Gerry, for you it’s just a power process — not a peace process

An open letter to Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams,

Gerry, Back in 1996 I got into all sorts of trouble for saying that talks without Sinn Féin weren't worth a penny candle. The assumption was made by some that I was some sort of SF mole in Dick Spring's office. Others decided I was just naïve and stupid, and that I was allocating SF a central role they didn't deserve.

I thought at the time it was the simple truth. And I still believe that the central purpose of the entire journey undertaken by the political system on this island and in Britain over the last 10 years or so was to try to make peace.