Posted on 02/11/2006 3:33:48 AM PST by mcg2000
Gerry Adams will face a barrage of criticism here next month over the alleged IRA murder of Dubliner Joe Rafferty.
Senior political figures have indicated that Sinn Fein is at its lowest ebb in the US in the light of ongoing accusations of IRA criminality.
Congressmen and senators who met Mr Rafferty's family in Washington DC this week are appalled at the stance of Sinn Fein and determined to put the party under pressure during Mr Adams' visit.
The recent campaign tour of the Rafferty family and the publication of the Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC) report has further tarnished the reputation of Sinn Fein.
Mr Adams and Martin McGuinness will both be in Washington DC next month along with leaders of the other Northern Ireland parties.
Dominic Nguyen, legislative assistant to Congressman Patrick J Kennedy, said there is a lot of frustration in Washington with the republican movement.
"There are some diehards who have lived a life of violence and so the transition to peace is a difficult one," he said.
In criticising republican elements who have not completely turned their backs on criminality, he compared the situation to Afghanistan and the West Bank.
"There are some members (of Congress) who are frustrated about the IRA getting involved in criminal activity," Mr Nguyen told the Rafferty family.
Washington sources have indicated that despite the negative perception of Sinn Fein that exists in the Senate and in Congress, all Ulster politicians will receive invitations in order to maximise the Irish vote in the US mid-term elections.
Although Mr Bush is a staunch opponent of anything relating to terrorist or criminal activity, it is believed he cannot afford to omit Mr Adams or the other leaders again.
Looks interesting ping.
That is encouraging.
Not to worry, the orca will manage to have a fundraiser for his fellow murderer.
They can fall back on FARC's cocaine money!!
Gerry ain't getting a dime from me.
Some? That's an understatement if ever there was one...
Next month we'll see the usual terrorist lovefest at the White House and in Congress, I suppose...
I dunno, Bush did stop Sinn Fein/IRA from visiting last year (and invited the McCarthney family instead), they hardly have redeemed themselves this coming Paddy's Day.
That's good news!!
No way. Not going to happen.
I had forgotten about last year - one more reason to love George Bush! Looks like SF/IRA will be snubbed again this year. Thanks for all the pings, I usually don't have time to post but I definitely appreciate them!
Yes, I just wait for the day Bush declares the Provos as part of the Axis of Evil!!
Thanks for all the pings, I usually don't have time to post but I definitely appreciate them!
You are welcome slane, don't feel too bad, my pings are quiet these times anyway LOL!!
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