Republican News · Thursday 7 August 1997

[An Phoblacht]

British rule must end
Union tops Stormont agenda

The ending of British jurisdiction in Ireland was top of the Sinn Féin agenda at Stormont as the party's delegation met British Secretary of State Mo Mowlam on Wednesday 6 August.

This was the first such meeting since the IRA cessation of 20 July. The Sinn Féin delegation consisted of party President Gerry Adams MP, Caoimhghin O Caoláin TD, Martin McGuiness MP, Lucilita Bhreatnach (General Secretary), Siobhán O'Hanlon and Martin Ferris. They met Mo Mowlam and Political Affairs Minister Paul Murphy.

Speaking after the meeting Gerry Adams said that he was satisfied the issues which are crucial to building a democratic peace settlement are now on the agenda ``and we will keep them there until they are satisfactorily resolved''.

These issues are the Union with Britain, an equality agenda and demilitarisation. Sinn Féin put the view that Britain's jurisdiction in Ireland should end. They urged the British government immediately to stop the harassment of nationalists by the RUC and British army, particularly in rural areas. Sinn Féin called for the speedy release of all political prisoners, and the immediate return of political prisoners from Britain to Ireland.

The party said it was looking forward to substantive negotiations on 15 September.

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