THE president of the GAA, Mr Jack Boothman, has described the Canary Wharf bombing as "wanton, callous carnage".
The statement, made at a GAA function in London last Saturday night, was by far the most outspoken by the GAA in regard to any political matter for many years.
Mr Boothman added that the GAA was opposed to all violence and that the membership rejected without reservation what happened in London in regard to the recent IRA activity there.
He was addressing the annual dinner of the London County Board of the GAA in the presence of the Irish Ambassador, Mr Ted Barrington and was given a standing ovation. The GAA unequivocally supports the peace process and is committed to reconciliation," he said.
It is by far the strongest statement issued by the GAA on the matter of peace in Ireland. The association has often been accused of equivocation in regard to the use of violence, and there has been frequent criticism of its rule which forbids membership of the association to members of the British forces and the RUC.
Members of the GAA in Northern Ireland and their club premises and matches have been she target of loyalist paramilitaries, and there have also been complaints of harassment by the British army and the RUC.
Asked to comment on his statement last night, Mr Boothman said he did not think it needed any elaboration. "I felt it was appropriate in the circumstances and I was delighted that it was well received," he said.
The part of his address which referred to the bombing reads: "Over the past 18 months we have had peace in Ireland. This peace came about through the vision, commitment and courage of many people, some of diverse backgrounds and different ideologies . . .
"Wherever the blame may lie for lack of progress, there is no justification for the wanton, callous carnage perpetrated on the city of London over the last two weeks."