THE Taoiseach has again called on Sinn Fein to state that it does not support IRA violence, but he declined to respond directly to criticism of his policy made yesterday by Mr Gerry Adams.
Sinn Fein has accepted the Mitchell principles, therefore there should be no problem for Sinn Fein to say they do not support the armed struggle," Mr Bruton said last night.
Earlier yesterday Mr Adams, the Sinn Fein president, challenged Mr Bruton to explain his current strategy of "attacking . . . questioning and undermining our commitment and role in the search for peace".
He said he had tried "to give detailed, frank and honest responses to the questions posed by the Taoiseach but he has persisted in dismissing my responses.
"I have made it clear that I want to see an end to armed struggle to all armed actions and to take the gun permanently out, of Irish politics. That is Sinn, Fein's commitment."
He said Sinn Fein was reluctant to get into a public row with the Irish Government. "We believe that that is not in the best interest of efforts to restore the peace process. I have said this both privately and publicly."
Mr Bruton was reluctant to reply personally to Mr Adams's statement, and the Government response came from Government. Whip and Minister of State, Mr Jim Higgins.
In words echoed later by Mr Bruton, Mr Higgins said what the Government wanted was "for the Sinn Fein leader to go to the IRA and seek a reinstatement of the ceasefire and to convey information in public that the ceasefire is going to be restored."
In his statement in Florence last night, Mr Higgins said Mr Adams had not referred to the arms find in Co Laois. "Is this not a matter of concern which he should address?" he asked.
He accused Mr Adams of using every device he can think of to evade the implications of his party's acceptance of the Mitchell "principles."
Speaking to reporters before Mr Adams issued his statement the Tanaiste, Mr Spring, said it was "hard to believe people who say they believe in the peace process and want to deliver democratic politics while this kind of thing goes on the ground".
He said he had a "sense of dismay that despite the efforts of this and the previous government to bring about meaningful all party talks, there are still those within the IRA who believe they might bomb their way to a solution".
He condemned the individuals involved "for the potential for destruction they were engaged in" and congratulated the Garda on its success.
The Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister, Mr John Major, shad a short discussion about the arms find in Co Laois and the deadlocked multi party Northern talks yesterday.
"We agreed to continue to put all our weight behind keeping the talks going and trying to make them successful," Mr Bruton added. He said they would talk again within a week.