Donaldson calls for process without Sinn Fein

British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair and the Taoiseach Mr Bertie Ahern were today urged to forge a future in the peace process…

British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair and the Taoiseach Mr Bertie Ahern were today urged to forge a future in the peace process without Sinn Féin.

As the two leaders considered their next move in the deadlocked process, anti-Good Friday Agreement Ulster Unionist MP Mr Jeffrey Donaldson said it was clear the IRA was unwilling to give up paramilitarism for good.

He called for Assembly elections to proceed in Northern Ireland next month and for agreement on a power-sharing government without Sinn Féin.

Mr Donaldson said: "The IRA seems to be wedded to terrorism and violence and cannot let go of its past. I think that is highly regrettable but I think we must move on".

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"As I said in the House of Commons this week, it is time for the Government to sit down with all the parties committed to exclusively peaceful means and puttogether a new government after elections," he added.

Mr Blair met his Irish counterpart at the summit of EU leaders in Athens, with both men expected to come under increasing pressure to revise their plans.