THE INLA decision to end its ceasefire was condemned last night by the Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Spring. He described it as "an act of madness at this time when we re trying to put the peace process together and make progress".
Mr Spring has been canvassing for the past two days in the Donegal North East constituency for the Labour candidate in next month's by election, Senator Sean Maloney.
Commenting on prospects for Sinn Fein participation in all party negotiations, Mr Spring said the Government's position was clear "We've emphasised very clearly we want them at the all party talks and we would hope that the cessation would be restored. The process is there the road map to the 10th of June and it's time for people to get into that process."
Responding to the widespread criticism of the format for Northern Ireland elections, he urged the parties to "get on with" the elections.
"There's a process there now. Our focus at all times is on the 10th of June and we want to get to the 10th of June in good shape with people ready for the talks. My advice to people would be get on with the elective process as a necessary step to get there, but again they have to make up their own minds."
He emphasised the Government had done all in its power to ensure the talks did not become stalled on issues such as decommissioning. "We've built in safeguards to ensure that people are going to engage in meaningful talks. Both communities have to have their particular fears assuaged you have to give reassurances on both sides of the divide at all times in relation to Northern Ireland and we're trying to address both sides.