Gerry Adams
Sinn Feín leader says he's commmitted to peace
The Sinn Féin National Chairman Mitchell McLaughlin has said it is arguable that David Trimble always had serious doubts about the Good Friday Agreement and that this was evident in his erratic leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party.
Mr McLaughlin said that the republican leadership had to do more to curb street violence in Belfast in order to convince Unionists of their commitment to the peace process.
Earlier, the North's First Minister, David Trimble warned the Irish and British governments that they are facing what he called the last chance to make the Good Friday Agreement work.
He said that there is an onus on the Irish and British governments to ensure that all paramilitary activity ends once and for all.
The Taoiseach, the British Prime Minister and the pro-agreement parties will meet in Hillsborough later this week to discuss ongoing difficulties in the peace process.
Earlier the Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has promised he will play a leading role in trying to end republican violence.
Mr Adams said he was totally committed to bringing about a permanent end to political conflict, including the end of physical force republicanism.
He was speaking at a function to mark the election of party colleague Alex Maskey as Lord Mayor of Belfast.
Mr Adams said he wished to reassure unionists that Irish republicans are absolutely and firmly committed to the peace process.
His comments came just hours after nationalist rioters attacked Protestant homes along a west Belfast peaceline following an Orange Order parade.
