Originally Posted by
Asturias56
but he changed Menelaus - he changed - and that's what is necessary in N Ireland
He did. It was certainly expedient for him, and the ANC, to do so. And take a look at modern SA and see the spiral in to decline of services, utilities and corruption ever since. Sometimes it takes a strong persona just to hold a place together. Certainly the case with Tito.
The “chuckle bros” also changed. And for a brief period harmony reigned at Stormont. And they made a decent fist of their respective jobs. Not bad for the man admitting to firing the shots from the flat in the Bogside that sent the Paras off on their rampage. Again, bad judgement. Paras should have been nowhere near a civil rights movement demonstration. They are trained to do a certain job, with prejudice, lightly armed therefore expect a violent response, and get out. Their actions that day ( despite the Bogside being a bloody mess generally) probably did more for IRA and Sinn Fein recruitment than any other single action.
I digress. If a man like G@@ry A@@ms can be free under an amnesty ( and I’m pretty sure he hasn’t changed his views one jot) then the same should apply to servicemen acting for the Crown. Accidents and misjudgments do happen. The actions of the PIRA, IRA, Real IRA, UDF, UFF etc etc were rarely accidental.