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05/07/2002
Political parties struggle to rebuild confidence
Hillsborough as predicted did not produce spectacular results but it did produce a political agreement by the parties to do everything they could to stop street violence.
This was matched by a commitment from Prime Minister Tony Blair and Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to work on confidence building measures, addressing the unionist concerns in particular, over the coming weeks.
The talks on Thursday at Hillsborough Castle were requested by David Trimble amid concerns over ongoing sectarian conflict in Belfast and allegations of continuing IRA activity at home and abroad.
Unionists say it is eroding support for the Good Friday Agreement among their supporters.
“There is a very, very, serious loss of confidence in the unionist community,” said Mr Trimble after his meeting with Mr Blair and Mr Ahern.
He said there had to be clearer consequences for paramilitaries who crossed the “red line”.
Mr Blair said it was important to recognise the peace process was a transition but the process must be kept moving.
“Transition means transition - full transition from violence to democracy,” he said.
“We've got to look at the ways we make that clear, that we lay down principles for people to abide by and what happens of they don't abide by them.
“In the short term what we have to do is deal with this issue of street violence.”
Bertie Ahern added: “I think there was a huge effort by everybody to work with each other to try and de-escalate the tensions and difficulties in the short term and the long term in these communities that are suffering so much – whatever background or whatever tradition people come from.”
Sinn Fein party leader Gerry Adams insisted sanctions could not be taken against his party under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. He added: “The way forward is collectively and not through ultimatums or sanctions or any of those type of approaches.”
The Prime Minister said he would put forward proposals to the parties before parliament goes into recess on July 24.
(AMcE)
This was matched by a commitment from Prime Minister Tony Blair and Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to work on confidence building measures, addressing the unionist concerns in particular, over the coming weeks.
The talks on Thursday at Hillsborough Castle were requested by David Trimble amid concerns over ongoing sectarian conflict in Belfast and allegations of continuing IRA activity at home and abroad.
Unionists say it is eroding support for the Good Friday Agreement among their supporters.
“There is a very, very, serious loss of confidence in the unionist community,” said Mr Trimble after his meeting with Mr Blair and Mr Ahern.
He said there had to be clearer consequences for paramilitaries who crossed the “red line”.
Mr Blair said it was important to recognise the peace process was a transition but the process must be kept moving.
“Transition means transition - full transition from violence to democracy,” he said.
“We've got to look at the ways we make that clear, that we lay down principles for people to abide by and what happens of they don't abide by them.
“In the short term what we have to do is deal with this issue of street violence.”
Bertie Ahern added: “I think there was a huge effort by everybody to work with each other to try and de-escalate the tensions and difficulties in the short term and the long term in these communities that are suffering so much – whatever background or whatever tradition people come from.”
Sinn Fein party leader Gerry Adams insisted sanctions could not be taken against his party under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. He added: “The way forward is collectively and not through ultimatums or sanctions or any of those type of approaches.”
The Prime Minister said he would put forward proposals to the parties before parliament goes into recess on July 24.
(AMcE)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
