Amnesty for fugitives dominates meeting

THE controversy over the amnesty for so-called republican on-the-run fugitives (OTRs) dominated the latest meeting between the Government and Sinn Féin in Dublin yesterday.

Although the meeting also explored the next steps in restoring the Northern institutions, the OTR question featured strongly during the one-hour meeting at Government buildings attended by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams.

The Sinn Féin delegation, speaking to reporters, said they wanted to learn the intentions of both British and Irish governments in relation to the next phases of the peace process.