North crisis - Sinn Féin can save Agreement

In the wake of the Northern Bank raid and the murder of Robert McCartney, there seemed to be no limit to the criminality of the IRA. But some very positive developments have given rise to grounds for new hope that the Good Friday Agreement may yet be saved.

Back in December, there was a real hope for a breakthrough in the Northern impasse, with Rev Ian Paisley appearing almost ready to share power with Sinn Féin, but the optimism soon gave way to disappointment over the dispute about photographing, then to disillusionment after the bank robbery, and to virtual despair following the McCartney murder.

Gerry Adams complained yesterday about southern politicians demonising Republicans in Belfast. Mr Adams cannot blame others for the mistakes of the Republicans. They are responsible for demonising themselves by their own behaviour.