Perhaps, when the hunger strikers start to die, these MPs will re-discover a few shreds of political principle, even simple humanity and politely ask Thatcher if it would not be possible to seek some compromise.
For the moment the leaders of the Labour left are peeling the flesh from the hunger strikers as vigorously as is Thatcher.
And yet in the recent past the Labour NEC has stated its criticism of the conditions in which the prisoners are held, and individuals such as Tony Benn have declared their support for Irish unity, the denial of which is the reason why there are Irish political prisoners.
While such people can express general sentiments, when it comes to the question of their practical application these people choose to identify with all the repression and nastiness which the British state has pursued in the H Blocks and Armagh.
For those who do support the demands of the prisoners, there needs to be a re-doubling of effort to raise the issue wherever we can, especially in the trade unions and CLPs.
Remember what Sean McKenna, one of the hunger strikers, said when he wrote to Socialist Challenge a couple of weeks ago: speaks clearly is support through action.' Sacialist Challenge: 3 December 1980 Page 2 'The only support whiteh
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THOUSANDS of youth joined the march PLATE MERSEYSIDE dockers led the march
the right to work LIVERPOOL PIER of the 12th century, and who thus ever since.
sion and bribery.
& ARMAGH • ENRY II the English King wh Linvaded Ireland in the middi began an occupation which has lasted declare himself fing of Ireland. He ENRY VIll, the first English ruler to managed to extend the territory in Ireland under English control by a policy of repres Local Irish lords were either executed, if they didn't accept Henry's rule, or were