A Sinn Fein councillor's decision to quit the party has shown that many republicans face a dilemma of conscience over IRA weapons decommissioning, Sinn Fein TD Caoimhghin O’Caolain said today.
Mr O’Caolain made the remark after Councillor Brian MacUaid announced his split from the party over the IRA's decision to decommission weapons.
The resignation followed the announcement last month by General John de Chastelain that the IRA had taken part in a "significant" act of decommissioning.
At the time of the announcement Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams said the move was "hurtful" for many republicans, but appealed to them to remain loyal to the party.
But Mr MacUaid, a councillor on Monaghan County Council, yesterday resigned from his position in the party.
He said his step was "not taken lightly", but with great regret. It made him the first elected party representative to quit the party as a direct result of decommissioning.
Responding to the announcement today Mr O’Caolain said the resignation was "most regrettable".
"Brian has been a very valued colleague and a first-rate public representative. He has resigned because he no longer believes that the strategy of our party is reconcilable with his republican beliefs.
"I strongly disagree but I respect his decision and his conviction," he said.
The Monaghan and Cavan TD went on: "The most recent initiative by republicans to save the peace process has caused real difficulties and real concerns for many people.
"Some have doubted the truth of that statement. The resignation of Brian MacUaid demonstrates the reality.
"The overwhelming majority of Sinn Fein members and supporters in Counties Monaghan and Cavan are united in their support for the party's engagement in the peace process.
"We are totally committed to real change and to the achievement of freedom, justice and lasting peace for all the people of this island," he said.
Mr MacUaid's decision also makes him the first elected representative to split from the party on policy grounds since the signing of the Belfast Agreement.
Following the announcement by Gen de Chastelain's Independent International Commission on Decommissioning on October 23rd that the IRA had put explosives and weapons beyond use, Mr Adams called a special meeting of the ruling executive to assess reaction among grassroots members.
He said many republicans had found it hard to come to terms with the move, which brought an end to the philosophy of an armed struggle against Britain.
"I believe decommissioning was an act of patriotism. Patriotism requires pain but I believe republicans will remain loyal to us," he said at the meeting in Navan, Co Meath.
PA