Taoiseach John Bruton and Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams call for all party talks for peace in Northern Ireland.
The Forum for Peace and Reconciliation was established by the Irish government and first met at Dublin Castle on 28 October 1994. Delegates from each political party in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland met for regular sessions to progress peace in Northern Ireland.
The forum session today intended to focus on a review of work over the past eight months. However, the meeting turned into a discussion on the peace process itself, which is at a critical stage. Taoiseach John Bruton visited Dublin Castle for a private meeting with Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams. Following the meeting, the Taoiseach confirmed that the Irish government was continuing to apply pressure on the British to reach a resolution on the issue of prisoners. He said work continues on areas such as policing, decommissioning of arms and having all inclusive talks.
It's only through all inclusive talks that you'll get the sort of agreement that will make the present peace something that will endure not just for one generation but for the rest of time.
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams speaking at the forum warned that there has been a steady deterioration in the peace process. He called for certainty on all party talks and setting a date for when they will take place.
If we don't have all party talks, we don't have a peace settlement and that's disastrous for the people of this island.
US Ambassador to Ireland Jean Kennedy Smith visited the forum and also had a private meeting with Gerry Adams.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 7 July 1995. The reporter is Charlie Bird.
