Ivor Callely
Question:9 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether Sinn Féin has acted honourably and responsibly to date in the peace process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20081/96]
Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Peace Process.
From the beginning of the peace process the Government has acted on the assumption that substantial elements within Sinn Féin realise that the political differences dividing the people of this island can be resolved only by exclusively peaceful means, and that they are attempting to persuade the remainder of the republican movement to abandon violence as a political tool and espouse an exclusively political path. That is why we have sought to offer the republican movement an honourable course away from violence and into democratic politics. It is clear, unfortunately, that there are others within the republican movement who still fail to understand that political violence, apart from being morally indefensible, is totally counter-productive, even in terms of their own objectives. Any attempt to revert to it or to mix politics and violence will be self-defeating and lead to the isolation which is inevitable for any group which ignores the clear and unmistakable wishes of the people.
The breakdown of the ceasefire was an irresponsible and profoundly mistaken act, and the same applies with cumulative force to all the subsequent atrocities and attempted atrocities. The renewed violence was also a betrayal of all those, including no doubt many honourable individuals within Sinn Féin, who had taken political risks to enable the republican movement as a whole to move away from such actions and to take the peaceful path. The two Governments have made clear that an unequivocal restoration of the ceasefire of August 1994 and a total and absolute commitment to the principles of democracy and non-violence are needed before Sinn Féin can share in negotiations on the way ahead. That is the responsible and honourable course for all concerned.