FIANNA Fail is proposing that the Government act as mediator between Sinn Fein and the British government to clarify issues of concern to the IRA over the proposed all party talks on June 10th.
This emerges from a document, "The Challenge of Restoring the Peace Process", which outlines ways to revive republican confidence in the political process. "To restore peace the Irish Government have to be prepared, like Albert Reynolds's Government in 1993-94, to be mediators," it states.
The document, drawn up by the party after its recent talks with Sinn Fein, was used as a basis for discussion between Mr Bertie Ahern and US officials during the Fianna Fail leader's visit to Washington on Wednesday.
It does not spell out how the Government might act as mediator. However, Fianna Fail clearly expects that a figure such as the SDLP leader, Mr John Hume, who recently met the IRA, could convey Sinn Fein concerns to the Government in Dublin, which in turn would consult London on possible clarification.
The exercise would he aimed at answering questions on perceived preconditions to participation in talks by Sinn Fein. These concern the acceptance of the six Mitchell principles, the satisfaction of all parties on Sinn Fein's commitment to the use of exclusively democratic means of negotiation and agreement on a process of arms decommissioning during negotiations.
Mr Hume met the IRA leadership along with the Sinn Fein leader, Mr Gerry Adams, two weeks ago. The British and Irish governments have barred contact at high level with Sinn Fein since the ending of the IRA ceasefire last month. Fianna Fail, however, kept open top level contacts and the document is the result of recent meetings involving Mr Ahern and Mr Adams.
The two governments, the document states, "have much to do if they are to restore confidence in the peace process where it has broken down." They have to "hold the ring and ensure a fair and reasonable process of negotiation.
"The Irish Government have to take further risks for peace and remain engaged with the nationalist community in the North to which they have a special responsibility under the Anglo Irish Agreement," it states.
"To restore peace the Irish Government have to be prepared like Albert Reynolds's government in 1993-1994, to be mediators. This does not, of course mean that they have to adopt uncritically anyone else's agenda. The British government have to show magnanimity and generosity by concrete gestures that will have a direct and immediate impact in both republican and loyalist heartlands.
"The route to peace negotiations on 10th June has to be direct and unencumbered. There has to be a reasonable assurance that the negotiations, while tough, will be for real and will be conducted in good faith with the aim of reaching a comprehensive political settlement for this generation.
"Peace can be restored through the creation of a meaningful political and negotiating process, and through a spirit of generosity combined to a real determination on all sides to make peace work, not just for the people of Northern Ireland in general, but in particular for the deprived and excluded communities, from which both sets of paramilitary organisations draw their strength.
"Evenhandedness is vital, but concrete signs of good intent are needed. In return the commitment to peace and democracy must this time be final and definitive, and hold in all circumstances. On this occasion, everything may have to be more explicitly tied down and clarified. Sinn Fein and the loyalist parties, if they are to be credible negotiators, must be given plenipotentiary powers to negotiate agreements on behalf of their whole movements, subject to ratification."
Mr Ahern met Ms Nancy Soderberg of the National Security Council during a day of talks in Washington. He was accompanied by his Northern Ireland adviser, Dr Martin Mansergh.