Adams pushes through
historic Sinn Féin vote
 By Staff
reporter
MARKING an historic moment in the history of the North of Ireland politics
Sinn Féin members have voted to support policing.
The party’s ard fheis last weekend saw members vote overwhelmingly
to back the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
And the momentous decision has been welcomed by not only the Irish and
British governments but Irish Nationalists at the grassroots level.
The significant move — which was deemed essential in order to restore
devolution to the North — is expected to see the DUP come under
renewed pressure in the coming weeks to share power with Sinn Féin.
Speaking after the vote Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said: “Today
you have created the potential to change the political landscape on this
island forever.
“You have created the opportunity to significantly advance our struggle
and you have seized the opportunity to further our primary objective of
united Ireland through the building of greater political strength.
“If the promise and hope of the peace process is to deliver peace
and prosperity, that means beginning a real dialogue, an anti-sectarian
dialogue, a dialogue which will move us to a real future.”
The Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern welcomed Mr Adams statement. He said:
“It is vital that we continue to maintain the momentum from the
St. Andrew’s Agreement and the timetable it set out.”
The motion to support the PSNI was supported by 90 per cent of the 900
members who voted at the party’s conference in Dublin last weekend.
But the DUP said that despite the decision they will have to wait to see
how Sinn Féin delivers on the vote before making any promises about
power-sharing.
Secretary of State Peter Hain described the vote as a breakthrough while
PSNI Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde added: “Our view has always been
that policing is a public service which every member of the community
should be able to access on an equal and equitable basis.”
British Prime Minister Tony Blair said: “The next few weeks will
be as important as the negotiation of the original Good Friday Agreement.
“We will determine whether we have a basis for the future in Northern
Ireland, that allows us both to have power-sharing between Unionists and
Republicans and Nationalists, really on a solid basis for the first time
ever.”
London-based Irishman Liam Donnelly said: “It really is fantastic
news. I think a lot of respect has to go to Gerry Adams who has been at
the forefront in making these difficult decisions.
“It’s time Northern Ireland faced a new era and that people
around the world including Ireland itself are able to appreciate it for
the fantastic province it is.”
Political parties are expected to move toward having a devolved government
by March 26 if the remaining terms of the Northern Ireland Bill are endorsed.
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