Republicans lack confidence in governments

Commenting on last Thursday's meeting between the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP, speaking in Dublin on Friday before leaving for the USA and Canada, said:

"I welcome the two governments' announcement that they plan to step up efforts after next week's St Patrick's Day celebrations to find a resolution to the current crisis in the peace process.

"We in Sinn Féin have pledged to play our part in any serious efforts to make progress. However, the difficulties in the process go beyond the problems of paramilitarism and the unionist commitment to inclusive government, as claimed by the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister.

"These are important matters and Sinn Féin will continue to work to see them resolved. But we are also very conscious of the refusal of the governments to deliver on their obligations and of the effect that this has on the overall process.

"Mr Ahern and Mr Blair can contribute significantly to future discussions by delivering on their commitments and proving that politics can work. Pretending that there are only two real difficulties does not help. There are three. People should not underestimate the lack of confidence amongst republicans about the governments' commitment to the Good Friday Agreement at this time."