Its political strength in the Irish republic was largely built on anti-drug activism in the inner cities

Its political strength in the Irish republic was largely built on anti-drug activism in the inner cities. Certainly the right-wing paramilitaries are involved in the drugs trade but they limp behind the Farc in terms of the profits reaped, which is part of the reason why the Irish republicans’ involvement with the guerrillas is so deeply troubling for Sinn Fein.Here is a party whose military wing has been shooting suspected drug dealers for years. “The ones who do this are the rightist paramilitaries and the friends of the government.” Which was as big and fat a lie as I have heard in many long years in journalism. The Farc’s chief spokesman was a plump, bearded figure in immaculate combat fatigues who cradled an M16 rifle during interviews.”We are not involved in the drugs trade,” he said. The Farc also kidnaps businessmen, politicians and officials with terrifying regularity Not that Commandante Raoul Reyes would admit to that. These disciples of Marx tax every stage of the drug production process Most of the drugs end up on the streets of American cities.

It was a scene of extraordinary incongruity: the Women’s Institute meets Che Guevara.They belonged to an organisation that makes an estimated $300m a year from the international cocaine and heroin trade. Having assured us that the Commandante was looking forward to meeting us, she went back to the table where several other fighters were busy with their sewing needles. The Commandante would be with us in a few moments, the young guerrilla announced We should be patient The teenage fighter was polite but preoccupied We had interrupted her morning needlework session She’d been busy stitching a holster for her pistol. Given its reputation for kidnapping (and the possibility of meeting the even more brutal right-wing paramilitaries), I was naturally a little nervous.In the Farc camp all was ordered and secure. The Farc – the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – is an interesting group, in the sense that being the richest guerrilla group in the world that still calls itself Marxist is interesting.Some months back I made a journey into the jungles of Colombia to meet the Farc. But am I alone in wondering if it is true?Let us first contemplate the nature of the people with whom the republicans were consorting.

The notion of convicted terrorists James Monaghan and Martin McAuley chasing butterflies in the jungle is charming. They might have been there as “eco-tourists” (the first explanation offered) or to study the Colombian peace process (the subsequent explanation). Why would three Irish republicans go to one of the most dangerous countries on earth, travelling on false passports into the stronghold of a guerrilla group notorious for kidnapping, drug trafficking and murder?

Why would three Irish republicans go to one of the most dangerous countries on earth, travelling on false passports into the stronghold of a guerrilla group notorious for kidnapping, drug trafficking and murder?
It is a question the three defendants will attempt to answer at their trial in Colombia, but one which has provided untold anguish and embarrassment for Sinn Fein and considerable anger for the White House There may be a simple explanation. It’s a feeble joke, but it will be made countless times; and you heard it here first.d.lister independent.co.uk. How long before a female novelist left off the shortlist, or a disgruntled newspaper columnist, complains how aptly named the prize now is.