Is it time to take a defensive stand and move the Republican cause forward?

I have taken a step backwards for some time now and have been trying to get to grips with how people really feel. The vast majority of our people don’t want an offensive; our youth, all but a few overall, don’t even want to know about any war.

Prisoners need the support of the people and right now they must feel slightly isolated. Republicans who believe that an offensive should go on must ask themselves, ‘can we achieve more by taking a defensive stand?’ Negotiate the release of our prisoners and oppose the RUC/PSNI and British Rule in Ireland and also give those Republicans who don’t believe the time is right for war somewhere to turn to.

I write this letter in the hope that some Republican leaders will think ahead and take a more positive stand and move forward with their principles intact.

Yours etc.,

Bobby Fisher (ex-POW)

Swilly Gardens

Creggan Estate