Opinion poll finds strong support for the government to continue discussions with Sinn Féin.
With the peace process in the balance, an opinion poll published in The Irish Times shows that 62 per cent of Irish voters believe that the government should continue to negotiate with Sinn Fein.
The poll was carried out by TNS MRBI on behalf of the Irish Times and took place before the IRA issued an official statement denying any involvement in the Northern Bank robbery. Even before the statement was issued, 47 per cent of respondents believed that the IRA was responsible. 19 per cent believed that the IRA was not responsible and 34 per cent indicated that they did not know.
The poll shows strong support for Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to continue negotiations with Sinn Féin. Sixty two per cent of respondents said the Irish and British governments should continue to talk to Sinn Féin. Twenty six per cent of respondents were in favour of suspending talks until the government can be sure that the IRA has ended all criminal activity.
The poll also shows that the electorate is equally split on Sinn Féin participation in government.
Thirty nine per cent said that they would find it acceptable for Sinn Féin to serve in a coalition government. The same number found that prospect unacceptable.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 22 January 2005. The reporter is Vivienne Traynor.
