SF’s future role - Keep focus on saving the peace process

CONFUSION among the public and grassroots Fianna Fáil is easy to understand given the mixed signals emanating from both Government and the country’s biggest party on the question of getting into bed with Sinn Féin.

Significantly, in his keynote speech at the annual Wolfe Tone celebration in Bodenstown yesterday, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern made no direct reference to the issue.

Only when questioned by the media did he play down any prospect of an early marriage. He also poured cold water on the optimistic tone of last week’s remarks by Foreign Minister Dermot Ahern who said it was “only a matter of time” before Sinn Féin was in government in the Republic.

If anything, the feeling of confusion deepened further yesterday as Justice Minister Michael McDowell reiterated the claim that senior members of Sinn Féin sit on the IRA Army Council. For the minister to remain tight-lipped because he doesn’t want to be accused of “wrecking” the peace process is a cop out. He should either put up or shut up.

Confusion also surrounded the identity of two un-named FF deputies who reportedly said they would leave the party if such a coalition was formed.

Further muddying the waters, backbench TD Ned O’Keeffe went on a characteristic solo run last week, saying there was no reason why Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin should not share power.

It was noteworthy that as the Taoiseach was speaking yesterday, the Minister for Foreign Affairs stood passively by, showing no glimmer of his up-beat feelings about Sinn Féin. Asked to clarify where the party stands on the question, the Taoiseach refused to speculate. Keeping his cards close to his chest, he reiterated the Government’s position it would only be possible to move to a new stage when decommissioning was complete, when paramilitarism had ended, and when there was only one recognised army in the country. Democracy and private armies do not mix.

Sending out a loud message to loyalists, he said it was vital to get agreement on devolution as well as policing and justice. Then, he believed, it would be reasonable to expect the DUP to share power with republicans.

Sinn Féin’s rapid growth as a political force in the Republic prompts the question not whether but when Fianna Fáil will invite them to form a minority government. Ultimately, realpolitik will dictate the terms of that marriage.

Significantly, the broad canvas depicted by Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams includes dealing with the peace process, continuing to build for Irish unity and independence plus “preparing to be in government in the future”.

Suggestions Mr Ahern’s remarks were carefully choreographed, signify that a carrot was being held out to the DUP before the next round of talks aimed at getting the power sharing train back on track. That is the bigger picture. For the long-suffering people of the North, it overshadows all other considerations.

The problem is that with local elections looming there next spring, and with Britain set to take up the EU presidency next year, the North’s future could once again be put on the back burner.

The stark reality is until the peace process is salvaged, the North’s fledging democracy and hopes of creating a normal life for its people remain at risk. For them, the prospect of their dreams being long-fingered until 2006, is an appalling vista.