Sinn Fein Softens Criticism of John Major's Ulster Peace Initiative

Strategic Insights -

Sinn Fein yesterday showed signs of softening its criticism of John Major's Ulster peace initiative, with the party's leading strategist Martin McGuinness expressing optimism about the British Government's intentions. McGuinness pointed to a recent article by Major in the Irish News, which seemed to suggest that Sinn Fein could enter political talks after renouncing violence. However, McGuinness demanded a resumption of dialogue between the parties and outlined specific conditions for an IRA ceasefire. The development comes as the peace process faces formidable obstacles, including warnings of a potential security crackdown if Sinn Fein rejects the Downing Street declaration.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness expressed optimism about the British Government's intentions on Northern Ireland, citing a recent article by John Major in the Irish News.
  • McGuinness outlined specific conditions for an IRA ceasefire, including the abandonment of the Unionist veto and negotiations on the Government of Ireland Act.
  • Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams admitted that he had toned down his conference speech after reading Major's article, deleting a paragraph that accused the Government of a "belligerent, arrogant and provocative attitude."
  • 75% of people throughout Ireland believe that Sinn Fein has been given enough time to respond to the Downing Street declaration, according to a poll by the BBC and the Dublin Sunday Independent.
  • 91% of people on both sides of the border believe that IRA violence should end immediately, according to the same poll.
  • McGuinness rejected warnings of a security crackdown if Sinn Fein rejects the Downing Street declaration, saying that more security measures would not solve the problem.
  • Adams signalled to London and Dublin that he wanted to maintain the momentum of the peace initiatives, while also criticizing the Downing Street declaration for letting Britain interfere in Ireland's right to self-determination.

Statistics:

  • 75% of people in Ireland believe that Sinn Fein has been given enough time to respond to the Downing Street declaration (poll by BBC and Dublin Sunday Independent).
  • 91% of people on both sides of the border believe that IRA violence should end immediately (poll by BBC and Dublin Sunday Independent).
  • Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness expects a dramatic response from the British Government in order to warrant a suspension of IRA operations.

Sources:

  • The Times, 1994 (full article)