Last week's attacks brought the violence decisively home to the province. These are very dangerous times. Some credit for keeping the violence contained goes to the Protestant paramilitary groups, which, with two minor exceptions, have so far not responded to the Republican assaults. They have resisted, but I don't know how long we can continue to convince people that negotiations are better than violence. More than two years of relative peace and security have fostered a growing sentiment against violence in both the Republican and loyalist communities.
People now think they can shape their own lives.
Some politicians certainly are listening, and they are trying to contain the violence. A small array of new Protestant political parties, including Irvine's Progressive Unionist Party, are led by men who have served time in prison for terrorism but who are now working to build bridges to the Catholic community. These parties, as well as Northern Ireland's traditional political parties, are taking part in formal peace negotiations arranged by the Irish and British governments and chaired by former U.S. Senator George Mitchell. Sessions are scheduled to resume this week after a Christmas recess. Sinn Fein will be admitted only when the I.R.A. declares a new cease-fire and the British government and the Unionists are convinced that the I.R.A. is sincere.