CEASEFIRE RECEIVES GENERAL WELCOME
Ceasefire receives general welcome
By Jonathan Turner
THE INLA's decision to call a ceasefire has been given a guarded welcome by politicians on both sides of the border - but some have said the move does not go far enough.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said the announcement was "good news at the end of a bleak and tragic week".
"The declaration is a positive response to the call I issued for all organisations still engaged in violence to cease forthwith.
Mr Ahern said it was important another paramilitary group had heeded calls for peace from the people of Ireland.
While adding that it was "long past time" when they should have done so, he said: "Nonetheless today's announcement represents further significant progress in the peace progress."
Mr Ahern also called on the Continuity IRA to declare a formal cessation to their operations.
Deputy first minister, Seamus Mallon, said anything which helped bring an end to "suffering and death" was welcome - but added the move was long overdue.
"The people of Northern Ireland, of the whole island of Ireland and all those who have suffered everywhere, want that peace and have said so very clearly.
"I notice that even this statement recognises that the people have spoken clearly of their wishes.
MO political development minister Paul Murphy said he welcomed the ceasefire, but added his thoughts were with the bereaved of Omagh.
"At the same time I welcome the ceasefire. It underlines the need for it, and those ceasefires already being observed, to be maintained, unequivocally, in word and deed," he said.
Sinn Fein chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin said it was up to politicians to use the opportunity presented by the cessation.
"The announcement that the INLA is calling off its campaign should encourage the political leaderships to forge ahead with the implementation of the changes which the people voted for in the assembly elections.
"Any group not now on ceasefire should immediately announce an end to their campaign in order to allow the peace process to grow."
Workers Party President Tom French said that suspension of violence was not enough.
"There must be a clear and unequivocal statement from this organisation that their campaign of terrorism is now over for good," he said.
Shadow Northern Ireland secretary Andrew Mackay said he hoped that the ceasefire was "for real".
"Whilst any ceasefire is welcome, the INLA will be judged on its future actions and not mere words," he said.
And Glyn Roberts, development officer with Families Against Intimidation and Terror, called on the INLA to appoint a liaison with the decommissioning body.
"With all the main paramilitary groups now on ceasefire we can now hopefully start to work together to rebuild this society."
By Jonathan Turner
THE INLA's decision to call a ceasefire has been given a guarded welcome by politicians on both sides of the border - but some have said the move does not go far enough.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said the announcement was "good news at the end of a bleak and tragic week".
"The declaration is a positive response to the call I issued for all organisations still engaged in violence to cease forthwith.
Mr Ahern said it was important another paramilitary group had heeded calls for peace from the people of Ireland.
While adding that it was "long past time" when they should have done so, he said: "Nonetheless today's announcement represents further significant progress in the peace progress."
Mr Ahern also called on the Continuity IRA to declare a formal cessation to their operations.
Deputy first minister, Seamus Mallon, said anything which helped bring an end to "suffering and death" was welcome - but added the move was long overdue.
"The people of Northern Ireland, of the whole island of Ireland and all those who have suffered everywhere, want that peace and have said so very clearly.
"I notice that even this statement recognises that the people have spoken clearly of their wishes.
MO political development minister Paul Murphy said he welcomed the ceasefire, but added his thoughts were with the bereaved of Omagh.
"At the same time I welcome the ceasefire. It underlines the need for it, and those ceasefires already being observed, to be maintained, unequivocally, in word and deed," he said.
Sinn Fein chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin said it was up to politicians to use the opportunity presented by the cessation.
"The announcement that the INLA is calling off its campaign should encourage the political leaderships to forge ahead with the implementation of the changes which the people voted for in the assembly elections.
"Any group not now on ceasefire should immediately announce an end to their campaign in order to allow the peace process to grow."
Workers Party President Tom French said that suspension of violence was not enough.
"There must be a clear and unequivocal statement from this organisation that their campaign of terrorism is now over for good," he said.
Shadow Northern Ireland secretary Andrew Mackay said he hoped that the ceasefire was "for real".
"Whilst any ceasefire is welcome, the INLA will be judged on its future actions and not mere words," he said.
And Glyn Roberts, development officer with Families Against Intimidation and Terror, called on the INLA to appoint a liaison with the decommissioning body.
"With all the main paramilitary groups now on ceasefire we can now hopefully start to work together to rebuild this society."
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0191
Published Date: 24-Aug-98
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