U.S. Congressman Peter King has defended his support for the IRA in front of the British Parliament at an inquiry into the roots of Muslim terrorism.
The chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee appeared before the British inquiry on Tuesday months after he was branded a hypocrite.
King came under fire when he launched his own hearings into domestic radicalization in the American Muslim community.
Several critics, including a survivor of a 1990 IRA bomb in London, pointed to King’s long term support for the IRA.
They highlighted King’s involvement in the 80s with a US group believed to have raised funds for the Republican paramilitary outfit.
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Read More:
Congressman Peter King's strange journey from Irish radical to Muslim inquisitor
Peter King seeks U.S. Support for International Fund of Ireland
Peter King is wrong , the IRA did kill an American --- Harrods car bomb attack was one of the worst of The Troubles
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King was invited to testify by the British Home Affairs Committee of the British House of Commons at its ‘Roots of violent radicalization’ inquiry when his IRA links re-surfaced.
Labor Party representative David Winnick challenged King when he said: “There’s been some surprise in the United States but also in Britain that you have a job looking into and investigating into terrorism.”
Winnick then quoted a King speech in support of the IRA from the 80s when he said: “We must pledge ourselves to support those brave men and women who this very moment are carrying forth the struggle against British imperialism in the streets of Belfast and Derry.”
In 1985, King said: “If civilians are killed in an attack on a military installation, it is certainly regrettable, but I will not morally blame the I.R.A. for it.”
In reply to Winnick’s remarks, King defended his comments and asked for them to be taken in context.
“I stand by it in the context of when it was said,” King responded, without hesitation.
“Those quotes were designed to put the conflict in a perspective for an American audience that was too often exposed to anti-IRA. points of view.”
King then defended his part in Irish conflict and refused to denounce the IRA.
He said: “I stand by it in the context of when it was said. I can cite you Tony Blair, as recently asMarch of this year, put out a long statement defending my record both in the 1980s and throughout the Irish peace process.
“I was just out in the hallway and Baroness Kennedy came up to me to thank me for the work I did in the Irish peace process. Paul Murphy came by last evening.
“What I was saying - and I stand by it - is that the situation in northern Ireland, there were loyalist paramilitaries and obviously Republican paramilitaries, and I believe that, I had gotten to know Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness.
“And I was very confident that if the Republican movement could get to the table, you would see a peace process. And I believe the United States had a very significant role to play as an honest mediator, as an honest broker.
“And I worked very closely with Bill Clinton, I was very much involved in the Good Friday agreements, I was very involved in getting Gerry Adams’ visa, but also involved in getting loyalists into the United States.
“I felt that when it was on the table, that Adams and McGuinness would be able to, if you will, control the republican movement.
“And it’s worked. Tony Blair said I made invaluable contribution to peace, Bill Clinton has cited me in his memoirs as a person who was very much involved.”
Republican Congressman King also spoke of his role as that of a peacemaker without prejudice.
He added: “ It was never my position as an Irish-American, whether or not Ireland was united, to me there were injustices in the north.
“There were good people on both sides. I spent a lot of time meeting with the loyalist community, the unionist community, at the same time, and I came away from that convinced that there was a role for the U.S. to play.
“What I was saying with those quotes, I was also trying to put in perspective. All of the quotes were anti-I.R.A. in the United States, no mention ever made of the UVF or the UDA or the Red Hand Commandos or whatever.
“I was trying to put it in a perspective to show that there were people - that this is not just the terrorist mayhem it was made out to be - that there were significant leaders on the Republican side.”
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.joycean | Sep 15, 2011, 02:14 PM EDT
The subheading of this article, "Says massive difference between Irish Republicans and Al Qaeda," seems not be be reflected in article. He may have spoken about the topic, and some readers want to discuss it, but I don't see it.
citizen69 | Sep 15, 2011, 12:17 PM EDT
@sprinfield9: you say:"A terrorist organization, by definition, commits acts against a populace that are designed to Terrorize". That's exactly what the PIRA did! planting bombs in hotels, bars, shops, bus stations, litter bins etc. all of which exploded killing innocent civilians, it's the very definition of terrorism. Look up 'Bloody Friday' for just one instance of their atrocities against civilians. Peter King CANNOT support the IRA for their actions yet class those who do the same in Afghanistan, Pakistan & Iraq as terrorists... They are ALL terrorists. And whoever made the comment that we should call on the RIRA (whose main targets are Catholics btw) to "help wipe out Al Qaeda", get real you eejit, what are a small-minded bunch of gangster racketeers gonna do? Even if they had the balls.
