Bertie Ahern
Ceist:2 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on his meeting with the Leader of the British Labour Party. [24700/96]
Ceisteanna — Questions. - Meeting with British Labour Party Leader.
The Taoiseach had a useful and cordial meeting on Thursday last with the Leader of the British Labour Party, Mr. Tony Blair. The discussions focused primarily on Northern Ireland and European Union issues.
Mr. Blair emphasised strongly that he and any future Labour Party Government in Britain would give a high priority to efforts to bring about lasting peace and a widely acceptable political settlement in relation to Northern Ireland. Developments in the multi-party talks were reviewed at the meetings, as well as the prospects for an unequivocal restoration of the IRA ceasefire. Mr. Blair pledged his party's continuing support for efforts to secure progress in advancing these key aims.
At the same time, he made it clear that there is no justification whatsoever for anyone to take the path of violence instead of the democratic route. The multi-party talks have been up and running for some months now. They are inclusive in intent and can become so in practice — when the IRA has called an unequivocal ceasefire, in words that are believable, and provided there is nothing done that is inconsistent with this casefire or with the Mitchell Principles.
I urge the Republican movement to show courage and confidence in its political convictions by restoring now the August 1994 ceasefire.