Doherty in challenge to Blair

The IRA was the only player to have made a good move for the peace process, the vice-president of Sinn Fein, Mr Pat Doherty, told the party conference.

"The IRA unilaterally decided, in a bid to create political space, to re-engage with the decommissioning body. This was not part of a sequence or a deal. But people should read the IRA's statement very closely. And, in particular, the British government should read it."

The British government, Mr Doherty said, knew what needed to be done. "They know what they signed up to in May and, more importantly, they know and admitted this week that they have not delivered on this.

"Why not? Is it a lack of political will, an act of bad faith, or is it simply the continuation of a failed British government policy driven by securocrats rather than democrats? Only Tony Blair can answer; only Tony Blair can deliver on commitments made."

The party's sole TD, Mr Caoimhghin O Caolain, accused the Government of continuing a record of failure. "In one respect, their failure is far worse than their predecessors, because no previous government in this State has such resources at its disposal. Yet, instead of sharing the wealth, this Government has rewarded most those who need help least and left those in greatest need waiting in line."

Mr O Caolain said there was now "a hunger for real change".