Why is Mandelson derided for his role in Northern Ireland? Because he listened to two sides rather than one.
It is hardly every day that one feels compelled to defend Peter Mandelson. However, when he is accused of ignorance and obnoxiousness by a purveyor of sentimental Irish American drivel its hard not to feel a pang of sympathy for Labour’s ‘dark lord’.
Niall O’Dowd criticises Mandelson’s conduct as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, endorsing Bertie Ahern’s contention that he hampered the peace process.
If acknowledging the existence of a view which contradicted Republicans’ nationalist orthodoxies and recognising that Sinn Féin / IRA did not comprise a trustworthy group, comprised a road block to progress, then Mandelson erected that obstacle.
Actually the former Secretary of State helped build trust between unionists and the Labour administration. But no doubt the Irish American view is that he was guilty of encouraging ‘false consciousness’ by listening to two sides, rather than one.
Niall O’Dowd criticises Mandelson’s conduct as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, endorsing Bertie Ahern’s contention that he hampered the peace process.
If acknowledging the existence of a view which contradicted Republicans’ nationalist orthodoxies and recognising that Sinn Féin / IRA did not comprise a trustworthy group, comprised a road block to progress, then Mandelson erected that obstacle.
Actually the former Secretary of State helped build trust between unionists and the Labour administration. But no doubt the Irish American view is that he was guilty of encouraging ‘false consciousness’ by listening to two sides, rather than one.
Comments
I think Mandelson wasn't a bad NI Secretary, as they go. As regards politics in general, I shouldn't trust him an inch since he has declared that he'd be prepared to serve under a new conservative government! Another indication of Brown's political weakness, that Scotland and Mandelson remain in the Cabinet, to my mind.
Is Mandie a man for all seasons? Perhaps he's thinking along the lines of some bureaucratic European role within the new Conservative administration. David Cameron ought to keep him at arm's length.
Tim
We now have a Government that is not neutral on the Union, let us celebrate it.