Bush call urges Adams to push for peace

President George W Bush phoned Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams today to urge him to follow through with action after the Irish Republican Army disarmament decision.

“They had a good discussion and the president stressed that this is an important opportunity to seize,” said White House press secretary Scott McClellan.

“The president talked about the importance of moving forward with action,” he added.

Yesterday, Bush also talked on the phone with Democratic Unionist Party leader Ian Paisley.

Mr Paisley has accused the IRA of repeatedly issuing hollow, deceptive statements and said he didn’t plan to co-operate with Sinn Féin any time soon.

“The president talked about our support for the statement that the IRA put out yesterday on ending its armed campaign,” McClellan said.