Republicans ‘face tough choices’

SINN FÉIN and the IRA need to make hard choices and decisions if the peace process is to be rebuilt, Sinn Féin’s Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin conceded yesterday.

Republicans need to look beyond the current crisis in the peace process to return it to the path of progress, Mr Ó Caoláin said.

"Inevitably, that will mean more hard choices, including more hard decisions for the Irish and British governments and others, as well as for Sinn Féin and for the IRA," Mr Ó Caoláin added.

Speaking at the Sinn Fein Easter commemoration in Clones, Co Monaghan, he said the brutal murder of Robert McCartney has sullied the good name of republicanism.

"Those responsible should own up to their actions their continuing failure to do so compounds the outrage of all who proudly proclaim their republicanism this Easter time," he said.

Mr Ó Caoláin added that while Sinn Féin as republicans are prepared to face up to difficult decision, they will not take lectures from Justice Minister Michael McDowell.

"This week in the Dáil I described him (Michael McDowell) as a unionist and he replied that he was an Irish republican.

"Very well, Minister McDowell as the President of the Progressive Democrats, if you are a republican why don't you organise your party on an all-Ireland basis?"

Mr McDowell could not be reached for a response at the time of going to press.

Mr Ó Caoláin also said the Inquiries Bill currently going through the British parliament is designed to cover up decades of collusion between its forces and loyalist death squads.

This is because the bill will not provide full public inquiries into cases like the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane.

Instead, a British minister will be given power to hold an inquiry behind closed doors.