Provisional Sinn Fein

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Northern Ireland – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 21 July 1983.

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Photo of Mr James Prior Mr James Prior , Waveney 12:00, 21 July 1983

My reason for refusing to talk to such people is clear, and I wish that this practice was followed by a good many others. Until people renounce violence, they should not be talked to. The problem arises when they represent the views of constituents. In those circumstances, there will be infrequent occasions when, as part of a deputation which perhaps consists of other Members of Parliament or Members of the Assembly, one has to see them. I hope that the clear message will go out from the House that while Provisional Sinn Fein acts unconstitutionally and supports violence, although no charges of violence can be brought against individuals, I hope that nobody will pay any attention to what its members say until they renounce violence.