ADDITIONAL NOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES (CONTACTS WITH SINN FEIN ETC)
What contacts/negotiations, direct or indirect?
There has been none; I believe that Hon members will understand the great value that I attach to their being able to place their trust in me.
An undertaking there will be no contacts in future?
There are no negotiations with those who commit acts of terrorism. As my rt hon Friend the Prime Minister said in this House earlier this week (15 January 1991, Col 730) the Government has taken, and will continue to take the consistent position that terrorism should not be rewarded.
What about intermediaries/indirect contacts?
There have been no negotiations, direct or indirect. There have of course been many people, such as journalists, who speak to Minister and others in my Department, who may also speak to those who support terrorism; that is unavoidable, but in no sense amounts to negotiation.
What about contacts with Sinn Fein?
Our position in relation to Sinn Fein, so long as they condone violence, is well established and understood. They chose not play a full part in the political process. They have an elected Member of this House, but he has chosen not to take his seat. They have elected representatives on councils in Northern Ireland, so it is inevitably the case that very limited contact will from time to time occur with them, but I have to tell the House there are great difficulties in dealing on a normal democratic footing with such people.
Ceasefire/in what circumstances/on what conditions would contact/negotiations be authorised?
My/the Government's position is very clear. Violence is futile, can never be allowed to succeed, and will always be met with a firm and resolute response. Only a final renunciation of violence would open the way for those who have espoused it to seek a role in the peaceful political life of the community.
Talks always better than guns or bombs - so why no contact?
You cannot negotiate on political issues with people who continue to use of threaten violence to make their argument.
JEN/L/1/26/21224
