Sinn Fein Press Release, May 5, 2003:

British Government Cancels Elections

Unionist Veto Imposed

British Prime Minister Tony Blair cancelled elections in the north of Ireland last Thursday in spite of opposition from the Irish government and every political party, except the Ulster Unionists.

The reaction to this unilateral decision has been widespread.

Editorials in the Irish Examiner said, "Adams pledge is as good as it gets" and "democracy is the victim", the cancellation had set "a dangerous precedent" and "this is not the way to convince people that politics can work". "There is no doubt that the goal-posts are being moved to avert the threat facing mainstream unionists who look to get a pasting at the polls."

The Irish Independent makes the telling point that " the decision by the British Prime Minster Tony Blair to postpone the Assembly elections has left the Irish government facing the prospect of Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble holding an effective veto on future decisions in the peace process" . "It demeans the democratic process" and "nothing will satisfy David Trimble". "He (Mr. Blair) has put the survival of Mr. Trimble ahead of the democratic wishes of the majority of the North's politicians."

The Irish News proclaims that "cancellation kills off room for maneuver".

Even the British and Irish governments said they "welcome the many positive aspects of the IRA statement. There has been obvious progress and the statement shows a clear desire to make the peace process work".

The overwhelming view rejects Mr. Blair's claim that the elections HAD to be cancelled because "there is no clarity" on the IRA's intentions.

Clear and Unambiguous

On April 23rd British Prime Minister Mr. Blair asked and received clarification to three questions.

1) Whether activities inconsistent with the Good Friday Agreement, such as targeting, procurement of weapons, punishment beatings and so forth, were at an end?

Gerry Adams response April 27th: In my view the IRA statement deals definitively with these concerns about alleged IRA activity. And any such activities which in any way undermine the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement should not be happening.

The IRA leadership makes it clear in its statement that it is determined that its activities will be consistent with its resolve to see the complete and final closure of the conflict.

The IRA statement is a statement of completely peaceful intent.

2) Whether the IRAs commitment was to put all arms beyond use?

Gerry Adams response April 27th: The IRA has clearly stated its willingness to proceed with the implementation of a process to put arms beyond use at the earliest opportunity. Obviously this is not about putting some arms beyond use. It is about all arms.

3) Whether the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and commitments in the Joint Declaration would bring complete and final closure of the conflict?

Gerry Adams response April 27th: If the two governments and all the parties fulfill their commitments this will provide the basis for the complete and final closure of the conflict.

Sinn Féin's peace strategy has always been about bringing an end to physical force republicanism by creating an alternative way to achieve democratic and republican objectives.

British Government Word Games

After Mr. Adams clarification a Downing Street spokesman described Mr Adams' comments as "a significant advance" as they answered two of the three questions.

He said the Sinn Fein president had said that IRA activity should not happen rather than say it would not happen.

Mr Blair said: "Is there going to be an end to all paramilitary activity of the sort that gave rise to the sort of problems that we have?" "That is what we need to know on behalf of the IRA"

Gerry Adams responded on April 30th: "The IRA leadership is determined that there WILL be no activities which will undermine in any way the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement.

The IRA leadership makes it clear in its statement that it is determined that its activities WILL be consistent with its resolve to see the complete and final closure of the conflict.

The IRA statement is a statement of completely peaceful intent."

The reality is that this is not about the IRA and "clarity" about its intentions. The IRA has reiterated its support for the peace process, offered another major act on arms, and committed itself again to peaceful intent.

British Government Vetoes Progress

It is about unionism's refusal to uphold the Good Friday Agreement and the change promised by its full implementation.

Five years after the Good Friday Agreement was overwhelming endorsed by the people of Ireland, major aspects relative to equality and justice have not been implemented. Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams welcomed the publication of the Joint Declaration by the British and Irish governments and said, "What we need now is to see it implemented. It is a document about people's rights. The Joint Declaration is a testimony to the tenacity of Sinn Féin in trying to get the Good Friday Agreement implemented."

On the day that Tony Blair cancelled elections and manipulated the democratic process to give David Trimble a veto, he said "all problems should be resolved politically". We wait for him to say the word "WILL". Politics must be allowed to work.