USA: LOYALIST PARAMILITARY LEADERS VISIT BOSTON

Описание: (25 Oct 1994) Protestant loyalist paramilitary leaders from Northern Ireland have taken their peace mission to Boston, the heart of Catholic/Irish America.

They're visiting the "lion's den" to put their case for Northern Ireland remaining part of Britain .. rather than becoming part of the Irish republic. .

Fiercely Irish and fiercely Catholic, Boston is one of the mainstays of pro-Republican thought in the United States.

This is best felt in the various Irish pubs, where the Irish-Americans come together for an evening "home away from home".

It is clear that they all care about the Northern Ireland peace process.

But they have a mixed welcome for the protestant loyalist delegation, which includes three men convicted of killings during the Irish Troubles.

UPSOUND FOR 2 SOUNDBITES

"People are so sick of what's been going on now. it's not a matter of religion anymore, it's like...they're still fighting."

"He represents a lot of people, like, a lot of people's opinion. Gusty Spence? Gusty Spence is a foghead!"

The loyalist politicians see their tour of the United States as a way to convince Irish Americans that they too are serious about finding a peaceful solution to the Northern Ireland conflict.

While in Boston, they said they wanted to make sure their children and grandchildren didn't go through the "nightmare" they've suffered through.

Gusty Spence added he was "very pleasantly surprised" at the reception his group has
received in the United States.

Even the pro-IRA Noraid organisation extended its welcome to the loyalists.

SOUNDBITE/SUPER CAPTION KATHLEEN O'NEIL - NORAID

"Oh, I think, as I told you before, I welcome them. I think all points of view are a help to the American people in helping solve the problems in Northern Ireland."

As the loyalist delegation continues its tour of the United States, the Irish Americans keep their hopes up - convinced that peace is one day going to come to Northern Ireland.

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