7 January 2010 Edition
Governments must face up to responsibilities
SINN FÉIN President Gerry Adams has rightly criticised remarks by British Secretary of State Shaun Woodward which sought to portray the difficulties in the political process as ‘difficulties between the DUP and Sinn Féin’. The cause of the current political impasse is crystal clear to everyone. It is a direct result of the failure of the DUP to fulfil its obligations under the terms of the Good Friday and St Andrew’s Agreements. These are also agreements between the Irish and British Governments. Shaun Woodward and the British Government are ducking their own direct responsibility to implement these solemn agreements.
Sinn Féin has made it abundantly clear on countless occasions that it is prepared to work through all and any issues with the DUP and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has shown remarkable leadership and patience in this regard.
Both the Irish and British Governments needs to face up to their political responsibilities. Continued failure by the British Government to do this is seriously damaging to the whole political process. The Irish and British Governments have a duty to act as guarantors of the St Andrew’s Agreement.
Sinn Féin has made it abundantly clear on countless occasions that it is prepared to work through all and any issues with the DUP and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has shown remarkable leadership and patience in this regard.
Both the Irish and British Governments needs to face up to their political responsibilities. Continued failure by the British Government to do this is seriously damaging to the whole political process. The Irish and British Governments have a duty to act as guarantors of the St Andrew’s Agreement.