Was it public pressure or a moral compass that finally caused Sinn Fein to suspend their West Tyrone MP Barry McElduff? Considering this party's past, it is doubtful the latter caused Michelle O'Neill to punish him. Except his suspension is not a punishment. He will still receive three months' pay. Considering Mr. McElduff, like the rest of his colleagues, does not take his seat in Westminster, Ms O'Neill's decision will make no difference to his work routine. This was nothing more than a publicity stunt to try and silence the Nationalists' critics.
Sinn Fein is proud of its violent past. Supporting the Northern Ireland Peace Process was nothing more than a pragmatic move to steal the Social and Democratic Labour Party's votes in a bid for power. After the Cold War finished, their argument that the British use Northern Ireland as a base was destroyed by then Northern Ireland secretary Peter Brooke. With the Northern Irish people refusing to support the IRA's cause, the Nationalists had no choice but to officially abandon the terrorist group.
However, there are Nationalists who still support violence, as demonstrated by Councillor Michael McIvor's equally disgusting Kingsmill remark on Facebook. He also had the audacity to later abuse unionists on Social media.
The Nationalists have abandoned violence in name only. They have learnt nothing from the pain and misery they have inflicted on Protestant families. They should be ashamed of their past, not proud of it.
Mr. McElduff's suspension was just a cynical, crowd-pleasing move. Sinn Fein lacks substance, as shown over the last week.
Why aren't councillors like Michael McIvor also facing similar punishments? It seems to be one rule for the party's MPs and a different one for its councillors. They are synonymous with the culture that presides over many left-wing parties today. They do not believe morals apply to them, but they can judge everyone else by their standards.
