Mixed reaction to Ahern's NI speech

Politicians in the North have given a mixed reaction to the Taoiseach’s speech yesterday at the University of Ulster in Coleraine.

Bertie Ahern used the speech to reiterate his call for an end to republican paramilitarism.

He also said that unionists would have a duty to share power equally with Sinn Féin if the threat of force from the IRA was removed.

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams welcomed the speech and said he agreed with the broad thrust of it.

The SDLP also welcomed the speech, saying it echoed the party’s own stance.

The DUP, however, claimed Mr Ahern’s wish to see those who threaten violence for political ends excluded from government did not square with his ongoing support for the Good Friday Agreement.