A chara, - David Carroll (April 15th) states that members of Sinn Fein were engaged in a sniping campaign against the Taoiseach. The facts of the matter are that rather than snip at anyone we have endeavoured to remind everyone about their obligations under the terms and conditions of the Good Friday Agreement. This includes the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, and all the parties who signed up to the agreement.
Sinn Fein has stated that we would work with all the parties in an attempt to ensure that all weapons are removed from the equation. As has been stated by us on many occasions however, Sinn Fein does not have the ability to deliver on IRA decommissioning. It is imperative that we all create an atmosphere where conflict is condemned to history and weapons are no longer being used. The best way to achieve this is to set up the executive and to fully implement the agreement.
Mr Carroll also states that even if the IRA did decommission it has the financial capability to rearm within days if it desired. If this is the case, it seems logical that rather than lose the agreement on the decommissioning issue, the best way forward for us all is to create a climate where weapons are no longer used. - Is mise,
Pat Doherty, Vice President, Sinn Fein, Bridge Street, Strabane, Co Tyrone.