Sinn FΘin and its alter ego the Provisional IRA should not be allowed to dictate the direction of democratic politics in Northern Ireland at this time. As people North and South await an explanation from Sinn FΘin concerning its links with three men suspected of offering explosives training to a drug-financed terrorist organisation in Colombia, the need for the political centre-ground to assert itself becomes all the more important. If the Belfast Agreement is to remain a viable force for reconciliation and peace, then a special responsibility falls on the SDLP and on the Ulster Unionist Party.
In that regard, the decision by Sinn FΘin to pre-empt the publication of the British Government's police implementation report by rejecting it in a statement of last Thursday night was clearly designed to make it difficult, if not impossible, for the SDLP to come to a different conclusion. It was also aimed at obfuscating the centrality of the arms issue in the current impasse and at broadening the agenda for any future negotiations with the British Government beyond decommissioning and demilitarisation.
The reaction by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, to publication of the implementation plan will give comfort and encouragement to the SDLP and to moderate nationalists. Acknowledging the difficulty of the policing issue, Mr Ahern insisted that a basis now existed for the new beginning on policing that was envisaged in the Belfast Agreement. The reform package, when fully implemented, could deliver "the spirit and substance of the Patten report". In unambiguous language, the Taoiseach urged all parties to give the most careful and positive consideration to nominating members to the policing board.
A police force broadly acceptable to both communities in Northern Ireland is an indispensable part of any political solution. That is the only way in which paramilitary elements can finally be eliminated from the equation. Elements of the implementation plan will be distasteful to many unionists. It has been condemned by Dr Ian Paisley's DUP. But in spite of the distrust the police reform plan has generated within the two divided and suspicious communities, it is the only realistic way forward.
With both governments advocating support for the package of policing reforms in order to underpin the Belfast Agreement, an opportunity has been offered to the parties of the middle ground. The Secretary of State, Dr Reid, has asked the pro-Agreement parties to advise him in principle by next Tuesday on whether they are prepared to take ownership of the police service. A positive response would initiate a process of election to the Policing Board. Further consultations with the Secretary of State would lead to further appointments and its establishment by the end of September. Courage and leadership will be required from the SDLP and the UUP if the design of the two governments is to be achieved.