IF those who stood in graveyards at Easter honouring their patriot dead really want to win the hearts and minds of the republican community, dumping a bomb at the gates of a primary school in an area such as Ardoyne is hardly likely to achieve their aims.
Ardoyne is a community steeped in republican history and ideology. It is also an area that per head of population suffered more than any other during the Troubles.
At its centre is Holy Cross Boys' Primary School. Almost every person in Ardoyne either went to the school, sent sons to the school or has a family member who has worked there.
Despite a tough economic environment Holy Cross has managed to achieve excellent inspection reports and turn out a succession of young boys who have managed to excel both academically and in the sporting arena.
And so regardless of what excuses or circumstances those who left a bomb at the school come up with in the coming days, the damage has already been done.
Even the most hardened of republican would struggle to justify such a reckless act.
Schools should be places of sanctuary, a peaceful and safe environment for young people regardless of what may be going on outside the gates.
This was a viable device to be activated close to a police patrol in the heavily built-up Ardoyne area.
Regardless of when and where it was intended to be detonated, it would have caused damage to life and property.
Instead the only damage it has caused is to the reputation of those who left it at the gates of a primary school.
