Our task is to turn this vision into a reality. We must not lower our expectations or be conditioned into accepting anything less than full freedom, equality and democracy. Sinn Fein has been prevented from taking part in talks. There is therefore an onus on all democrats to ensure that talks are inclusive. If we are to reach a just and lasting peace settlement on this island negotiations must also be credible, meaningful and effective.
Negotiations therefore are an area of struggle for Irish republicans.
Sinn Fein will enter any negotiations as an Irish republican party seeking national determination for the Irish people and an end to British rule. Partition is wrong. It is a failure of the past which must be put right. British policy in Ireland has manifestly failed. It is divisive and detrimental to the interests of all the people of Ireland.