Furthermore a 'commercial bombing campaign' will always, whether deliberately or not, cause civilian casualties and heighten sectarian tensions. The armed struggle was also faulted because it relied on the actions of a few, with the masses left in either a totally inactive role, or one limited to providing intelligence and shelter to the few. It is claimed that it did serve to maintain the gains made in the 60s and early 70s. The British state is responsible for the long history of armed conflict in the North. As long as the British remain in Ireland there is likely to be armed resistance, especially when there is no mass movement to demonstrate an alternative to militarism.
Permanent peace can only come about after British withdrawal.
When the 1994 ceasefire was declared we welcomed it because the ending of the armed struggle opens up real possibilities for revolutionary politics. We oppose the republican armed struggle because it is an impediment to working class unity. It is based on wrong politics, it is a wrong strategy and it uses wrong tactics. However we refuse to blame the republicans for the situation in the six counties. Their campaign is the result of a problem and must not be confused with its cause.