Election date set for November 26 - David Trimble stops break through in the peace process
21. Oktober 2003
21.10.2003 could have been a historical day with a break through in the peace process
had David Trimble not haltet the carefully synchronized sequence of events by not delivering his part of the chain of events:
The events in chronological order:
The announcement of an election
A statement by Gerry Adams
A statement from the IRA leadership
An act of putting arms beyond use
David Trimble refused to give his statement and stopped the proceedings
23. October 2003: An Phoblacht/Republican News analyses the situation under the heading "Republicans deliver":
On Tuesday, republicans - both Sinn Fein and the IRA -
delivered on their side of the agreed sequence of events
involving unionists, republicans and the two governments.
A tremendous opportunity, the result of months of contacts and
negotiations, was there for the taking. The IICD said it
witnessed a third event in which the IRA put weapons beyond
use in accordance with the governments' scheme. This was not
easily achieved. Such republican-led initiatives are difficult
for all republicans. Many activists will have reservations
about the turn of events, but we have a broader vision.
Despite the strenuous efforts of others, David Trimble chose
to change his mind - to break his commitment to what was a
carefully worked out sequence of events and statements that
would have put the Peace Process right back on track.
But the importance of what happened on Tuesday before David
Trimble's petulant display should not be underestimated.
What was in place on Tuesday was a groundbreaking agreement
between republicans and unionists that followed months of
intensive talks. That dialogue between Sinn Fein and the UUP
is in itself of huge significance.
This direct and frank dialogue is key to building further
political progress. This is a time for measured comments
because there is still a will among republicans to build on
the significant progress that was made. But there are very
profound difficulties and many republicans cannot see a way
around the situation where one party unilaterally moves to
suspend a sequence that was agreed.
Nevertheless, Sinn Fein will not give up on this process.
Republicans will continue to engage in a bid to move forward
and see the political institutions re-established after the
elections.
For the immediate future, we are facing into the most crucial
election campaign ever. It is vital, that we emerge from those
elections with increased political strength and to strengthen
the hand of our negotiators.