THE Fianna Fail leader, Mr Bertie Ahern, has had a meeting with the Sinn Fein president, Mr Gerry Adams. According to a statement from the Fianna Fail press office, Mr Ahern expressed "strong views" about the Wilmslow bombing on Wednesday and other IRA attacks. A new inquiry into Bloody Sunday and the marching season were also discussed.
The meeting at Mr Ahern's constituency offices in Dublin yesterday was the first between the two men in almost six months and follows a number of critical statements of Sinn Fein by Mr Ahern.
"There was a serious exchange of views on the current political situation. The imperative need to re establish the peace process and to create the necessary conditions for inclusive and meaningful talks was stressed," the statement added.
Mr Ahern led a delegation including the party's foreign affairs spokesman, Mr Ray Burke, the chairman of the parliamentary party, Dr Rory O'Hanlon, and the chief whip, Mr Dermot Ahern. Mr Adams was accompanied by the Sinn Fein vice president, Mr Pat Doherty, the party secretary, Ms Lucilita Bhreatnach, and Monaghan County Councillor, Mr Caoimhghin O Caolain. After the meeting, Mr O Caolain said Sinn Fein welcomed Fianna Fail's continued commitment to the peace process and the need for inclusive talks. The elections North and South presented an opportunity to "revitalise the situation".
The ban on ministerial meetings with Sinn Fein has continued since the breakdown of the IRA ceasefire in February last year. In spite of criticism by Mr Ahern of Sinn Fein, Fianna Fail remains the only party in Leinster House to have direct contact with it.
A Sinn Fein spokeswoman said last night that Mr Adams was detained by British soldiers for 35 minutes at Banbridge, Co Down, on his return to Belfast.