TÁNAISTE WELCOMES BLAIR'S COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVE TALKS

TO INCLUSIVE TALKS

Commenting on the speech delivered in Belfast this afternoon by the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dick Spring T.D., said that it underlined the extent of the opportunity that now exists to create an inclusive political process leading to the negotiation of a lasting settlement.

Mr Spring said that he viewed the Prime Minister's early visit to Northern Ireland as further evidence of an energetic approach to the problem on the part of the new British Government. "It is clear that a precious opportunity for political progress now exists. It is imperative that this not be allowed to wither. There is a compelling need for an early end to violence which, and Mr Blair confirms, will elicit a timely response from government. I call on those who are responsible for paramilitary violence to avail of the opportunities that now exist to pursue an exclusively political path.Top