Adams: Downing Street meeting 'positive'

Gerry Adams has emerged from talks with British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, at Downing Street saying the 80 minute meeting with the Prime Minister was ``positive''.

He told reporters outside No 10 that he had raised issues of policing, sectarian violence and demilitarisation, including a “review of events of the summer”.

But the Sinn Fein leader reiterated his concern that the peace process had fallen into a “trough”.

“The great changes that have taken place over the last 10 years have now ground down to a halt.”

He said Dr Reid’s failure to bring about changes in Northern Ireland had the effect of “delaying, slowing down and minimising the changes” promised in the Good Friday agreement.

Flanked by Mr McGuiness, Mr Crowe and Mr Murphy, the hard-line Republican added: “We’re committed to moving forward but only if we have confidence among Republican and Nationalists and other pro-agreement people that it seems to be a process for change and that the pain people are taking is actually for something and that the Government here in London is honouring its commitments.

“The Prime Minister told us that he accepted this analysis.”

Mr Adams said he was concerned that the “strategic vision” of the British Government had “dimmed” because of the “need on a day-to-day basis to try and sustain or uphold or defend whatever section of unionism is for this agreement”.

He said the Government was pandering to the Unionists but warned “the political peace process needs to continue.

“Mr Blair has a huge responsibility.”

Questioned about Sinn Fein’s possible membership of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, Mr Adams went said the group would want to see “the colour of legislative amendments” before making a decision.

The timing of legislative amendments was a “secondary” issue but it was now time for the “British Government to face up to its responsibilities on policing.”

Mr McGuiness said Sinn Fein remained committed to the Good Friday agreement. “The strongest message we can deliver, whether it be to unionists rejectionists or republican rejectionists, is that we are not going to give up on the Good Friday agreement.

“All sides must continue to whole heartedly promote and embrace the Good Friday agreement and that’s the best way to defeat those people who appear to be dead set to bringing it down.”

Mr Adams said he felt the Prime Minister was “wedded to the process” but it was now time to see “progress on the process for change.”

“The focus needs to be about bringing change.”