engage in this process.”
On Thursday, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness claimed in a radio interview that the British and Irish governments were involved in secret talks with dissidents.
“They may well deny that, that doesn’t concern me in the least. I know it’s happening,” the deputy first minister told BBC Radio Ulster.
The Sinn Fein representative said he welcomed the discussions, insisting it was evidence that dissidents cannot achieve their aims through violence.
Both Governments have firmly denied the claims.
“I think certainly the British Government want to keep it secret but governments when engaging in clandestine talks always deny them and it is indeed official policy with Britain and Ireland to deny such talks if every exposed as having taking place”, Mr Mooney explains.
“I think the British Government is trying to talk to a group called Óglaigh na hÉireann. I think they also have an interest in talking to the Real IRA and the Continuity IRA but primarily I think this attempt has been made to communicate with Óglaigh na hÉireann”.
On Thursday, DUP East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell said his party would not support top-level talks with dissidents.
“Obviously we can’t stop any discussions that are taking place but we would not give it any credence and we would not give it any support”, he said.
