Sir, - The New Ireland Group is dismayed by the short-sighted stance of unionists on the issue of decommissioning. On re-reading the Agreement we can find no indication that decommissioning, however desirable, was a pre-condition for the setting up of an executive by October 31st.
Sinn Fein representatives, like everyone else, would be bound by the pledge of office - just as Messrs Trimble and Mallon are at present. So far, Sinn Fein has done nothing to suggest that it will dishonour such a pledge.
Certainly, we would welcome a gesture by the republican Movement as a signal of intent; this would not only provide encouragement for the process but would also do nothing to undermine movement towards a truly new Ireland which we also seek to build with our fellow Irish women and men.
Nevertheless, with the legacy in use of arms by both unionist and nationalist in mind, we resent the notion that the gesture on decommissioning be demanded. To promote such a demand as a precondition is, in our view, preposterous. Failure to meet the October 31st deadline provides a dangerous precedent for both prevarication and alteration in the future. - Yours, etc., John Robb,
Chairperson, New Ireland Group, Ballymoney, Co Antrim.