Boston.com: Kennedy refuses to meet with Adams

This is a "credit where credit is due" post. Sen. Ted Kennedy has not only canceled this year's planned meeting with Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, but has issued a statement blasting the IRA and Sinn Fein's ties to the IRA.

Kennedy will meet with the sisters of Robert McCartney on Wednesday. The sisters will be guests at the White House on Thursday, St. Patrick's Day.

McCartney's killing, the ensuing intimidation of witnesses, and the belief (with evidence) that the IRA was behind a massive bank robbery, have all brought pressure to bear on the Irish terrorist group and its allies in recent weeks. But I'll bet that to have the Kennedy family standard-bearer turn a cold shoulder will send shudders through people who have been counting on support from Irish-Americans to get them through until the dust settled back home. This is not to mention that it paves the way for lesser figures to also shun Adams without as much fear of censure from the Democrats or other liberals. Bravo, Kennedy. (Well, 'bravo' if he sticks to it and isn't cutting side deals behind closed doors.) I still respectfully disagree with Sen. Kennedy on nearly everything else under the sun, but if he helps shut down the terrors that have poisoned Northern Ireland for decades I'll be among the first to stand up and cheer.