Ahern urges SF to hold ardfheis

The Taoiseach has called on Sinn Féin to go ahead with its plans to call an ardfheis on the issue of policing despite "uncertainties" about the Democratic Unionist Party's position.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern

In a newspaper article published today, Mr Ahern said he knew "full well the sensitivities of the policing issue" but warned that unless it was resolved, "there is no going forward" in the bid to restore devolution.

But - in a reference to uncertainties about the DUP's willingness to share power with republicans - Mr Ahern said that if Sinn Féin delivered on their promises, "they have a right to expect others to deliver too, on time".

The article, published in the Irish News, comes amid speculation over Sinn Féin's next move. Earlier this week, the party's officer board called an ardchomhairle meeting for Saturday that is expected to decide whether to proceed with the ardfheis.

Sinn Féin warned this week the ardfheis may not go ahead because of the insistence of DUP leader the Rev Ian Paisley that he has not made any formal commitment to enter a powersharing administration

by the St Andrews deadline of March 26th or indicate his party will accept devolution of policing powers by the target date of May next year.

However, Dr Paisley said on New Year's Day that "when Sinn Féin delivers on its obligations, the DUP will not be found wanting".

In his article, Mr Ahern acknowledges "all the uncertainties and concerns" of republicans "and their understandable desire for clarity.

"Inclusive support for reformed policing will bring benefits and stability all round. And with that support the last remaining obstacle to shared government in Northern Ireland will have been addressed," Mr Ahern writes.

"In those circumstances there can be no excuse heard or entertained about power sharing in Northern Ireland. The DUP have said that they will not be found wanting. Nationalists and republicans will have delivered comprehensively. In return they have a right to expect others to deliver too, on time".

The Taoiseach said that this was a defining moment when Northern Ireland "can either move forward with confidence, or stall in a climate of uncertainty and gloom".

Yesterday, British Prime Minister Tony Blair promised that the British security service, MI5, will not be involved in "civic policing" in Northern Ireland. This announcement was claimed as a victory by Sinn Féin.