Blair welcomes SF efforts to address criminality issue

The British government has welcomed efforts by Sinn Féin to address the issue of IRA criminality, which has led to the latest deadlock in the Irish peace process.

Speaking at the party's Ardfheis in Dublin over the weekend, party leader Gerry Adams insisted that Sinn Féin had to oppose republican criminality as vehemently as criminality by its enemies and rivals.

Mr Adams and other speakers also condemned the murder of Belfast man Robert McCartney, allegedly by senior IRA members, as well as the practice of punishment beatings.

Responding today, British Prime Minister Tony Blair's official spokesman said the Ardfheis statements had shown that "Sinn Féin have at least begun to address the concerns".

"No doubt that will be explored in further contacts with Sinn Féin," he added, "but the bottom line remains the same - there can only be progress with Sinn Féin and republicans if there is an end to activity."