DanOLoingsigh | Sep 15, 2011, 11:39 AM EDT
I suspect that Congressman King’s support for republican anti-democratic zealots was to garner support from gullible Irish-Americans, and judging by a number of the preceding posts, he succeeded.
Kilsally | Sep 15, 2011, 11:24 AM EDT
The IRA never targeted civillians? You have got to be joking, the extorted money from thousands of business men. If you Google `IRA apologists can't preach morality to us` it is an article last week by former Irish Justice Minister on the IRA extorting money (and/or kidnapping) from Jewish businessmen in Northern Ireland - they shot one who survived and killed the other - Kingsmills, Darkley gospel hall, Bloody Friday where they set of 20 odd bombs at the same time in Belfast. Ridiculous argument. And I see no mention on this site of the RIRA opening fire on police officer in L`derry last night with civilians in the area or the RIRA bombs planted in Claudy yesterday at the house of a retired doctor who works as a forensic doctor for the police and also at the home of a Catholic police officer!!! The RIRA spout the EXACT same things that eter King does and Sinn Fein used to - so please, it`s got nothing to do with `being trampled on or treated as second class citizens`.
Rebelforce | Sep 15, 2011, 09:03 AM EDT
I'm glad to see Congressman King set some British politicians straight over his praiseworthy record of seeking Peace with Justice in the north of Ireland. But really, no explanation is necessary as to why King, like so many thousands of other Irish-Americans, spoke out strongly and refused to be silent over the corrupt and abusive northern Ireland statelet. Asking Peter King to explain why he supported the IRA is like a British loyalist asking Ben Franklin why he supported the Minutemen at Lexington and Concord.
antoman | Sep 15, 2011, 08:13 AM EDT
I like the cut of his jib.
johhnyb | Sep 15, 2011, 04:04 AM EDT
The massive difference between the two groups was that the IRA killed Irish men, women and children while Al Qaeda killed Americans. That wasn't so popular maybe.
buffaloirishman | Sep 15, 2011, 02:27 AM EDT
The terrorists in Northern Ireland have been and continue to be the British. Black and Tan, Bloodly Sundays, collusion and a PR campaign to label the native victims negatively. This is pretty simple.
TheGeorge | Sep 15, 2011, 01:58 AM EDT
I am proud of Congressman King. My grandfather's brother was killed by the British in front of the family. What the Black & Tans did to the Irish was horrible!
Springfield9 | Sep 14, 2011, 11:15 PM EDT
A terrorist organization, by definition, commits acts against a populace that are designed to "Terrorize" (senseless). The IRA was not, strictly speaking, a terrorist organization. It would be more acurate to say outmoded and incompetent. Al Quaeda, on the other hand, is atacking "the great satan" (a complete fiction. Hence, Al Quaeda is terrorist as it is inherently senseless.
canadianirish | Sep 14, 2011, 09:56 PM EDT
@averagejoewa - You write: "I don't know why people keep linking the IRA to Al Qaeda." The answer is obvious. Both groups are deemed to be terrorist organizations. With the IRA/RIRA being the more proficient of the two.
averagejoewa | Sep 14, 2011, 09:20 PM EDT
I don't know why people keep linking the IRA to Al Qaeda. The IRA were fighting for a united Ireland free of British colonial rule. Al Qaeda is fighting for a world where everyone will either become Muslim or be executed as an infidel. The IRA was fighting for Irish freedom while Al Qaeda is fighting for the global extermination of non-Muslims.
