Inclusive way forward best says Blair

Prime Minister Tony Blair has highlighted the importance of an inclusive way forward in the Northern Ireland peace process.

Speaking during Prime Ministers Questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday, in response to a question from the SDLP's Eddie McGrady, Mr Blair said there were only are two ways forward in Northern Ireland.

“One is inclusive of Sinn Fein, and for that to happen there has to be a complete end to all forms of paramilitary or criminal activity as the Good Friday Agreement indicates or, alternatively, a way forward without Sinn Fein, which actually depends on his (the SDLP) party,” Mr Blair said.

"So those are the only two ways forward I’m afraid and I can only facilitate, I can’t actually order parties to do it. My own view is it would be far better to find an inclusive way forward, I continue to think that, but it can’t be done on any other basis than in fact the proper implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, and that is the cessation of all forms of activity contrary to law."

Welcoming Mr Blair’s comments, DUP MP for North Belfast Nigel Dodds said it was time for the democratic parties to move on as quickly as possible in light of the results of the general and local government elections.

“There can be no fudge between democracy and terror and the DUP is determined that stunts and statements designed to take the pressure off Sinn Fein/IRA will not succeed,” Mr Dodds said “The days of IRA words gaining them access to government in Northern Ireland are over.”

(MB/SP)