Michelle O'Neill on being shaped by ‘killing of local lads by British state' and convincing unionists ahead of border poll

Belfast Telegraph

5 days ago

In a lengthy interview with the Irish Times, the Sinn Fein vice president also claimed there are 'many people', including unionists, who are 'open to being persuaded' about a united Ireland.
Ms O'Neill, who has been subject to intense criticism for attending republican commemorations and claiming there was 'no alternative' to IRA violence during the Troubles, opened up on how her worldview was shaped during her formative years.
The Mid-Ulster MLA said she was aware from an early age that she 'grew up in a family, in a society, in a community that was discriminated against, that was treated with inequality on a day-to-day basis'.
'[There was] a lot of loss in the community, many moments when the British state killed local lads, local people, local people that weren't much older than me… all those moments contribute to shaping who you are,' Ms O'Neill told the newspaper.
One of those killed was her cousin, Tony Doris.
The IRA man was shot dead in an ambush by the SAS along with two others in the village of Coagh in 1991 when Ms O'Neill was just 14 years old.
'It was horrendous for his immediate family, obviously, and all these things have lasting impacts, and that's the same for every family that lost," she reflected.
"My experience, unfortunately, was felt by far too many people.'
Last year a coroner found that SAS soldiers were "justified" in their use of lethal force.
Peter Ryan and Lawrence McNally were also killed when they were intercepted in a stolen car.
Mr Justice Michael Humphreys said he was satisfied the use of force was "reasonable and proportionate" because the soldiers "had an honest belief that it was necessary in order to prevent loss of life".
He said all three men were members of the IRA's East Tyrone Brigade and were on "active service" when they were shot.
Ms O'Neill remembered her father Brendan Doris — who was an IRA prisoner and a local councillor — as a 'community activist' who was 'very much wedded to his community'.
'I liked how he helped people,' she explained.
'So I suppose, maybe it was always organic that I would go down the route that I took in terms of going into politics.'
The deputy leader of Sinn Fein said that partition has 'failed' her community as she spoke about her early goal of bringing about a united Ireland, as she expressed support for her party's committent to secure a border poll as early as 2030.
However, she said she is 'less fixated on a date' and 'more interested in the actual planning and preparation is done and that we get it right'.
'The Irish Government really, really need to treat this with urgency … give people the tools in which to make an informed decision,' Ms O'Neill continued.
Ms O'Neill said she believes there are 'many people', including unionists, who are 'open to being persuaded' as she expressed confidence that they will 'be convinced because it's in their best interests' adding: "The argument to be made is that there is something better for all of us'.
Asked about her pledge of being a 'First Minister for all', Ms O'Neill said she believes she has fulfilled her promise and cited her attendance at Queen Elizabeth II's funeral and King Charles III's coronation as proof — in addition to her presence at a PSNI graduation ceremony and a Remembrance Sunday service in Belfast.
However, she admitted to finding it challenging to participate in such events in light of her own background when asked if it is 'difficult'.
'Personally, given the experience of my community at the hands of the British state, then, yes, from that perspective it is,' the First Minister said.
'But is it the right thing to do to try and reconcile the people on this island? Yes, it is.
'So, for me, that outweighs any personal feeling.'
Ms O'Neill pointed out that at the same time, 'I go to republican commemorations' as she explained the reason.
'Because that's who I am. I've never shied away from that. I don't distance myself from that,' she said.
When asked about her critics and those who find her presence at republican commemorations difficult to accept, Ms O'Neill said: 'I do think about it.
'I understand there are many people out there that have a different narrative than me and I respect that that's their view. It's also perhaps their lived experience, but mine's different.'
Regarding her relationship with deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, Ms O'Neill said they are 'completely different characters' with 'completely different backgrounds' and a 'completely different outlook' but 'also very understanding of the fact that we have to work together to try and lead the Executive.'
However, the First Minister was critical of what she branded a 'lack of leadership in political unionism, particularly when it comes to issues of bonfires' and its 'faux outrage at times around particular issues'.
'The constant attacks on the GAA tell people who support the GAA and people from an Irish national identity that they're not welcome in this place,' she added.
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'Political unionism would need to think about that.'
Despite a number of rows since the restoration of the Executive last February, Ms O'Neill defended Stormont's record so far.
'We're 18 months in… we have a programme for government, the first in over a decade,' she said.
'We've prioritised health waiting lists and we've put finances in that direction. We've been able to deal with public sector pay.'