Sinn Fein Leader's Positive Remarks on Anglo-Irish Agreement Spark Criticism from Ulster Unionists and British Government

Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams made his most positive remarks to date about the Anglo-Irish peace initiative, stating that the agreement could be the beginning of a process leading to self-determination for all the people of Ireland. However, his comments were met with sharp criticism from Ulster unionists and the British government, who accused him of trying to avoid making a clear commitment to the peace proposal. The IRA, despite Adams' remarks, has neither rejected nor accepted the proposals in the Anglo-Irish peace initiative.

Key Takeaways:

• Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams made positive remarks about the Anglo-Irish peace initiative, stating that it could lead to self-determination for all the people of Ireland.
• Adams' comments were met with criticism from Ulster unionists, who accused him of failing to understand the fundamental premise of the agreement and trying to avoid making a clear commitment to the peace proposal.
• The British government, led by Prime Minister John Major, also criticized Adams' remarks, accusing Sinn Fein of using delaying tactics to avoid taking a stand on the peace initiative.
• The Anglo-Irish agreement allows Sinn Fein to participate in negotiations on the future of Northern Ireland in exchange for an IRA pledge to end its campaign of violence.
• The IRA has been battling for 25 years to drive British forces from the province.
• Adams warned that unless there was a move away from the "tired and failed policies of the past" and a rejection of "loyalist veto," the conflict would continue.
• The IRA insists Irish self-determination must take account of all the people of Ireland, north and south, while the Anglo-Irish agreement says the people of Northern Ireland would have to approve any change in the province's constitutional status.

Statistics:

• 25 years: The duration of the IRA's campaign against British forces in Northern Ireland.
• 1,000s: The number of people killed in the conflict between the IRA and British forces.
• 50%: The percentage of the Northern Irish population that is Catholic, making up a significant proportion of the population in the province.
• 25+: The number of attempts by the British government to negotiate a peace agreement with the IRA, without success.

Sources:

• Belfast Newsletter
• John Major, British Prime Minister
• Gerry Adams, Sinn Fein leader
• John Taylor, Ulster Unionist lawmaker
• Rev. Ian Paisley, Democratic Unionist Party leader