Sinn Féin must cut criminal ties, warns Ahern

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern has delivered what amounted to an ultimatum to Sinn Féin, telling them that there was no hope of any lasting settlement unless the party publicly committed itself to abjure criminality.

Referring to what was required of the Republican movement, Mr Ahern said: “The questions are very clear. They are very simple. If they (republicans) are prepared to engage and are prepared to move forward we can get on but we need that response back from them.”

Mr Ahern was speaking after his Downing Street meeting with Tony Blair yesterday afternoon, where both leaders reiterated that a return to power sharing would not happen unless the IRA severed its links to violence, robberies and thuggery.

Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, the Taoiseach and Mr Blair said that this issue remained the major remaining obstacle to a peace settlement in the province.

“The reality of the situation is that until we have got an end to criminality, we cannot win the trust and confidence of the collective parties to move forward,” said Mr Ahern.

The Taoiseach’s sentiments were later reinforced by Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern. He said that when the Government had asked Sinn Féin to reflect on recent events and criminality, it saw little point in continuing with further negotiations unless the Republican leadership provided it with clear answers and commitments.

“In effect, there is nothing that the two governments can do,” he said. Negotiations have been brought to the nth degree.

“Because of the breakdown in trust and confidence, a huge question has to be asked of Sinn Féin. Are they willing to commit to what was to achieve a process through exclusively and democratic means?” he asked.

In an unprecedented development, the Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy travelled to London to brief both leaders on security issues that arose from the robbery. The two were also briefed by PSNI chief constable Huge Orde. Details about what transpired at the meeting were not released.

“The obstacle now to a lasting and durable settlement in Northern Ireland is the continuing paramilitary activity and criminal activity of the IRA” said Mr Blair after the meeting.

“It has got to stop. It has got to stop in its entirety. There cannot be any compromise with that.”