SF criticise Ahern over sanctions 'collusion'

Sinn Fein has attacked the Irish government for "colluding" with the British government over sanctions proposals at the Hillsborough talks.

Party chairman Mitchel McLaughlin voiced his "disappointment" at Taoiseach Bertie Ahern's backing of sanctions for parties who do not live up to their pledges.

On Wednesday, Sinn Féin's leader in the Dail Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin called for a debate on the peace process following the talks at Hillsborough.

He said there was "disappointment" that the Irish government had supported the demand for sanctions which were "unacceptable and totally outside the Agreement".

Mr Ó Caoláin said: "The two governments have agreed on sanctions which would clearly be aimed at Sinn Féin. This is not acceptable and we have told the governments this. It is especially disappointing that the Irish government has backed such a negative proposal.

"Sanctions will serve only to destabilise the process… We have seen repeated walkouts by David Trimble with the British government facilitating suspensions of the institutions on his behalf."

Elsewhere, UUP MLA and Policing Board member Sam Foster has welcomed reports that President George W Bush will not be inviting Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams to the Oval Office during St Patrick's Day celebrations.

Mr Foster said: "A democratic political party does not play politics in front of the cameras, and then conspire to export terrorism off-camera. The unionist community will be hoping that President Bush's reported stance towards Sinn Fein will increase the pressure on that party to give up its addiction to terrorism and finally enter the democratic process."

(GMcG)