Former Taoiseach calls for return of devolved government

Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds has called for the IRA to decommission all of its weapons and for devolved government to return to Northern Ireland.

Mr Reynolds was speaking at a youth conference organised by the Washington-Ireland Program – and supported by the University of Ulster - in Belfast’s W5 Centre.

In a speech strongly critical of the impact of Direct Rule in Northern Ireland, he called on the main political parties to strive to replace Direct Rule with agreement on the return of a power-sharing Assembly.

“A unique opportunity is available these three days at Leeds Castle to all party leaders and the British and Irish governments to grab the advantage that is now offering itself to all of them," Mr Reynolds said.

“Power sharing must be maintained as the only successful and equitable way forward for all parties - and especially the two largest ones, DUP and Sinn Féin.

“Then Ian Paisley can be installed as First Minister for Northern Ireland- a singular honour that I am sure he has worked all his life to attain, and can lead his party into a new, bright and peaceful future. He is the man to lead change,” the former Taoiseach said.

“Devolved power should return to the north of Ireland, bestowing full management control and legal authority to the Belfast Assembly in relation to policing, justice and equality. Sinn Fein could then join the PSNI Board with confidence. When all these actions are completed, and all other smaller issues that will arise along the way are complete, then everybody can redirect their energies towards economic and social development."

Turning to the issue of weapons, the former Taoiseach called for ‘total decommissioning’, and for the Provisional IRA to be transformed into a 'commemorative organisation.'

“I believe that total and full decommissioning must be carried out, leaving no-one in any doubt about its totality and veracity,” he said.

“The PIRA must reduce themselves to a commemorative organisation only: demilitarisation must take place by all involved, including the British Army, and thereby return normality to society.”

Conference organiser Chris Johnston said, “The Conference has been a great success, and we were delighted that the former Taoiseach was able to lay out for us his vision of the future for Northern Ireland, and the role young people could play in building that future.

“It’s a recognition of the value, success and esteem in which the Washington-Ireland Program is held that statesmen of Albert Reynolds’ calibre and experience are prepared to come and share their insights with the young leaders of to-morrow.”

(MB/GB)