No substantive progress in talks – Adams

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD is in Stormont Castle today with Michelle O’Neill and the Sinn Féin negotiating team. The Irish and British governments are there also. The DUP is not.

Speaking this morning Gerry Adams said:

“Unionism is at a crossroads. The DUP needs to decide whether and when it will rise to the challenges of this time and work in genuine partnership with nationalists and republicans, and all sections of our society, on the basis of equality and respect. For everyone.

“Regrettably, thus far in the talks process there has been no substantive progress across all of the key issues that are at the core of the current impasse.

“Martin McGuinness set the tone for the current phase of negotiations when he said that there can be no return to the status quo.

“The DUP’s approach thus far has been to engage in a minimalist way on all of the key issues, including legacy issues; an Irish Language Act; a Bill of Rights; and marriage equality.

“They have been reinforced in this by the British Government’s stance. This is unacceptable and a matter of grave concern.

“I am sure this concern is shared by the Irish government. The Taoiseach knows that he is the co-equal guarantor, with the British PM, of the Good Friday and other Agreements. People across this island need to see the Taoiseach standing up for these agreements.

“For our part Sinn Féin wants to see the institutions up and working for everyone. We are not looking special favours or privileges for anyone. The terms for the re-establishment of the institutions are clear. They threaten no one.

“Sinn Féin is up for building a pluralist rights based society as set out in numerous agreements. Is the DUP?”