McCain: Envoy decision ‘risks’ progress

BARACK OBAMA’S decision to consider whether a special US envoy to the North was still necessary puts progress in the province “at risk”, his Republican rival John McCain’s campaign said yesterday.

McCain said the move showed the Democrat’s “total lack of experience and profoundly poor judgment on matters of foreign policy” and was further evidence that the Illinois senator was “simply not ready to lead”.

Brian Rogers, a spokesman for the McCain campaign, said: “The special US envoy was first appointed by president Clinton and has been critical to fostering peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

“John McCain is committed to maintaining the special US envoy for Northern Ireland and that commitment has been enshrined in the 2008 Republican Platform.”

Mr Rogers said Obama would be willing “to toss aside” one of the signature diplomatic accomplishments of the Clinton administration.

A statement on behalf of Obama said: “Barack Obama understands that US attention and support will be required to solidify the peace.

“But he also recognises that the crisis period for Northern Ireland has passed and that the people of Northern Ireland are now in charge of their own destiny,” it said.

“He will consult with the Taoiseach, the British prime minister, and party leaders in Northern Ireland to determine whether a special US envoy for Northern Ireland continues to be necessary or whether a senior administration official, serving as point person for Northern Ireland, would be most effective.”