HC Deb 20 January 1994 vol 235 c780W
20. Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the prospects for peace in the Province.

Sir Patrick Mayhew

The prospects for peace are principally governed by the future conduct of Sinn Fein/Provisional IRA. The joint declaration provides a balanced framework for democracy. It promotes the interests and aspirations of all sections of the community in Northern Ireland while compromising no essential principle. It provides a clear opportunity for Sinn Fein to become fully involved in democratic politics. It is now up to it first to renounce violence and to do so for good.