Criminals are no barrier to peace, says PM
Thursday, 21 February 2008
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Gordon Brown has insisted criminals will not be allowed to derail the peace process despite claims of growing concerns about the stability of devolution.
The Prime Minister told MPs he wanted to "send out a message" that progress would not be stopped by dissidents.
But, during questions in the Commons, he side-stepped calls to set out how he would deal with any party linked to criminal activity.
North Belfast DUP MP Nigel Dodds said serious allegations of IRA involvement in the murder of Paul Quinn had cast a shadow over the stability of devolved institutions.
"Will the Prime Minister reiterate the commitment already given that if any party, in this case Sinn Fein, is found to be in default, that he will not punish all of the parties in Northern Ireland but he will ensure devolution continues?"
Mr Brown said: "There is no evidence that IRA people are involved but of course that has got to be investigated in full.
"No criminals should be allowed to derail a peace process that has got the support of millions in Northern Ireland."
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