SF concerned at delay in process
The Sinn Féin leadership said today that it was worried that the prospect of cutting a deal in the Northern Ireland talks was being dragged out.
Speaking after a meeting with the Taoiseach in Dublin, party president Gerry Adams said: “We are concerned that the time frame is stretching. We want to see all this done very, very quickly.”
Sinn Féin remained committed to getting agreement and was not delaying the process, he said.
“The deal could be done today if there was political will. We don’t even contemplate failue at this point.”
Mr Adams added: "We're trying to get all of this closed with God speed.
“I don’t want to play up expectations. The fact is we don’t have a deal done yet.
He rejected suggestions that agreement was slipping away.
He insisted: “It is my firm view if we keep pushing it, we will get a deal.”
Mr Adams said his 60-minute discussion with Mr Bertie Ahern at Government Buildings focused on the “hugely important” issue of demilitarisation.
He said: “There are republican heartlands which are under military occupation.
“There had been a commitment made going right back seven years that there would be demilitarisation and we’re still seeking to get that tied down. It isn’t yet tied down.”
“After last October many republicans are saying ’fooled once, don’t be fooled twice’.”
Speaking after talks with Mr Blair in Downing Street, SDLP leader Mark Durkan said his party had continuing concerns over the issues under discussion.
“I believe no more and no less now than did before I met the Prime Minister that we are in prospect of moving forward,” he said.
“What we want to do is minimise any of the difficulties.”
