Tánaiste condemns IRA's campaign of disruption in Britain

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dick Spring, T.D. has made the following comments in response to today's disruptions in Britain.

"I want to make it absolutely clear that the overwhelming majority of the Irish people, both here and in Britain, abhor and condemn these actions. I also want to express our solidarity with and sympathy for all those who are suffering the effects of these callous acts.

Many Irish people who have made their lives in Britain are directly affected by these actions. Even more suffer from a sense of shame and embarrassment that this disruption is carried out by those who have the impudence to claim that they are acting in the name of Ireland. Let me make it clear beyond any doubt that they are not. On the contrary, the activities of the IRA are not only morally wrong and politically stupid, they are directly opposed to the interests of the Irish people.

The Irish people reject without reservation the IRA's claim to act in our name. I urge Irish people everywhere to use every opportunity to make clear our total and absolute rejection of their activities.

What is the point of this campaign? If the IRA think that they can weaken the resolve of the British Government then I must warn them that they are profoundly mistaken. What they are doing will make it increasingly difficult for Sinn Féin to enter the political process and harder than ever for those of us who are working to achieve lasting justice and peace in Ireland. Not only that, but they place ever greater strain on the patience of those who around the world who have taken risks to bring Sinn Féin into the democratic process."Top