New era can begin
Real talks finally began on Tuesday with all the main parties at
the table. For the first time nationalist and unionist parties
and both governments are engaged in one process of negotiations
on the future of Ireland.
As Martin McGuinness made clear at a rally in Coalisland on
Sunday republicans have one definite aim in their engagement in
the talks - the ending of the Union with Britian and a new
Ireland created by all our people.
The same message was given by Sinn Féin representatives at
Stormont on Tuesday and the need for Irish unity and independence
and an end to partition will guide them throughout the talks.
In Leinster House the start of talks was overshadowed by the
resignation of Foreign Minister Ray Burke. Speaking on the
appointment of his successor David Andrews on Wednesday Sinn Féin
TD Caoimhghin O Caoláin urged all deputies to set aside the
partitionist thinking which has so often dominated that assembly.
The British government's role now is the most vital of all. It is
faced with the great challenge to transform its historic
relationship with Ireland. When it does so a new era can truly
begin.
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