Adams calls for dialogue with loyalists
SINN Fein president Gerry Adams has called for dialogue between republicans, unionists and loyalists on issues such as marching and flags during his keynote address to the Ard Fheis yesterday.
Speaking in Castlebar, Co Mayo, Mr Adams said 15 years on from the Good Friday Agreement the time was right for a border poll.
“The Agreement provides for a border poll on Irish unity. We now need to work together for a Yes vote. It’s time to let the people have their say on the future of Ireland,” he said.
He also called for dialogue between republicans and unionists and loyalists as the marching season gets underway and amid tension arising from the flag dispute.
“This year sees the added vexation about the flying of flags on public buildings,” Mr Adams said.
“There are many genuine loyalists and unionists, including former combatants, working in disadvantaged communities who realise the dangers and risks involved,” he said.
“They also know that it is citizens from these disadvantaged communities who will bear the brunt of any violent or disruptive actions.
“These communities have more in common with their republican neighbours than they may realise.”
Mr Adams said there was an imperative on republicans to build alliances on social economic issues with working class loyalists and unionists.
Mr Adams continued: “I commit our party, without preconditions, to be part of such discussions as we face into the Orange marching season, and to find solutions to contentious issues and to tackle economic disadvantage.
“This is the only way to build a fair society. It is what the vast majority of citizens want.
“The tiny minorities who espouse violence have been rejected,” he added,
Mr Adams said that there was still “work to be done to ensure that policing is non-partisan and civic.”
He said more needed to be done to create a “victim-centred truth and reconciliation process”.
