Preparations for Drumcree, Chapter VI are well underway. At this rate, Drumcree is set to have more sequels than Star Wars. But the ordinary people continue to suffer, and the atmosphere in places such as Portadown is poisoned. An ethos of communal separation permits this problem to grow and fester. This culture of separation suggests that the different communities of Northern Ireland carry some legitimacy, in addition to the official organs of the state.
Propaganda is spread denying the ability of the police and the courts to provide justice.
The recent upsurge in these so-called punishment attacks since the suspension of the Good Friday Agreement institutions shows that they are largely political in nature, rather than a response to social problems. The paramilitary godfathers can turn them on and off at their convenience. There is a deafening silence from David Ervine and Gerry Adams, and their colleagues, over these activities of Loyalist and Republican paramilitaries. No leadership, nor confidence, but plenty of rhetoric. Paramilitary organisations act as judge, jury and executioner.