The outcome of talks between Mr Gerry Adams and Mr Tony Blair in London today will determine whether Sinn Fein will legally challenge the Ulster Unionist Party ban on Sinn Fein attending North-South Ministerial Council meetings, according to Sinn Fein.
The Sinn Fein president, who is meeting the British Prime Minister this morning, has the go-ahead from the party to fight the UUP sanction in court. "The outcome of this meeting with Mr Blair will determine whether the ardcomhairle decision of the weekend should be activated," a Sinn Fein spokesman said last night.
Last Friday, Mr Adams met the Taoiseach in Dublin to discuss the political impasse arising from Mr David Trimble's veto on the two Sinn Fein ministers ttending NSMC meetings until the IRA engages with the decommissioning body.
Since then Mr Adams has discussed the issue with the Northern Secretary and with other political leaders and he met the First Minister, Mr David Trimble, last night. In common with the Deputy First Minister, Mr Seamus Mallon, Mr Adams believes Mr Mandelson has the power to overrule the UUP sanction.
Mr Adams will seek assurances from Mr Blair that he will act to get the ban removed. "If Gerry Adams, after his meeting with Tony Blair, believes this situation can be resolved, then the ardcomhairle will review its decision to take legal action. If he doesn't, then Sinn Fein will proceed with a legal case," the spokesman said.
He said the legal action was "winnable" in the Republic or Northern Ireland, or in both jurisdictions. Centrally, Sinn Fein is arguing that the UUP sanction contravenes the inclusive nature of the Belfast Agreement.
