Let us look at what has been forthcoming from the British in relation to a year without armed struggle. Minimal reduction in British troop levels, the opening of border roads, the lifting of some exclusion orders, the relaxation of the censorship imposed on IRSP and Sinn Fein spokespersons, and the recent announcement of the re-introduction of 50% remission for political prisoners. Then pose this against the reality of the continuing situation.

The construction of a massive new military barracks in West Belfast; hundreds of arrests and house raids under 'Emergency, Anti-Terrorist' legislation which is still on the statute books; continuing discrimination against the Irish culture and language; political hostages in gaols throughout England that have been denied transfers back to Ireland; no inroads on the question of the release of political prisoners and the forcing through in Nationalist communities of unwanted triumphalist Orange marches by a bigoted, plastic-bullet firing, paramilitary police force who the British state are not part of the problem here, and the refusal by Britain to enter into talks with Republicans.

The INLA have thus far refrained from entering into any dialogue with British government representatives. By their actions, it is obvious that a question mark hangs over their commitment to peace. A vision is needed if this "peace process" is to have any chance of success. This vision is singularly lacking from the British government.

We, for our part, will continue to work to ensure that, despite our political criticism, the "peace process" should run its course unhindered. We renew our support for the political position adopted by the Irish Republican Socialist Party. We wish them every success in their ongoing dialogue with the Irish government and opposition parties.