ON fundamental principles of democracy, the British Prime Minister should include Mr Gerry Adams of Sinn Fein in his current round of talks with party leaders, Mr Martin McGuinness said last night.
Mr McGuinness said that, having now met all the others, and in order to resurrect the peace process, it was incumbent upon Mr John Major to set a date to meet the Sinn Fein president on his return from America.
Ardchomhairle member Mr McGuinness said in a statement: "John Major's refusal to recognise our right to represent those who vote for us goes to the heart of the conflict and, if he is serious about finding a resolution, he must begin with this issue and meet with Gerry Adams immediately. This is not a concession but a fundamental principle of democracy.
Meanwhile, the Alliance Party president, Mr Jim Hendron, said last night that the only practical way to get all parties to the table in the near future was an election to a constitutional convention or forum. "If there is to be an election, however, the fears of nationalists must he addressed," he said in a statement.