Adams 'instigated recent meetings with Taoiseach'
Sinn Féin is insisting that recent meetings between party president Gerry Adams and the Taoiseach were at Mr Adams' instigation.
The party also revealed it had held meetings with the British prime minister, Tony Blair, and some of his officials.
Sinn Féin sources are angry that the story coming out of Dublin is that the Taoiseach insisted on the meeting so he could demand a definitive end to IRA activity.
Sinn Féin sources in Belfast insist that the meetings were held at Mr Adams' request and that the “spin” from Dublin is irritating and counterproductive.
A Sinn Féin spokesperson position remained that he wanted a positive IRA response to his request as soon as possible, but whether that would come before or after the climax of the marching season next month was uncertain.
He said that there remains a real opportunity to resolve the difficulties which have dogged the peace process and that the meetings had been worthwhile.
