THE vice president of Sinn Fein, Mr Pat Doherty, said that, in spite of present difficulties, his party is committed to "our peace strategy".
Speaking at a press conference to launch his by election campaign in Donegal North East yesterday, he said the response of the British and Irish governments to the ending of the IRA ceasefire was to stop important dialogue with Sinn Fein "at a time when it was most urgently needed".
"For the peace process to be successful, it must be inclusive and must involve recognition of Sinn Fein's mandate. We must move forward on the basis of all party talks without preconditions."
His party still aimed at achieving "an end to British rule in Ireland and national self determination for the Irish people".
He called for the urgent formulation of a strategy for long term development in the region. Thirteen thousand people were unemployed in Donegal and emigration was continuing.