ADAMS STATEMENT DELIGHTS BLAIR
Adams' statement delights Blair
By BERNARD PURCELL London Editor
Downing Street last night seized on Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams's words with undisguised delight.
Prime Minister Tony Blair - and his closest advisers - had clearly been briefed to expect a significant statement outlining Republican intent.
The timing of the Adams declaration - on the eve of new anti-terror legislation and just before US President Bill Clinton's arrival - is also seen in London as helpful.
But despite claims by some Westminster commentators last night, the statement is not a tacit endorsement of the governments' anti-terror crackdown but the opposite - an appeal for political progress rather than military or security measures.
Mr Blair, who has now arguably devoted more time to Northern Ireland than any other Prime Minister, will be well aware of such nuances.
But the combination of an explicit condemnation of terrorist violence and the overture to Mr Trimble for a face to face meeting is seen as hugely positive in itself.
Though a meeting between Mr Adams and Mr Trimble remains only a possibility, but Mr Blair -who enjoys one of the closest relationships with the US Presidency ever - made clear his own satisfaction that at least one potential breakthrough will coincide with the visit.
Mr Blair's official spokesman, Alastair Campbell, said last night the Sinn Fein statement vindicated the Prime Minister's trust in Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness.
By BERNARD PURCELL London Editor
Downing Street last night seized on Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams's words with undisguised delight.
Prime Minister Tony Blair - and his closest advisers - had clearly been briefed to expect a significant statement outlining Republican intent.
The timing of the Adams declaration - on the eve of new anti-terror legislation and just before US President Bill Clinton's arrival - is also seen in London as helpful.
But despite claims by some Westminster commentators last night, the statement is not a tacit endorsement of the governments' anti-terror crackdown but the opposite - an appeal for political progress rather than military or security measures.
Mr Blair, who has now arguably devoted more time to Northern Ireland than any other Prime Minister, will be well aware of such nuances.
But the combination of an explicit condemnation of terrorist violence and the overture to Mr Trimble for a face to face meeting is seen as hugely positive in itself.
Though a meeting between Mr Adams and Mr Trimble remains only a possibility, but Mr Blair -who enjoys one of the closest relationships with the US Presidency ever - made clear his own satisfaction that at least one potential breakthrough will coincide with the visit.
Mr Blair's official spokesman, Alastair Campbell, said last night the Sinn Fein statement vindicated the Prime Minister's trust in Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness.
Further Information
Publisher: IRISH INDEPENDENT
Ref: II/208
Published Date: 02-Sep-98
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