Sinn Fein's Rejection of Democracy: Implications of the Downing Street Declaration

Sinn Fein's decision to reject the Downing Street declaration has sparked a heated debate in Northern Ireland, with critics accusing the party of undermining democracy and perpetuating violence. The Northern Ireland Secretary, Sir Patrick Mayhew, condemned the move, stating that it has isolated the republican movement more than ever. Meanwhile, Gerry Adams, the president of Sinn Fein, attempted to contain the fallout by stressing that the party remains committed to the peace process. As the initiative for bridging the gap between the Hume-Adams proposals and the declaration now lies with the Government, Unionists are pressing for a negotiated settlement.

Key Takeaways:

• Sinn Fein's rejection of the Downing Street declaration has led to widespread criticism from the British and Irish governments, with Sir Patrick Mayhew labeling it a rejection of democracy.
• Gerry Adams has attempted to downplay the significance of the decision, insisting that the peace process remains "far from being dead, it's very much alive."
• The initiative for bridging the gap between the Hume-Adams proposals and the declaration now lies with the Government, who must persuade Unionists that their future lies with the rest of the Irish people.
• Seamus Mallon, the deputy leader of the Social and Democratic Labour Party, has challenged Gerry Adams to explain the differences between the Hume-Adams document and the Downing Street declaration.
• Dick Spring, the Irish foreign minister, expressed extreme disappointment with Sinn Fein's response, stating that the party seems to be "living in a totally different world" if it can describe its Letterkenny conference as a "positive development."

Statistics:

• One soldier was hit by an IRA sniper's bullet in Crossmaglen, South Armagh, with his condition being described as serious (Source: Article).
• The Letterkenny conference was attended by Sinn Fein's special conference, which voted to reject the Downing Street declaration (Source: Article).

Sources:

• Article, The Guardian, no date given.