14 June 2007 Edition
Sinn Féin leadership in talks with British Prime Minister
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams and party Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness held talks with the British Prime Minister Tony Blair in the House of Commons on Wednesday.
Speaking after the meeting Mr Adams said:
“Today’s meeting comes as Tony Blair approaches the end of his time as British Prime Minister. It also comes at a time when the political institutions in the North are beginning to bed down.
“We have all played a part in bringing us to this point. It is now vital that the politicians in the Executive, Assembly and all-Ireland Ministerial Council have the necessary resources to deliver positive change for all of the people. That means a significant financial package. It means the British Exchequer stepping up to the mark.
“That will form part of our discussions today, as will aspects of the equality and human rights agendas and issues concerning collusion.
“It is also right as Mr Blair’s time in Downing Street ends that we acknowledge the very positive contribution he has made to the peace process and to the building of new relationships in Ireland and between Ireland and Britain.
“However this is all part of a process and we will continue to work constructively with the next British Prime Minster to make further progress on the peace dividend, the truth around collusion and Irish reunification.”
Speaking after the meeting Mr Adams said:
“Today’s meeting comes as Tony Blair approaches the end of his time as British Prime Minister. It also comes at a time when the political institutions in the North are beginning to bed down.
“We have all played a part in bringing us to this point. It is now vital that the politicians in the Executive, Assembly and all-Ireland Ministerial Council have the necessary resources to deliver positive change for all of the people. That means a significant financial package. It means the British Exchequer stepping up to the mark.
“That will form part of our discussions today, as will aspects of the equality and human rights agendas and issues concerning collusion.
“It is also right as Mr Blair’s time in Downing Street ends that we acknowledge the very positive contribution he has made to the peace process and to the building of new relationships in Ireland and between Ireland and Britain.
“However this is all part of a process and we will continue to work constructively with the next British Prime Minster to make further progress on the peace dividend, the truth around collusion and Irish reunification.”
