1 May 1996

Adams comments on Taoiseach's speech

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams commenting this morning on the Taoiseach's speech last night said:

``I welcome the general tenor of Mr. Bruton's remarks. For some time now there has been doubt and uncertainty and apprehension within nationalist Ireland that any talks should be real talks, real negotiations and I think the Taoiseach's remarks reflect that concern.

``During this time I and others have been arguing for honest dialogue, an inclusive agenda, for all of the party's to be involved, for a time frame and a commitment to real negotiations and substantial change by the two governments. I think that is reflected in what the Taoiseach said in his speech last night.

``I would presume that Mr. Bruton will raise these questions with the British Prime Minister and I presume his officials will raise these matters also with British officials, and I look forward to a clear response from the British Prime Minister.

``It is in everyones interest to have real peace talks; to have a real peace process developed; to have a peace settlement and in so far as the Taoiseach's speech contributes to that then I think it is helpful. However we have to have a British response which is unambiguous, which is focussed on bringing about change, and which creates a dynamic and potential for the necessary change which is required on constitutional matters, on political matters, on the whole vexed question of demilitarisation and on the issue of equality and democratic rights.

``Let us hear the British attitude to Mr. Bruton's speech; let us see the agenda of talks and the removal of obstacles and impediments. Crucially, let us see a commitment from all of the party leaders to make this a real talks process which can deliver a peace settlement.''

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