The Taoiseach has told the Dáil he welcomes yesterday's statement by the Sinn Féin TD, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, in which he called on members of his party involved in crime to leave their ranks.
However, Bertie Ahern said it would take more than words to complete the peace process.
Mr Ahern added that he is not interested in demonising Sinn Féin but said there can be no ambiguity, no fudge and no messing.
Meanwhile, the Tánaiste, Mary Harney, has described denials by senior Sinn Féin figures of any involvement in or knowledge of the IRA as 'just a joke'.
Ms Harney said that the Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, did not dream his assertions that Gerry Adams, Martin McGuinness and Martin Ferris were members of the IRA Army Council.
However, she accepted the Taoiseach's statement that none of them had personal knowledge of the matter because none of them had been at an Army Council meeting.
Ms Harney was speaking at the formal launch of the Progressive Democrats by-election campaign.
