Vol. 467 No. 2
88 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the democratic mandate Sinn Féin received in the recent forum elections in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12981/96]
As the Deputy will be aware, Sinn Féinn secured approximately 15 per cent of the votes cast at the elections held on 30 May. In the communiqué of 28 February both Governments expressed the hope that all political parties with an electoral mandate would be able to participate in all-party negotiations, but also agreed that the participation of Sinn Féin in those negotiations required the unequivocal restoration of the ceasefire of August 1994.
