Broad Translation to English of Denis Donaldson article below.
(I am aware that the Denis Donaldson story possibly goes far deeper than the details we have at the moment. At the same time, I believe that the points below are still relevant with regards to the "Empire" which is still in control of things in this country.)Like many people I was deeply shocked when I heard of the allegations being made against Denis Donaldson to the effect that he had been a spy (possibly the most important spy) working for the intelligence services in the Six Counties inside the republican movement.
I met Denis several times whilst working for the BBC in the North and he came across as a gentle and considered person. It’s a very sad story; the fact that he took the decision, in company with many other republicans, to begin working for the colonial enemy. In my journalistic experience, this desperate decision is very often taken after huge pressure being applied by the "security" forces and whilst this person is confined to a lonely prison cell, and very often under serious personal pressure for a variety of reasons.
Its my view that the reaction amongst the people to the story reveals an awful lot about the situation in our country and two things in particular which have not been properly addressed in the media. The first thing is the fact that the country is totally split between, on the one hand, people who have an anti colonial attitude and have an explanation for such events via this philosophy; and then on the other hand the people who are happy, or at least unconcerned, that this country is still under the Empire's sway. The second point comes in the form of a question, and again I have not heard this question being raised in all the hullabaloo about Denis Donaldson. And the question is what exactly are the reasons for the huge spy machine which the English have built and continue to maintain in this country?
I have an answer to that question. It’s a very simple answer. The English ruling class hates the Irish. I am not talking here about ordinary English people but rather that invisible but all powerful gang in our neighbouring country. They created an extensive spy network here hundreds of years ago because long experience has told them that this is the best way, not only to control a country, but also to leave a permanent mark there as well. Denis Donaldson is only the latest example of this policy and when you observe this little man and then think of his family and the permanent stain on their lives, I believe it is easy to see who is David and who is Goliath in this story. And what was it exactly we asked for to bring this apparatus of terror down upon our heads?
Again, it is very simple. We asked for equality and self rule over our own destinies. Denis Donaldson forms part of the answer to those demands from our colonial masters. It is them telling us yet again that, for as long as they are able, or allowed, to put a stop to it. And if small insignificant people can be used then abandoned as part of that process of Judge and Executioner - well So Be It.