Decision time for SF, warns Harney

TÁNAISTE Mary Harney last night warned Sinn Féin they may be left out of the peace process unless the republican movement severs all its links with criminality.

Ms Harney’s warning came as PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde said he had identified the top-level republicans he believes plotted the Northern Bank robbery. Mr Orde said he would quit if he was proved wrong.

The two leaders of the main opposition parties yesterday called on Mr Ahern to act decisively when he meets Sinn Féin on Tuesday. Fine Gael’s Enda Kenny demanded the Government end its “seven-year political patronage of Sinn Féin” while Pat Rabbitte of Labour said the process had reached a watershed which required Mr Ahern to “deliver a strong message” to Sinn Féin.