Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams asks IRA splinter groups to end violence

Adams urges ‘dissidents’ to ‘reflect on their position’

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Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams

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Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD, Newry and Armagh MP Conor Murphy, and MLAs and Councillors from both sides of the border were in Dundalk on Friday for the local launch of Sinn Féin’s campaign for a border poll.

Sinn Féin Louth TD and Party President Gerry Adams said that the “disastrous impact of partition is nowhere more evident than along the border corridor”.

The Sinn Féin leader specifically addressed those ‘who are usually described as dissident’.

He said:‘I would urge all republicans and nationalists, whatever their opinion of the peace process, and irrespective of which political party or tendency they support, to seize this opportunity to advance republican and nationalist objectives.

I would especially ask those who are usually described as ‘dissident’ to recognize the potential that this initiative holds.

There is now a democratic and peaceful way to bring about Irish unity. There is no reason whatever for any group to engage in or promote or support violent actions.

The challenge for thinking republicans is to find ways to engage with and to listen to the concerns and ambitions of our unionist neighbors.

Read More: Shock as only 17 percent in Northern Ireland would vote for a United Ireland

As the anniversary of the Easter Rising approaches I want to appeal directly to groups which claim to follow in that tradition to reflect on their position.

Now is the time for them to show courage and in the spirit of the 1916 Proclamation to embrace a peaceful way forward.

This is a phase of political activity that is about persuasion; it’s about democratic conversations and winning support for Irish unity.

Violent actions will not assist this process. Violent actions will make the task of achieving a YES vote more difficult. So, consider the options. Examine the possibilities. And don’t miss this opportunity.

I believe Irish unity makes sense. I believe it makes political and economic sense and that it is in the best interests of the people of these islands.

The Good Friday Agreement provides a legislative, peaceful and democratic route to Irish unity. A Border Poll is the means.

So, let the people decide!’

The full text of Mr. Adams remarks:

“The Memorandum of Understanding between Newry and Mourne Council and Louth County Council, and the cross border support for the construction of a bridge at Narrow Water are just two examples of local communities grasping the challenging of breaking down the barriers created by partition.

Ending partition would be good for communities and business along the border.

Partition inhibits trade, investment, co-operation and creates a cycle of boom and bust for towns straddling the border.

There will be times when economic and political circumstances and differences between the euro and sterling will favour one side of the border over the other.

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