TAOISEACH WELCOMES SINN FÉIN DECISION TO HOLD
TAOISEACH WELCOMES SINN FÉIN DECISION TO HOLD
SPECIAL ARD FHEIS ON POLICING
Sinn Féin has today taken an important step on the road to support for policing in Northern Ireland.
This is clearly a landmark and timely decision and I welcome it.
The Ard Fheis on policing which Sinn Féin will now hold in January will be a defining moment in the peace process. A successful outcome is vital to the continuing success of this process. And, of course, it will also make a real difference to the daily lives of many people across both communities in Northern Ireland affected by crime and other issues which only the police can properly address.
The Patten Report has already transformed policing in Northern Ireland. With the issue of Sinn Féin support for policing definitively resolved, the door will be open for the full restoration of the Executive in March, as envisaged in the St Andrews Agreement.
Northern Ireland needs stable and inclusive Government. It needs the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement. With all parties honouring their commitments - to policing and to power sharing - 2007 should offer real opportunity for stability and a whole new political landscape in Northern Ireland.
Ends
29th December 2006