Ferris accuses PDs of undermining Agreement

The Progressive Democrats are trying to topple the Good Friday Agreement, it was claimed today.

Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris told his party’s Ard Fheis that the PDs share the same agenda as the Democratic Unionist Party or British ‘spooks’ opposed to the 1998 accord.

Speaking on the All-Ireland Agenda motions of the conference, Mr Ferris said: “The PDs have continually attempted to subvert the Good Friday Agreement and to sabotage political progress.

“In that, they are no different in any way to the DUP or the anti-Agreement elements within the British security services. They share the same agenda and the same objectives.”

The North Kerry TD also claimed that Taoiseach Bertie Ahern caved in to pressure from Opposition parties on his plans to grant a forum for Northern MPs in the Dáil.

“I am also aware that the current Taoiseach is under pressure from the right wing, pro-British rump within his government which is opposed to allowing other representatives (to participate),” he said.

Mr Ferris also accused Justice Minister Michael McDowell of "McCarthyite" tactics and his PDs party of being a "’Fifth Column".

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams will use today’s Ard Fheis address to declare power-sharing and party advancement as his main priorities for 2006.

More than 2,000 delegates have gathered at the event, which is focusing on the themes of Irish unity and equality.

Mr Ferris accused Mr Ahern of breaking his promise to allow Northern Ireland MPs to participate in all-party debates in the Dáil in Dublin.

He said republicans are expected to keep their word on all issues while others are free to renege on commitments.

“We ought to be used to a situation now whereby the only people who are expected to adhere to every word and nuance of past agreements, and indeed to continually go beyond them, are republicans.

“It seems that everyone else is free to renege on whatever suits them or which is no longer expedient.”

Mr Ferris added that TDs within Fianna Fáil were unhappy with the Progressive Democrats’ veto on progress.

“The best way to frustrate these enemies of progress is to press ahead despite them,” he continued.