Sinn Féin has criticised Ulster Unionist Party leader Mr David Trimble after he warned he would re-impose sanctions if there was no further movement on IRA weapons.
Sinn Féin lambasted Mr Trimble for threatening last night during a House of Commons debate that if the British government "failed to apply pressure", he would.
The Northern Ireland Arms Decommissioning (Amendment) Bill was given a third reading by 357 votes to six, a majority of 351 in a division forced by Unionists. It now goes to the Lords.
|
|
Mr David Trimble
|
It extends the amnesty for a further year from midnight on February 26th, when it is due to expire, with further possible extensions to 2007 - a move branded "reprehensible" by Conservative Party.
During the debate, the Mr Trimble demanded IRA disarmament be linked directly to further moves on the dismantling of British army bases in republican areas. He said: "If you fail to apply pressure I will, in the timing and manner of my choosing, put pressure on as well".
Mr Trimble's remarks in the House of Commons were today criticised by Sinn Féin chief whip Mr Alex Maskey who told the Northern Ireland First Minister it was time for him to "knuckle down with the other parties and make politics work".
He said: "Many people will be dismayed by Mr Trimble's remarks last night. Since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement his tactics have ensured that the political institutions which people voted were only allowed to operate without threat for a period of five months.
"The issue of arms is now back where the Agreement demands, with General de Chastelain and the IICD. It is their job to deal with this issue - not Mr Trimble or any of his colleagues in the UUP," Mr Maskey said.
PA