Test public opinion, McLaughlin tells papers
By Deirdre Feehan
Sinn Féin national chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin has called on
the editors of the Irish News, News Letter and the Belfast
Telegraph to gauge public opinion on the need for all parties to
engage in negotiations on 15 September. He said they should offer
their readers the opportunity to register their opinion in a
telephone poll, something which these papers were quick to
indulge in regarding demands for `peace' earlier this year.
Councillor McLaughlin said: ``I believe the result would show that
the majority of respondents from both traditions would urge all
parties to do what they were elected to do in the elections to
negotiations in May 1996 - negotiate.
``The commencement of all-party talks on 15 September presents the
political leaders on this island with the opportunity to address
in a substantive and meaningful manner the root causes of
conflict in our country,'' continued the Derry councillor.
``It is time for the Ulster Unionist leadership to stop
procrastinating, face up to their obligation of leadership and
state clearly that they will be at the negotiaing table.
``The days when the Ulster Unionists monopilised power, occupied
the driving seat and applied the brakes to progress when they
felt insecure, are no longer. Negotiations are now in forward
gear and the unionists cannot be allowed to retard the progress.
``The prevarication of the Ulster Unionist leadership begs the
question. Are they really interested in peace? If they are not
prepared to negotiate, how do they intend to contribute to the
search for an accommodation which will be acceptable to all the
people of this island and bring a lasting peace? They owe an
explanation to those who elected them to negotiate, as to why
they are reluctant to face up to the mandate with which they have
been invested.''
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