Comments of Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP - 9 October 1997

Mr. Adams said:

"I welcome the opportunity to affirm these principles on behalf of Sinn Féin.

"We recognise that this is an important gathering. It is an important step in the search for a lasting peace on this island.

"It is a matter of some regret that it has taken so long to get here. We need to be absolutely focussed in moving with all speed into substantive issues. That is our party's commitment.

"Our party has outlined our position in our submission to the International Body. Sinn Féin's attitude goes much further than the Mitchell Principles. Unfortunately the British government narrowed the brief of the Mitchell Commission.