Ahern encouraged by Paisley comments

THE Government yesterday said Ian Paisley’s willingness to share power with Sinn Féin if it abandoned criminality and paramilitarism was a “sign of how far the peace process has progressed”.

A Government spokesperson said Dr Paisley’s comments indicated a growing acceptance of the peace strategy pursued by the Irish and British Governments.

Speaking on Sunday, Dr Paisley said he could not envisage a situation where the North would have direct rule for ten years and said he would be willing to enter a devolved government with Sinn Féin, if the party abandoned criminality and insurrection.