AMID continuing Opposition criticism of the British government's handling of the recent marches in Northern Ireland, the Fianna Fail leader has dismissed the suggestion of a "review" of parades and marches as inadequate.
Following talks with an SDLP delegation yesterday Mr Bertie Ahern described as "not enough" the proposal from the Northern Secretary, Sir Patrick Mayhew, in the House of Commons, that an examination be conducted of arrangements for handling these gatherings. If such a body reached conclusions, who would implement them? Mr Ahern asked.
Nobody "in nationalist Ireland" believed such recommendations would be put in place because the RUC's reputation was now "worse than it has been at any time over the years".
Meanwhile, three Labour party Oireachtas members who observed the stand off at Drumcree and the Ormeau Road march in Belfast will today publish a report on the two episodes. They are expected to criticise the RUC's handling of the situation.
Mr Joe Costello TD and Mr Declan Bree TD will join Senator Sean Maloney at a press conference in Dublin where they will also advocate the establishment of an independent commission to deal with parades and marches.
Opposition parties yesterday continuing to express criticism of the British government's attitude to the events of the last ten to days. They demanded immediate talks between the two governments.
The leader of the Progressive Democrats, Ms Mary Harney, criticised the British government for its "totally inadequate response". Sir Patrick Mayhew had "effectively absolved the British government of any blame.
His remarks in the House of Commons yesterday suggested the British government had not grasped the urgency of the situation.