NEAL WELCOMES SINN FEIN ARD COMHAIRLE VOTE ON POLICING
(WASHINGTON) The following is the statement given today by Congressman Richard E. Neal, Chairman of the Friends of Ireland, in the United States House of Representatives in support of the Sinn Fein's Ard Comhairle decision to hold a special Ard Fheis in Dublin next week on policing.
"MR. SPEAKER, last Saturday in Dublin the national executive of Sinn Fein voted in favor of holding a special conference (Ard Fheis) on January 28th to vote on a motion supporting the police and the rule of law.
For those who remain committed to lasting peace and reconciliation on the island Ireland, and bringing this peace process to a successful conclusion, it was a development that would have been unimaginable even ten years ago.
On both sides of the Irish sea, the decision by the Sinn Fein national executive was welcomed as historic and important.
The Taoiseach of Ireland Bertie Ahern called it "a landmark and timely decision."
The British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Peter Hain said it was "a hugely significant move of seismic proportions."
Mr. Speaker, as someone who has been involved in this process for three decades, I would describe the action taken by Sinn Fein as remarkable.
It is a reflection of the leadership of Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness.
At every critical moment in this process, they have honored their commitments and kept their word.
And the vote taken by the national executive (Ard Comhairle) last week is just the latest example.
No one should minimize the difficulties this decision is causing the Sinn Fein leadership on the ground.
For nationalists and republicans, the issue of policing has a long and troubled history.
But I am confident that the special conference (Ard Fheis) will see this as a defining moment in Irish history, and vote to support policing and the rule of law.
Mr. Speaker, I was also pleased that the DUP leader Ian Paisley recognized Sinn Fein's vote last week was "a step forward."
I know there are members of his own party who are resisting change.
But the DUP is a devolutionist party.
And if the Sinn Fein special conference votes favorably next week there will be no more obstacles to the restoration of an inclusive power-sharing government.
And when devolution is restored, I look forward to welcoming the new First Minister and Deputy First Minister to the United States Congress at the earliest opportunity.
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