Of course the unionists bear a huge responsibility because they were in charge for a very long time. British rule in Ireland has been sustained by a culture of discrimination, inequality and intolerance. Progress is dependent upon the creation of a meaningful and inclusive process of negotiation. We share a common responsibility to make that happen. It will require frank and genuine dialogue and good faith.
Equality of treatment is an essential ingredient of any process of democratic negotiations.
Sinn Fein wholly endorses an approach, where all parties are subject to the same rules and procedures in negotiations. For its part the British government should outline, clearly and in detail, the substance of a programmatic approach on issues which will generate confidence. Sinn Fein endorses the suggestions on confidence building made by the International Body in Chapter VII of their report. The British government, as the International Body pointed out, needs to take action on prisoners, repressive legislation, policing and on social and economic issues. In particular, issues of equality which are democratic or human rights matters do not require any negotiation.