Et tu Brute?

Be Honest Lads

There is a reason why Hyenas are often portrayed as mangy scavengers, they are the type of animal that will only attack their prey when they believe it is weak, dying or dead. They will never attack in open, nor will they pounce on a beast that has the strength to repel an attack.

In many ways the behaviour of these animals represents the fall of one of Ireland’s most controversial and hated political figures. To us, he represented nothing but sectarian hatred, a man who contributed nothing but antagonism, pessimism and ultimately an obstacle to peace.

I refer of course, to Ian Paisley, the one time leader of fundamentalist Unionism and fire brand Free Presbyterianism.

This man who embodied ‘Unionist Resistance’ to equality, peace and justice,( such evils). The man who refereed to the Holy Father as the Antichrist, Catholics as devil worshippers, Gays as evil and promised the destruction of Sinn Féin and Irish Republicanism. There is a great irony, that it would be he, Ian Kyle Paisley that would be forced to enter government as equals with Sinn Féin, watching as the process to end the Union began.

There is further irony, that Paisley would be removed by those closest around him. There is no question that a coup d’état was launched against Paisley, the political scandal of Ian Óg caught with his paws in the till, allowed those seeking to eliminate Paisley,the chance to weaken him.

Ian Óg was removed in an attempt to save his father. It did not work, blood had been tasted, Ian Óg’s departure only left his father isolated and very much alone. The pack circled, a perfect opportunity for the growing number of discontented DUP MLA’s to launch an assault. Paisley was now a liability, the Dromore by-election had confirmed that, all that was left for Paisley to do was to decide whether he wanted to jump or be pushed.

What he decided to do, we will never know, what we do know, is that the man who frustrated every attempt at peace is gone, the man who blessed sectarian murder gangs like Ulster Resistance is gone, the man who inflamed sectarian hatred, flirted with Loyalist Paramilitaries and opposed peace at every opportunity is now gone.

We must remember that and not just the last twelve months which some will like us to focus on. Remember also the fact that is was those closest to him who betrayed him and led to his final demise.

Et tu Peter? even me Ian.