Ireland is not Vichy

Day 1,978, 11:41 • Published in Ireland Ireland • by Brian Boru


BRITISH TRIUMPHALISM
This article is mainly a response to the British Prime Minister, Jimbojoy, regarding the following comments;

"However we shall not let this deter us from continuing our war with Ireland, who have made no serious attempt at peace since a bizarre deal that was put to our congress by their CP, MUFC. He wished to rent NI for 100g a month for 6 months, but failed to secure the support of his congress. I am open to a peace deal, but it will have to financially benefit the UK, so Irish congress think hard about what you can offer us, an accord, or your swords."

As a precursor, I must say that I am not against peace. In fact, I was against this war on the basis of Ireland's readiness levels. It has been a somewhat opportunistic war for certain political factions in this country, as the simmering civil war in eIreland has died down thanks to the war. The main beneficiary of this, so far, is MUFC himself.

However, this statement by the British government is to be regarded not only as ridiculous, but as a grevious display of naiveté. The sovereignty of the Irish people is not a matter of sale between the British and Irish governments. Forcing the idea that "any peace deal must benefit the eUnited Kingdom economically" would be an act of gross colonialism worthy of the country's RL counterpart some centuries ago.



PAY BRITAIN? WITH WHAT?
Putting aside the political argument, it's quite apparent that the British government is pissing in the wind in terms of how much money it plans to get from Ireland. Practically ANY tribute to Britain would cripple Ireland for many months, NI or otherwise, assuming it came out of state coffers. Further cuts in military spending would have to be made, even more efficiencies found.

If the price of peace with Britain is crippling austerity leading to military weakness, the cost is too high. Our disproportionate military and diplomatic influence, built up from the flames of revolution over more than two years, would be shattered overnight.



PEACE IS POSSIBLE, BUT IRELAND IS NOT VICHY
If one requires an example of the damage that peace deals can do to a people's dignity, or a country's strength, one only needs to look at eFrance. The French have long been plagued with political-diplomatic weakness, and a lack of coherent ideological purpose in the game, and so have been defeated repeatedly. While French governments have improved the terms of their occupation by Poland, they remain in effect a puppet state.

For Ireland, it would be slightly better perhaps; we lack the strategic importance of France. However, we also lack citizens by comparison.

If the British want peace, the deal must not place a burden on either side. For us, that probably means giving up Northern Ireland without particular prejudice. For the British, that means giving up ideas of revenge. The British government is well aware of the internal politics behind our involvement in this war, and demanding economic benefits to end it is crass to say the least.

If we want lasting peace, crass isn't good.