Confidence in the North's peace process among nationalists is in danger of waning if power-sharing is not restored soon, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams, said today.
Speaking in Armagh this afternoon, just days after the British and Irish governments indicated they wanted to see devolution restored by the end of the year, Mr Adams said implementation should not be delayed until after the marching season, which is soon to get under way in earnest.
As campaigning for the European Parliament elections in June gathers pace, the Sinn Féin leader also warned the governments against adopting proposals emerging from other parties in the North.
"I am very conscious that the continuous shredding of the Agreement may reduce it to the point where nationalists and republicans no longer have any confidence in it as an instrument of change," he said.
He indicated that while "a lot of damage has been done" to nationalist confidence, he welcomed Sunday's commitment by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, and Prime Minster Tony Blair to intensify discussions.
He also acknowledged that the Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionists had moved on their outright refusal to with share power with Sinn Féin while the IRA remains armed and operative.
"We welcome the more positive tone of its pronouncements but the party cannot forever continue to refuse to politically engage in negotiations with Sinn Féin," he said.
He said, however, that the governments should not be hampered in implementing the Agreement in full by DUP tactics. "Citizens rights cannot wait until the DUP accepts the concept of equality."
