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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Ira Supporters May Take Part In Election

Compiled From Wire Services

Despite serious reservations, Irish Republican Army supporters may take part in a British-proposed election to choose negotiators for peace talks in Northern Ireland, Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams indicated Saturday.

Adams was responding to British Prime Minister John Major’s announcement of May 30 elections in Northern Ireland to seat an assembly that will appoint delegates for June 10 peace negotiations.

“Our preference would be to boycott both the election and the elected body. However, we live in the real world,” Adams said at the Sinn Fein party’s annual conference, adding that the party would discuss its elections strategy further today.

To Sinn Fein, an election in the British-ruled province amounts to accepting Northern Ireland, and its British Protestant majority, as a political reality before negotiations on its future even begin - something the party is loath to do.