Derry

By not heading this Londonderry I pin my colours to the mast. I am a believer in a unified Ireland, a unified and united Ireland which embraces its braod and rich heritage. The “Bogside” for me is the defining point of “British” mishandling of Ireland.

The murals are bold, huge and unmistakable.I visited with a group of “intercessors”, but as one local said, if he could have a pound for evry wellmeaning person who has come and gone he could have fixed the problems of the Bogside. It is a place that still feels pain. Rather like a battle field does.

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I was quite horrified by the war memorial up in the town. Normally they depict soldiers, sailors and airmen “at ease”, weapons at their side. Not this one, which has a soldier holding his gun with bayonet attached pointing down as if to strike. Even worse he is actually facing the Bogside! If statues are ever prophetic, this one surely was.

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