IRA efforts taken for granted, says Ó Caolain

The IRA has taken courageous decisions that have too often been taken for granted, Sinn Fein’s leader in the Dáil claimed today.

Caoimhghin Ó Caolain said his party would not accept a situation in which republicans were held responsible for any deadlock in the peace process.

“The IRA demonstrated initiative and innovation and ever since their first cessation in 1994 they have taken courageous decisions that have caused real and soul-searching difficulties for many republicans,” he said.

He told the Easter 1916 Commemoration in Dublin that these efforts were often taken for granted by those who were hostile to the peace process.

“So to those who would point the finger at the IRA for the current difficulties in the peace process I say ’Get your own house in order’,” he added.

A situation where opponents blamed republicans for the impasse in the peace process was unacceptable, he said, adding: “We will not accept such a situation and we will continue to assert the rights of those who vote for Sinn Féin throughout the 32 Counties, and the rights of everyone who voted for the Good Friday Agreement, rights that are not subject to preconditions by governments, political parties or armed groups.

“The days of demonisation and discrimination on either side of the border are over and they are not coming,” he said.

Mr O Caolain said there was a duty to allay the concerns of unionists and meet them on common ground.

“We say to them frankly that we are out for a united Ireland that includes them and in which they can play a key and constructive role,” he said.