Globetrotter

Internationalist Adams was also recently in the US, speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations. He said, according to the Belfast Telegraph report, that Ian Paisley would do a far better job of running the north than direct rule ministers, and that Paisley also had a greater understanding of Northern Ireland than did Peter Hain or other British representatives. He also made note of US fundraising restrictions that are still ongoing, noting that “about half” of SF’s fundraising came from the British and Irish governments. The full transcript of his engagement with the CFR is now available. Here is more from Reuters. The Andersonstown News also has a round-up on his US visit:

During his three days at the CGI the Sinn Féin President met former President Bill Clinton and Senator Hillary Clinton, as well as a range of political and business leaders from the US and the developing world.
Speaking on Saturday morning Mr Adams spoke of the need for republicans and unionists to reach out to each other and to face the future together. He told his audience that he didn’t know whether the DUP was prepared to do a deal with Sinn Féin next month but that whatever happens the onus is on the two governments to continue with the process of change.
“Some unionists are still fearful of their nationalist neighbours. They believe that we wish to coerce them into a united Ireland in which they will face the same inequalities and inequities which we did.
“Irish republicans have no desire to follow that path. We are for equality. Equality is for everyone,” he added.

Sinn Fein also carries excerpts from his prepared remarks.

“The principle responsibility for advancing the rights and entitlements of citizens contained in the Good Friday Agreement lies with the two governments. And these cannot be vetoed by the DUP. Next months discussions are not therefore about a choice between Plan A – the restoration of the institutions and the implementation of the Agreement – and Plan B – the two governments agreeing new partnership arrangements to implement human rights, justice, economic, and policing arrangements. What is required is a clear commitment from the two government that they are determined to move ahead whatever happens with a continuous, seamless process of change.”

He also attended, along with Mark Durkan, Reg Empey, Albert Reynolds, Mary Robinson and Tom Arnold (Concern), Clinton’s Global Initiative conference.

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