Vince12 | Sep 14, 2011, 08:15 PM EDT
Congressman King please keep up the great advocacy. you are a lone strong voice in America on this issue. You are my hero!
joycean | Sep 14, 2011, 07:42 PM EDT
PiperMac,I doubt if "many of us" provided monetary support. I imagine most involvement was confined to Irish enclaves. DanOLoinsigh, Wars are a continuation of political discourse, not philosophical discourse. There is no expectation that countries will be consistant. The US isn't interested in Lybia, so we aren't taking a very active part.
canadianirish | Sep 14, 2011, 07:35 PM EDT
It's so nice to see a Congressman with a backbone and strength of conviction. At the time he made his pro IRA remarks, I would've felt exactly the same way. Pause for thought: When Al Qaeda terrorists come calling in our neck of the woods, the present day RIRA may be just the organization to call on for assistance in wiping them out. Question: How do you fight terrorism? Answer: With terrorists. Sad, but true.
PiperMac52 | Sep 14, 2011, 06:50 PM EDT
In context many Irish Americans supported the IRA and NORAID back in the 50s, 60s and 70s. It was part of our legacy and heritage passed on from our parents/grandparents. When off shoot groups started killing innocent civilians and aligning themselves with Islamist terrorist many changed their views. remember, it was the Irish Volunteers, the impetus for the IRA which is responsible for the Free State via the 1916 uprising.
joycean | Sep 14, 2011, 05:57 PM EDT
No such rules apply to US politans; in fact our founding documents guarantee the right overthrow a government that fails to provide for it's citizens' basic rights, and the right to bear arms. BTW, Britain is involved in helping the rebels in Lybia which involves street fighting and automatic weapons. In fact many wars are fought in streets. I am surprised that King would be willing to defend himself before Parliament.
DanOLoingsigh | Sep 14, 2011, 05:42 PM EDT
So explain that again, congressman; You supported IRA attacks in ‘occupied Ireland’, but you’re against attacks on occupation forces in Iraq and Afghanistan?…How so?
Ajreaper | Sep 14, 2011, 03:11 PM EDT
I think for any government representative of any country to say the use of bombs and automatic weapons in the streets is "ok" in any context. Don't like what's going on then by all means blow things up and shoot people.
PhlutiePhan | Sep 14, 2011, 02:15 PM EDT
The attitude of the Brits toward Ireland has evolved. Maybe, the feelings of Peter King have evolved as well. The father of my grandfather had immigrated and changed his name because he had killed a "black and tan". His real name was Breslin.
citizen69 | Sep 14, 2011, 01:34 PM EDT
Mr. King says the IRA never targeted civilians... Tell that to the families of the Kingsmill massacre (among many other civilian atrocities carried out by the IRA). A bus carrying twelve workers home from a textile factory was stopped by the IRA. The one catholic on the bus was ordered to run away, the remaining 11 men, all protestants, were gunned down in a hail of machine-gun fire by ten IRA members. If that is not terrorism then i don't know what is.
peterson | Sep 14, 2011, 01:34 PM EDT
The Protestants & Catholics should learn to get along with each other. It is the Muslim extremists that we all should worry about !!
joycean | Sep 14, 2011, 12:47 PM EDT
Brave man to stand up for his convictions. I remember Mararget Thacher giving a television speech to Irish-Americans, furiously holding them responsible for the situation in NI. I don't know how many times students asked me why Catholics abd Protestants were fighting in Ireland.
GeorgeDillon | Sep 14, 2011, 12:45 PM EDT
Peter King was a great friend of Ireland during the 1980s and 1990s period, and I am sure he still is.
derrybhoy | Sep 14, 2011, 12:38 PM EDT
Why tweak RedBranch? At least Mr. King spoke up against British injustice - a lot buried their head in the sand...
