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Responding to the Tanaiste's remarks that qualification by the INLA of their cessation of military activities was "an act of madness," IRSP Ard Comahairle member Ciaran McLaughlin said:
"While we in the IRSP share the concern of many over the adoption of a 'defence and retaliation' postion by the INLA, we view the comments by the Tanaiste as rich and lacking in credibility. Dick Spring was instrumental in bringing yesterday's INLA decision about. For 10 months the IRSP have been travelling to Leinster House to engage Dail representatives in discussions on the political situation. On a number of occasions we formally requested a meeting with the Government. We wished to make known our position and analysis at the same level as that afforded to all other parties in the North. Time and time again we were refused. The Tanaiste has no moral or political right to criticise those whom he helped exclude from the political process. The IRSP are still open to this dialogue, and challenge Mr. Spring to respond to what we have to say. The Tanaiste should stop using electioneering sound-bites, engage with us meaningfully, and then Northern Nationalists may see that he is 'taking risks for peace'." |