It is, of course, a matter of regret that the negative approach adopted by the previous British government delayed the search for an agreed and lasting peace settlement for a period of at least three years. The great challenge which remains is to remove the causes of conflict by making real progress towards a lasting peace settlement. Progress requires meaningful negotiations - a frank and genuine dialogue and a good faith engagement on all sides. We believe the process of negotiations should be as transparent as possible so as to build public confidence in the process itself and to create a sense of public ownership. Irish republicans want peace.
Peace demands democracy, equality and justice.
We want an Ireland free and independent. Partition is wrong. It is a failure of the past which must be put right. British policy has underpinned the climate for conflict and has prevented substantive change. The British government must accept its responsibility for this and, therefore, its responsibility for resolving the conflict.