SF needs to use conference to reflect: Long

12.00.00am GMT Fri 4th Mar 2005

ALLIANCE has said that Sinn Féin must use their annual conference to reflect on the direction the Republican Movement is going in.

Alliance's East Belfast Assembly member Naomi Long stated:

"There is a dark cloud hanging over Sinn Féin's annual conference, and I would hope that it would be used to reflect on where republicanism is going. Allegations about bank robberies, money laundering and murder have led to many people wondering if the Republican Movement is serious about moving forward using only peaceful and democratic methods.

"All the other parties in these islands are waiting for Sinn Féin to resolve the issue of criminality and paramilitary activity, and if republicans want to convince the rest of us that they are moving towards a shared understanding of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, they need to start a debate now."