No more word games: let the people decide, says Sinn Féin

Political Reporter

After Gerry Adams’ latest attempt to clarify the IRA’s paramilitary activities received a mixed reaction, Sinn Féin chairman Mitchell McLaughlin said there are already enough statements and the Assembly elections now needed to go ahead.

Differing interpretations of the latest statement caused tensions between the Governments, with officials in Dublin reportedly satisfied with the latest concessions. But according to Government sources, it was understood the British Government needed further clarification on specifics as there remained elements of doubt.

Adding to his statement on Sunday when he said all activities inconsistent with the Good Friday Agreement should not happen, Mr Adams said in the interests of moving the process forward, he wanted to eliminate any doubt that might exist.

“The IRA leadership is determined that there will be no activities which will undermine, in any way, the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement,” he said.

The wranglings continue to cast doubt on whether the Northern Ireland assembly elections will go ahead on May 29, but the Government say the date is still cast in stone.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair wants Mr Adams to categorically state an end to paramilitary activity including punishment beatings, exiling, procurement and development of weapons, intelligence gathering and targeting.

The specific paramilitary activities were mentioned in Mr Blair’s questions to Mr Adams last week and are prescribed in the Good Friday Agreement.

According to a Government spokesperson, the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern backed Mr Blair as the Governments continued contact with the political parties.

“The Taoiseach and Prime Minister had a lengthy conversation this evening and remain committed to resolving the situation in a satisfactory manner,” the spokesperson said.

Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble said Mr Adams’ speech was not an effective answer to the questions posed to the IRA. As the situation stands, it will not be possible for the Executive to meet or the Assembly to be formed following next month’s elections, he said.

“The fact that at the second or third time of asking he has been unable to give a clear answer on this is illustrative of the underlying position,” he said.

According to Mr McLaughlin, the party will not be answering any more questions. He said people were incensed by the word games and playing with peoples’ lives and expectations.

The Republican movement had gone farther than expected and stretched their own constituency to the limit, he said.

He accused the British and Irish Governments of supporting Mr Trimble’s refusal to go into the political institutions.

The Sinn Féin statement was endorsed by National Committee on American Foreign Policy chairman Bill Flynn.