28/05/2012
Sinn Fein Invite Dissident Republicans To Talk
Sinn Fein ministers have offered to hold talks with dissident republicans in an attempt to end "deplorable" violent attacks in Northern Ireland.
Speaking at the Sinn Fein party conference in Killarney on Saturday, Martin McGuinness, Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, said attacks on police officers and young people "need to end".
And today the party's president defended his words, saying there was a genuine offer on the table.
Gerry Adams spoke in response to an assertion from a dissident group called Republican
Network for Unity that Sinn Fein was not being serious.
He said he had personally tried to contact people in the various dissident groups and he told the BBC that the call to talk was "not empty rhetoric".
On Saturday, Mr McGuinness told delegates at the annual ard fheis: "I am offering them an opportunity to meet and talk. I never want to attend another funeral of a police officer or any other member of our society who lost their lives due to violence. Others in Derry have recently embarked on a series of shootings and beatings against vulnerable young people. These attacks are deplorable, they are not wanted and they need to end."
He continued: "I was part of the conflict and let me tell you there was nothing romantic about the war. It was hard, it was painful and it was traumatic and I never ever want the children of Ireland who live today in peace to be subjected to the conflict, pain and hurt that we lived through."
(NE/GK)
Speaking at the Sinn Fein party conference in Killarney on Saturday, Martin McGuinness, Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, said attacks on police officers and young people "need to end".
And today the party's president defended his words, saying there was a genuine offer on the table.
Gerry Adams spoke in response to an assertion from a dissident group called Republican
Network for Unity that Sinn Fein was not being serious.
He said he had personally tried to contact people in the various dissident groups and he told the BBC that the call to talk was "not empty rhetoric".
On Saturday, Mr McGuinness told delegates at the annual ard fheis: "I am offering them an opportunity to meet and talk. I never want to attend another funeral of a police officer or any other member of our society who lost their lives due to violence. Others in Derry have recently embarked on a series of shootings and beatings against vulnerable young people. These attacks are deplorable, they are not wanted and they need to end."
He continued: "I was part of the conflict and let me tell you there was nothing romantic about the war. It was hard, it was painful and it was traumatic and I never ever want the children of Ireland who live today in peace to be subjected to the conflict, pain and hurt that we lived through."
(NE/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 February 2024
Online Business Ideas Gaining Traction In Northern Ireland
Are you looking for a new business venture that can be operated from the comfort of your own home? The rise of the internet has provided countless opportunities to start an online business and reach customers from all over the world.
Online Business Ideas Gaining Traction In Northern Ireland
Are you looking for a new business venture that can be operated from the comfort of your own home? The rise of the internet has provided countless opportunities to start an online business and reach customers from all over the world.
29 January 2024
The Ultimate Guide To Bingo Halls In Northern Ireland
Bingo, a game that has been a staple in Northern Ireland's entertainment scene for decades, continues to capture the hearts of enthusiasts across the region. In recent years, there has been a notable rise in bingo hall attendances, and some attribute this surge to the growing popularity and accessibility of bingo sites.
The Ultimate Guide To Bingo Halls In Northern Ireland
Bingo, a game that has been a staple in Northern Ireland's entertainment scene for decades, continues to capture the hearts of enthusiasts across the region. In recent years, there has been a notable rise in bingo hall attendances, and some attribute this surge to the growing popularity and accessibility of bingo sites.
26 March 2024
Hotel Shampoo Ban Claim 'Inaccurate And Incomplete' – DUP
The DUP has claimed news that hotel shampoo bottles are to be banned in Northern Ireland is "inaccurate and misrepresents the situation".
Hotel Shampoo Ban Claim 'Inaccurate And Incomplete' – DUP
The DUP has claimed news that hotel shampoo bottles are to be banned in Northern Ireland is "inaccurate and misrepresents the situation".
08 March 2024
Man Wanted In Ireland On Drug Offences Arrested In South Belfast
A 59-year-old man wanted in the Republic of Ireland has been arrested in south Belfast by the PSNI's International Policing Unit. Wanted to stand trial for drugs offences that occurred in the Kilkenny area in 2012.
Man Wanted In Ireland On Drug Offences Arrested In South Belfast
A 59-year-old man wanted in the Republic of Ireland has been arrested in south Belfast by the PSNI's International Policing Unit. Wanted to stand trial for drugs offences that occurred in the Kilkenny area in 2012.
11 February 2020
Sinn Fein Comes Under Dissident Threat
Sinn Fein deputy leader Michelle O'Neill has been warned of planned attacks against herself and party colleague Gerry Kelly by dissident republicans. Northern Ireland's deputy First Minister was informed by the PSNI of intelligence pointing to attacks targeting her and Gerry Kelly MLA, the party's policing spokesperson.
Sinn Fein Comes Under Dissident Threat
Sinn Fein deputy leader Michelle O'Neill has been warned of planned attacks against herself and party colleague Gerry Kelly by dissident republicans. Northern Ireland's deputy First Minister was informed by the PSNI of intelligence pointing to attacks targeting her and Gerry Kelly MLA, the party's policing spokesperson.