In a recent report published on Tuesday by the Independent Reporting Commission (IRC), it was highlighted that despite significant transformations in Northern Ireland over the past 31 years, paramilitary groups continue to play a disruptive role in various communities. The report noted that these groups exert coercive control through various means, including intimidation, financial extortion, and creating environments where residents feel fearful of voicing their concerns.

The context of this analysis draws on the historical ceasefires declared by both the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the Combined Loyalist Military Command. David Trimble, a key figure in the peace process, fostered dialogue with paramilitary-linked parties during the negotiations of the Good Friday Agreement (GFA), expecting that these groups would transition into a more benign role within society. His hope was that they would evolve into something akin to an ‘old boys’ club’, sharing narratives of the past while contributing to future developments in the peace process.

Even as the GFA was endorsed by referendum in May 1998, it was widely accepted that dismantling paramilitary structures would take time, potentially a decade. Yet, 27 years later, the IRC’s seventh report has addressed the persistent challenges of paramilitarism in detail, devoting over a hundred pages to the ongoing issue.

The report emphasises that while police and justice measures are crucial for reducing paramilitary influence, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) recognises that “they cannot arrest their way out of this problem.” Despite the implementation of the Executive Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime, which has funded over 100 projects aimed at facilitating a transition from paramilitary to civilian status, tangible progress remains limited.

The report also indicates a complicated relationship where paramilitarism coexists with community initiatives designed to mitigate its impact. Several politicians within these affected communities reportedly adopt a dispassionate response to the presence of paramilitary groups, suggesting an unwillingness to confront or push for their disbandment.

In light of these findings, the IRC authors proposed “an agreed formal process of Group Transition,” which would entail direct negotiations with paramilitary groups themselves. They suggested that this could be facilitated by the appointment of an Independent Person by the UK and Irish Governments to engage stakeholders in the process. Although the authors acknowledged that this suggestion could be viewed as controversial, it highlights the persistent tensions surrounding the discourse on paramilitary disbandment.

Critics of this suggestion, like political commentator Alex Kane, argue against the feasibility and rationale behind further engagement with paramilitary organisations. He pointed out that many of these entities have been in continuous contact with both governments since their ceasefires in 1994 and suggested that the more recent offshoots are primarily focused on criminal activities rather than political discourse.

Kane also questioned the motivation behind the reluctance of these groups to disband, asserting that by maintaining their structures, they continue to hold relevance in local politics that should have been diminished post-GFA. He stated, “it’s long past the time for goodbye and good riddance,” expressing frustration over the ongoing influence of paramilitary entities in the political landscape.

As the issues surrounding paramilitarism persist, the IRC report serves as a crucial reminder of the complexities within Northern Ireland’s evolving societal fabric, prompting further examination of how best to address these enduring challenges.

Source: Noah Wire Services