Top Issue 1-2024

15 January 1998 Edition

Resize: A A A Print

Back issue: Putting the Republican Viewpoint

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams met with SDLP leader John Hume on Monday 11 January at the instigation of an officially described ``third party interested in creating political dialogue''.

The meeting was part of a quest for common ground between nationalist parties and consisted of an exchange of analyses between the two party leaders. Leaving aside the predictable diversion of unionist anger at anybody talking to Sinn Féin and media sensationalism and talk of `ceasefires', what the talks were about is the exchange of two very different analyses of the current political situation.

The SDLP's view coincides obviously with Article 1 of the Hillsborough Treaty which states:

``The two Governments

(a) affirm that any change in the status of Northern Ireland would only come about with the consent of a majority of the people of Northern Ireland;

(b) recognise that the present wish of a majority of the people of Northern Ireland is for no change in the status of Northern Ireland;

(c) declare that, if in future a majority of the people of Northern Ireland clearly wish for and formally consent to the establishment of a united Ireland, they will introduce and support in the respective parliaments legislation to give effect to that wish.''

An Phoblacht Republican News 14 January 1988


An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland