Sometimes even confession is rotten to the core

In a turn of events that is somewhat shocking even to a guy who grew up during those troubled times, a certain Delours Price has decided to readdress some aspects of Irish history that frankly might be better left buried than brought once more to the surface. 

This self-confessed and previously convicted killer was an IRA member during the troubles in Northern Ireland, and brazenly admits to her various crimes/killings, with not a hint of regret or new-found wisdom. Irrespective of what the political goals were back then, and in consideration of the current peace process in Northern Ireland, I find some of her responses today, in 2012, to be sickening. 

To barely blink an eye while frankly admitting to driving a suspected IRA informer and mother of ten children across the border to her death is already chilling enough. But when asked today if it "bothers her" that she personally drove Jean McConville  across the border and delivered her to presumable torture and certain death, she coldly replies "No, no, not at all."

It's a clear indication that the incarceration process can often have no rehabilitation benefit whatsoever, while also underlining the fact that this woman remains the sociopath she undoubtedly was when sent to prison in the first place. Her neighbors must love finding out more about her!

It might be one thing to look back on those times and stand behind the ideals over which the struggle took place, but to cold-bloodedly state that you have zero regrets over your role in the killing of a mother of ten children is disgusting. As she was not tried for her individual role in that particular murder, then she should face "conspiracy to commit murder" charges, at the very least. I can only imagine that the ten children of Jean McConville feel the same way.

Of course, the real goal here is to go after a bigger fish, Gerry Adams, the former "activist" turned peacemaker in Northern Ireland. I don't think that anyone truly doubts what Adams' role in the IRA was, even if he has always denied being a member, never mind the de facto commander-in-chief.  But if Price remains a steadfast IRA loyalist (no oxymoron intended!), then why betray her former "boss"?!

It's a move that would certainly have ended her current life, in the past. In fact she has now effectively classified herself in the despised category of IRA informant, and she evidently seems to believe that being shot and dumped into some cold, dark hole across the border is legitimate payment for that sin. So how come she has gone public now, when such punishment no longer (theoretically) exists?

I suppose it's okay to eliminate a mother of ten (along with the many other "disappeared") for a suspected case of snitching, but Price would not want to face anything close to that fate herself, for snitching on the supposed commander-in-chief of the paramilitary terrorist group on whose orders she killed people?! 

But some cheap publicity in 2012 can always draw the rats from their holes. There is nothing heroic about wantonly killing people, and then coming clean about it at a later time when you cannot be made to face the same end. At the same time, if she gets her way, and forces the retirement of Gerry Adams due to him facing criminal charges dating back to the troubles, this could destabilize an always fragile peace process, and things might boil over again. She would then be at increased risk, ironically.

One has to ask what the benefit would be to get Adams up on charges today in 2012, when he is a legitimate politician who has helped to broker peace in the province. It's a can of worms that I am sure not many want to reopen, because it might have tremendously disturbing consequences. Once again we come to that eternal question of what is the right thing to do versus what is the best thing to do?

It seems that Price herself wants that can reopened, for selfish purposes, at which point I think she may have to endure some sleepless nights due to her role in stirring it all up again, but this time as an IRA snitch. The fact that she wanted the records sealed at Boston College until after her death (along with the other participants) says it all: now that it's gone public, even if the sleepless nights have not yet begun, it might be better to start sleeping with one eye open, like back in the good old (i.e. bad old) days. - Kevin Mc