Pressure on Sinn Féin - Republicans must stop their games

IT is time Government ministers got their act together and began singing from the same hymn sheet regarding membership of the IRA army council.

Despite Justice Minister Michael McDowell's naming of three alleged members Gerry Adams, Martin McGuinness and Martin Ferris the Taoiseach yesterday conceded he has no "hard evidence" of who sits on the IRA's ruling body.

A confused public could be forgiven for asking why Mr Ahern and his Minister are so out of tune. Would it be churlish to suggest they were indulging in by-election politicking? The issue is far too serious for that.