Taoiseach to meet Sinn Féin delegation tomorrow

The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, is to meet a Sinn Féin delegation led by party President Mr Gerry Adams in Dublin tomorrow.

Speaking at the party's Ard Chomhairle meeting, Sinn Féin TD for Cavan Monaghan Mr Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said that there is a need for a rigorous review of progress made thus far in implementing the Belfast Agreement.

"Over the past number of months there has been a serious escalation in loyalist orchestrated sectarian attacks across Belfast with a real and palpable sense of fear and intimidation in communities such as the Short Strand," said Mr Ó Caoláin.

"The Good Friday Agreement guarantees everybody the right to live free from sectarian harassment but in the current climate of fear and intimidation, these are just meaningless words.

"It is also patently clear that there is a major battle taking place within the political leadership of unionism which is putting pressure on the process.

"There is a need for a rigorous review of progress made thus far in implementing the Good Friday Agreement and this has to include the two governments record of delivering on their obligations," said Mr Ó Caoláin.

He also claimed that the British government has "a case to answer" in relation to its failure to deliver a new policing service and on crucial issues such as demilitarisation, equality agenda, bill of rights.

"This must be the focus of all of the efforts of all of the pro-agreement parties and the two governments in the coming period," he said.

Yesterday’s meeting of the Ard Chomhairle also re-iterated their call for a full public judicial independent inquiry into the killing of Pat Finucane.