Tory leader says “war” on terrorism must include IRA

The newly appointed leader of the Conservative Party Iain Duncan Smith has said Tony Blair was in danger of operating double standards in the new worldwide war against terrorism.

In his first major speech as Tory leader, Mr Duncan Smith said on Tuesday September 25 said any war against terrorism must include Northern Ireland.

He said: “We cannot allow the rule of law to be set aside in our own country at the same time as insisting that the rule of law is upheld in other countries.

“We do not need to look very far at all to see the links between terrorism and international crime and how it can undermine society. It is happening here in our own country in Northern Ireland.”

Mr Duncan Smith’s message has echoed Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble, who criticised Mr Blair for denouncing international terrorism while tolerating paramilitary activity in Northern Ireland.

However, writing in Wednesday’s Guardian Labour ex-Secretary of State Peter Mandelson has hit back at critics by rejecting any comparison between the IRA and Osama Bin Laden. He wrote: “The IRA however despicable its methods, had an aim that was supported by democratic political parties in Ireland and enjoyed longstanding legitimacy among the Irish people.”

UUP assembly member Billy Armstrong meanwhile has welcomed Mr Duncan Smith’s comments. He said: “The fact is, we welcome the firm stand that the Conservative Leader, Iain Duncan Smith is taking against terrorism and I would call upon Prime Minister Tony Blair to look closer at the criminal activities of Irish terrorists both in Northern Ireland and in Columbia”.

Sinn Féin Education minister Martin McGuinness criticised the Tory leader’s comments and maintained that the comments were a throwback to old Tory policies.

(AMcE)