Menu
04/06/2003
Sinn Fein call for removal of RIR
Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness has described the Royal Irish Regiment (RIR) as a "unionist militia" and said that its retention was not consistent with a process of conflict resolution.
Mr McGuinness was speaking shortly before Northern Ireland Secretary of State Paul Murphy met Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon to discuss the future of the RIR.
Mr McGuinness said: "Demilitarisation was a key element of the Good Friday Agreement. Five years on the British government have not delivered on their obligations. It was therefore a crucial part of the recent negotiations between Sinn Fein and the British government which led to the Joint Declaration.
"Sinn Féin's position has been consistent. We want the removal from the six counties of all British Forces - including the RIR."
However, Government officials have come under attack from unionists over plans to scrap the RIR as part of its joint declaration document agreed with the Irish Government.
Last week, the Ministry of Defence played down the reports, however a more comprehensive announcement is expected next week.
(MB)
Mr McGuinness was speaking shortly before Northern Ireland Secretary of State Paul Murphy met Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon to discuss the future of the RIR.
Mr McGuinness said: "Demilitarisation was a key element of the Good Friday Agreement. Five years on the British government have not delivered on their obligations. It was therefore a crucial part of the recent negotiations between Sinn Fein and the British government which led to the Joint Declaration.
"Sinn Féin's position has been consistent. We want the removal from the six counties of all British Forces - including the RIR."
However, Government officials have come under attack from unionists over plans to scrap the RIR as part of its joint declaration document agreed with the Irish Government.
Last week, the Ministry of Defence played down the reports, however a more comprehensive announcement is expected next week.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
New Defence Heritage Record Launched
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the launch of a new Defence Heritage Record, a comprehensive resource detailing over 4,500 sites constructed across Northern Ireland in response to World War One and Two, as well as the Cold War.
New Defence Heritage Record Launched
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the launch of a new Defence Heritage Record, a comprehensive resource detailing over 4,500 sites constructed across Northern Ireland in response to World War One and Two, as well as the Cold War.
07 March 2003
SF criticise Ahern over sanctions 'collusion'
Sinn Fein has attacked the Irish government for "colluding" with the British government over sanctions proposals at the Hillsborough talks. Party chairman Mitchel McLaughlin voiced his "disappointment" at Taoiseach Bertie Ahern's backing of sanctions for parties who do not live up to their pledges.
SF criticise Ahern over sanctions 'collusion'
Sinn Fein has attacked the Irish government for "colluding" with the British government over sanctions proposals at the Hillsborough talks. Party chairman Mitchel McLaughlin voiced his "disappointment" at Taoiseach Bertie Ahern's backing of sanctions for parties who do not live up to their pledges.
13 December 2022
Heaton-Harris Must Lay Out Clear Plan For Power Restoration
The British Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris, must clearly set out his plan to restore the Executive and Assembly, Sinn Féin Vice President Michelle O'Neill MLA has said Making the call, Michelle O'Neill said: "The British Secretary of State has legislated to now create multiple deadlines yet appears to have no actual plan to restore the Ass
Heaton-Harris Must Lay Out Clear Plan For Power Restoration
The British Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris, must clearly set out his plan to restore the Executive and Assembly, Sinn Féin Vice President Michelle O'Neill MLA has said Making the call, Michelle O'Neill said: "The British Secretary of State has legislated to now create multiple deadlines yet appears to have no actual plan to restore the Ass
27 April 2018
Conservative Pact With DUP 'Greatest Obstacle' To Restoring NI Govt
The Conservative Party's pact with the DUP is the "greatest obstacle" to restoring the institutions in Norther Ireland, Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill has said. The party's Vice President was commenting after a meeting with British Secretary of State Karen Bradley.
Conservative Pact With DUP 'Greatest Obstacle' To Restoring NI Govt
The Conservative Party's pact with the DUP is the "greatest obstacle" to restoring the institutions in Norther Ireland, Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill has said. The party's Vice President was commenting after a meeting with British Secretary of State Karen Bradley.
27 March 2017
Sinn Fein Will Not Nominate New Deputy First Minister
Sinn Fein will not be nominating a new deputy first minister today, 27 March. The party said the talks to form a new power-sharing Executive had "run its course" and the British Government has "refused to honour its responsibilities". The deadline expired at 4pm today, 27 March.
Sinn Fein Will Not Nominate New Deputy First Minister
Sinn Fein will not be nominating a new deputy first minister today, 27 March. The party said the talks to form a new power-sharing Executive had "run its course" and the British Government has "refused to honour its responsibilities". The deadline expired at 4pm today, 27 March.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
