Gene McKenna, writing in the Belfast Telegraph notes the effects of the McCartney affair on the St. Patrick's Day goings on in Washington.
Bertie Ahern noted that, Rob McCartney's murder had become "a world issue." He said quite bluntly, after meeting with American officials and representatives of America's diaspora community that
The unequivocal message to the IRA in the clearest terms throughout the week has been: "Your time is up."
....
Irish-America, the Taoiseach said, had made its position quite clear. They wanted to see the [Good Friday] Agreement fully implemented but "they don't want to see us back here again next year with a few items still on the agenda."
He warned that if they did not see action on the outstanding issues, the "icy reception" Sinn Fein had received this week could turn into "total exclusion" - something he had always opposed.
Catherine McCartney, after meeting with President Bush noted that the "romantic vision" of the IRA long cherished in the diaspora community had been "damaged if not dispelled" during their visit to America.
The strongest remarks from any American official came from Sen. John McCain. In a "hard-hitting" speech at the American-Ireland Fund dinner, "he told the Provisional movement it was time for them to go away."
Read the whole thing here.
Sorry bout that Gerry, you guys brought all this on yourselves.
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