It’s worth noting the RTÉ report of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s reaction to the ongoing investigation into the death of Paul Quinn. The implication of the Taoiseach’s reported comments is that it doesn’t matter to Mr Ahern who was involved because “the killing had been condemned by Sinn Féin representatives who had urged people to co-operate with the police.” Although it’s also worth pointing out that the sincerity of those calls would be called into question if, as former SF Councillor Jim McAllister [RealPlayer file] continues to insist, the Provisional IRA were involved. Meanwhile, Sinn Féin’s Alex Maskey has announced that five SF councillors have been told they are under threat from dissidents.. Which reminds me of a point made in this recent analysis of the Process
As such, it appears that Haass’s concerns about dissidents most likely stemmed from his growing relationship with Adams, as officials have admitted that raising the spectre of dissidents was one of Adams’s key negotiating strategies.
The RTÉ report refers to Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s reaction
However Taoiseach Bertie Ahern stated he did not believe the killing would have implications for the peace process.
Speaking in Dublin, Mr Ahern said he did not know what the background of the people involved was, but said the killing had been condemned by Sinn Féin representatives who had urged people to co-operate with the police.