Ulster power sharing urged by US presidential hopeful
A leading US senator today urged the Democratic Unionists to end their opposition to sharing political power with Sinn Féin.
Joe Biden, who has been tipped as a possible Democratic contender in the 2008 presidential election, said the Rev Ian Paisley’s party faced a “historic choice” which would be crucial in the peace process.
And he called on all political leaders to write a new chapter in Irish history.
Senator Biden made his comments as he accepted an award for distinguished leadership at a St Patrick’s Day gala dinner held by the American Ireland Fund - the same event where a year ago Senator John McCain took a swipe at the IRA and Sinn Féin.
“Last year at this dinner one of my colleagues was straightforward about the Provisional IRA having to make a decision,” the Delaware senator told around 800 guests, including Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain and Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams.
“They made a decision, a historic decision.
“This year the Democratic Unionists face a historic choice.
“Will they share political power with the nationalist community? That’s the question."
He added: “I challenge the political leaders from Ireland in this room to follow what Lincoln called ’your better angels’.
“This is the 21st century – it’s time to write a new chapter in Irish history.”
Mr Ahern told diners he was hoping the Good Friday Agreement would be implemented by the end of the year.
The Rev Paisley was not at the dinner, as the DUP has decided not to attend St Patrick’s Day events in Washington. It plans a visit in April instead.
Republican Senator Susan Collins, who was also honoured at the fundraising dinner, said: “We must redouble our efforts to see tat it’s fully implemented not just in letter but also in spirit.”
The Maine senator quoted the words of the late Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam in 1998 after the province’s referendum, in which she said the people had spoken in favour of using peaceful means to resolve political disputes.
