Hain looks to 'credible' IRA statement

The Northern Ireland Secretary of State Peter Hain has said that the significance of a credible statement from the IRA should not be "underestimated".

Speaking to delegates attending the Irish Congress of Trade Unions Mr Hain said that he had pledge himself the objectives of "a democratic shared government for Northern Ireland and an end to paramilitary activity and criminality".

The Northern Ireland Secretary of State said: "Intensive negotiations and discussions last autumn brought us to the brink of success just before Christmas but the trust that is essential for sustaining the political institutions evaporated. It was clear that the transition that would see a permanent end to paramilitary and criminal activity had not yet been made.

"For that trust to be restored there must be a clear, definitive and permanent end to paramilitary activity and its associated criminality. Words are not enough, but they are an important start and I hope people would not underestimate the significance of a credible statement from the IRA following their consultation exercise. A commitment in words needs to be capable of being verified over a period of time so that everyone can see that the commitment is real and lasting.

"If that happens, there is every reason to hope and expect that an inclusive power sharing executive could be re-established. I am genuinely optimistic about that prospect. In an environment where all political parties were unambiguously committed to the principle of exclusively peaceful and democratic means, there would be no reason why devolution should not flourish in Northern Ireland.

Mr Hain told the conference delegates that while the overriding goal was the restoration of devolved government in Northern Ireland, he and his ministerial colleagues were "fully committed to do all we can to advance economic growth, social justice and community cohesion in tandem with efforts on the political process."

(SP)