Sinn Fein 'hypocrites' claim unionists

Issue of demilitarisation has provoked intense debate

Unionists have accused Sinn Fein of hypocrisy over the issue of demilitarisation in Northern Ireland.

On Thursday, Sinn Fein assemblyman Gerry Kelly said the government needed to deliver more on policing and the scaling down of security if the current political impasse was to be broken.

But unionists have dismissed his claims.

Mr Kelly said talks between Sinn Fein and the British Government aimed at finding a way forward had broken down.

Gerry Kelly said talks aimed at finding a way forward had broken down

He claimed government policy was being dictated by what he called "militarists".

But the Ulster Unionist Party security spokesman Ken Maginnis said the dangers of dissident republicans could not be ignored and that the government must stand firm on security.

Mr Maginnis said he hoped that Downing Street would "not capitulate to this implied threat from what Mr Kelly has to say".

Meanwhile, the Democratic Unionist Party's security spokesman, Gregory Campbell, said it was now time for the republican movement to make concessions.

Mr Campbell said: "Well I suppose it again illustrates the sickening hypocrisy that has become the hallmark of Sinn Fein.

"They accuse others of being militarists when it is the military wing of their organisation for 30 years that has brought about the Northern Ireland we have today."

Government sources have said whatever Sinn Fein's difficulties, they will have to be discussed again in the New Year.

Relations between the British Government and Sinn Fein have been strained in recent months because of republican disappointment at policing reforms and the pace of demilitarisation.

Unionists have also been angry at the IRA's handling of the disarmament issue.

First Minister David Trimble has banned Sinn Fein ministers from attending official cross-border meetings to try to force the IRA to "substantially re-engage" with the body overseeing decommissioning.