RedBranch | Sep 14, 2011, 12:26 PM EDT
“We must pledge ourselves to support those brave men and women who this very moment are carrying forth the struggle against British and American imperialism in the streets of Kabul and Kandahar.” Bit of tweaking and we've got a Taliban supporter in Mr.King
DaithiSuibhne | Sep 14, 2011, 12:21 PM EDT
Peter King just did what any upstanding person would do, that is, he defended the people that were being mistreated as second class citizens in their own country. Hats off for an 'American' politician that really has done nothing but good for the Irish people.
sirpeter | Sep 14, 2011, 11:33 AM EDT
Isn't it incredible how Congressman King has to defend himself for speaking out against what the whole world now knows.The despicable injustice enforced on a huge section of their own people by the government of NI.A government supported by the British.The British they keep attacking don't they?.Even when in the wrong.The Irish have a persecution complex!!I wonder WHY!!
cillowen | Sep 14, 2011, 11:26 AM EDT
Well and simply stated by king. Those brits who've used the irish as like cattle - planting in their midst masonic scots and london apprentice boys in a sliver of ireland to ensure symbols of Erin can be theirs, the harp and shamrock they unashamedly display on flags, standards across the commonwealth. It would be tough to have such as these removed from buldings, flags, queen's standard usage everywhere, tapestries, medals, awards for a myriad of occasions. Recall the hammer and sickle of the Soviet Union such being removed from flags of the various enslaved countries. Their apple to apples comparison will not wash, have they no shame with their apartheid statelet construct. Even those born within it can't decide whom they should play for. Actor Richard Harris of Limerick while on American late night TV revealed of he being deemed as great british actor by them - but at other times he was just a drunk. The muslim war on us is essentially due to our support of a friend. I fear it will always be thus.
cillowen | Sep 14, 2011, 11:25 AM EDT
Well and simply stated by king. Those brits who've used the irish as like cattle - planting in their midst masonic scots and london apprentice boys in a sliver of ireland to ensure symbols of Erin can be theirs, the harp and shamrock they unashamedly display on flags, standards across the commonwealth. It would be tough to have such as these removed from buldings, flags, queen's standard usage everywhere, tapestries, medals, awards for a myriad of occasions. Recall the hammer and sickle of the Soviet Union such being removed from flags of the various enslaved countries. Their apple to apples comparison will not wash, have they no shame with their apartheid statelet construct. Even those born within it can't decide whom they should play for. Actor Richard Harris of Limerick while on American late night TV revealed of he being deemed as great british actor by them - but at other times he was just a drunk. ====== The muslim war on us is essentially due to our support of a friend. I fear it will always be thus.
cillowen | Sep 14, 2011, 11:18 AM EDT
Well and simply stated by king. Those brits who've used the irish as like cattle - planting in their midst masonic scots and london apprentice boys in a sliver of ireland to ensure symbols of Erin can be theirs, the harp and shamrock they unashamedly display on flags, standards across the commonwealth. It would be tough to have such as these removed from buldings, flags, queen's standard usage everywhere, tapestries, medals, awards for a myriad of occasions. Recall the hammer and sickle of the Soviet Union such being removed from flags of the various enslaved countries. Their apple to apples comparison will not wash, have they no shame with their apartheid statelet construct. Even those born within it can't decide whom they should play for. Actor Richard Harris of Limerick while on American late night TV revealed of he being deemed as great british actor by them - but at other times he was just a drunk.
Rebelforce | Sep 14, 2011, 10:28 AM EDT
I'm glad to see Congressman King set some British politicians straight over his praiseworthy record of seeking Peace with Justice in the north of Ireland. But really, no explanation is necessary as to why King, like so many thousands of other Irish-Americans, spoke out strongly and refused to be silent over the corrupt and abusive northern Ireland statelet. Asking Peter King to explain why he supported the IRA is like a British loyalist asking Ben Franklin why he supported the Minutemen at Lexington and Concord.
TheOldPerfessor | Sep 14, 2011, 10:24 AM EDT
This man has been my "representative" in Congress for decades. If he's ever lifted a finger to help my life, the news never got out. Now he's on this glorious campaign to mine religious intolerance for votes. I'll respect him when he also investigates Christian extremists.
Irishphotograph | Sep 14, 2011, 10:00 AM EDT
Loyalists were men and women who bomb and shot innocent Irish Catholics in the Name of the Queen of England. Did we ever hear the Royalty condemning Loyalist murders in their name! NEVER! What about the MIGHT of the British Army a legalised terror war machine let loose on the Catholic population. While the World did nothing! The IRA were a terror Org. but when you trample on people what do you expect to happen!
Dingus44 | Sep 14, 2011, 09:58 AM EDT
Good for Him!