A chara, At this time of crisis in our country, when renewed efforts are being made to rebuild a viable peace process, it is vital that all representative bodies play their part in a constructive manner. Progress can only come through dialogue. It is with disappointment, therefore, that I have to report the refusal of the National Executive of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions to meet representatives of Sinn Fein.
Despite several requests to meet to discuss the future of the peace process, the ICTU Executive has refused to engage in dialogue. The ICTU general secretary, Peter Cassells, claims that the refusal is "in line with long-standing policy". But while the executive has taken this position, the Northern Ireland Committee of Congress has been meeting with representatives of our party. These meetings have been positive and constructive. Our party councillors also sit alongside representatives of Congress on EU district partnerships.
Clearly there is a contradiction in the position articulated by Mr Cassells. It ill behoves an organisation such as Congress, which in its own area of responsibility relies on dialogue and negotiation, to preclude dialogue with any political party, including Sinn Fein which represents a significant section of the Irish electorate and many trade unionists, North and South. Is mise,
Sinn Fein Trade, Union Committee, 44 Parnell Square, Dublin 1.