Bush urges Adams to show leadership
US President George Bush telephoned Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams on Sunday in a second bid to foster a lasting power-sharing deal in Northern Ireland.
The President called Dr Ian Paisley, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, on Friday, and encouraged the two groups to “get a deal done”.
The deal reportedly includes verifiable IRA weapons decommissioning – possibly before Christmas – with Catholic and Protestant clergymen to witness the process.
Scott McClellan, White House spokesman, said Mr Bush conveyed his support for the peace process and Anglo-Irish deal backed by Tony Blair and Irish counterpart, Bertie Ahern.
Mr Bush urged Mr Adams to provide leadership to move the process forward,’ McClellan said.
The President made the call on his flight back from his ranch in Texas, where he had spent Thanksgiving.
In a statement, Mr Adams said he thanked the President for his interest and briefed him on Sinn Fein’s twin objectives – to get the DUP on board and ensure the British Government remains faithful to the Good Friday Agreement.
“I told him that we may need the help of the White House to deliver these requirements,” he said.
“Irish America, the Bush administration and the previous Clinton administration have been very helpful throughout the peace process. We look forward to a continuation of the positive involvement of the US in the Irish peace process.”
Earlier, Mr Adams told the BBC he believed the DUP was willing to sign up to the deal to restore devolution in Northern Ireland.
But Mr Adams said agreement was close but dependent on whether Dr Paisley was willing to engage in direct talks.
Although people were “hugely sceptical” that Dr Paisley would do a deal, Mr Adams said “I think he will do a deal.
“But there is a responsibility on the British Government to press ahead with the Irish Government on all the outstanding aspects of the Agreement.”
A tentative Tuesday deadline has been set for Sinn Fein and the DUP to commit to a new power-sharing deal.
Dr Paisley, MP for North Antrim, is to meet General John de Chastelain, head of the decommissioning body, to discuss IRA disarmament on Monday.
The 78-year-old is penned in to meet Mr Blair the following day.
Meanwhile, Mr Adams flanked by deputy Martin McGuinness will hold talks with Hugh Orde, Northern Ireland’s chief constable, today.
The gathering with be hosted by the Prime Minister at Downing Street.
