Harney supports Bruton's stance on peace forum

THE Taoiseach was supported by the PD leader when he ruled out further meetings of the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation until the IRA ceasefire is restored.

Mr Bruton said deferring meetings of the forum was consistent with the basis on which it was set up, namely the existence of an IRA ceasefire, and with its terms of reference, which specified that all differences be resolved by exclusively peaceful and democratic means.

The Fianna Fail leader suggested there was a strong case for the forum to meet in extraordinary session to see if it could do anything to assist the present situation regarding the peace process. Mr Bertie Ahern said there could be an absurd situation whereby a new forum was established in the North, which could be attended by Sinn Fein, while the Dublin forum could not meet under any conditions.

Mr Bruton said his predecessor (Mr Albert Reynolds) was very clear in his decision not to establish a forum involving Sinn Fein until there was a complete cessation of IRA violence. The forum's terms of reference, which could not be changed without the agreement of all the participants, were absolutely clear that differences should not be resolved by the methods used in Canary Wharf.

"I think it is very important we should be very clear in this House on the matter. There is no half way house between peace and violence. There is no half way house between democracy and coercion. It is very important, in my view, that the message going from this House should be a simple one we want you in the forum and in the talks. Please restore the ceasefire."

Ms Mary Harney said the PDs believed there was no point in the forum meeting until the IRA ceasefire was restored. "The forum was established to provide a democratic platform for Sinn Fein once the ceasefire was announced."

Pressed further by Mr Ahern, the Taoiseach said his priority was the start of all party negotiations on June 10th. "I want everyone there. I want to see Sinn Fein there. And for Sinn Fein to be there, I want the IRA to restore its ceasefire."

Asked by Ms Harney if he believed the Northern forum should meet in advance of the all party talks, Mr Bruton said: "I believe that the talks should start first."

The Taoiseach said a decision on the Government's delegation for the all party negotiations would be taken in due course. Asked by Ms Harney if all three government parties would be represented, he said that no final decision had been taken.