[Sinn Fein]

23 October 1997

Sinn Fein meet with ICTU

A delegation from Sinn Fein met with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions today for a ``useful and constructive exchange'', according to party Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin.

The Sinn Fein delegation included Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin, General Secretary Lucilita Bhreatnach and Ard Chomhairle member and Trade Union activist Ann Speed. The ICTU delegation consisted of Eddie Browne President, Inez Mc Cormack Vice President, Peter Cassells General Secretary, Terry Carlin Northern Ireland Committee, Frank Bunting Chairperson Northern Ireland Committee and Brendan Macken member of Executive Council.

Speaking following the meeting Mr. McLaughlin said:

``Sinn Fein welcomes todays meeting with the leadership of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. Our discussions were both useful and constructive and centred on a number of issues including the peace process and the economic challenges facing the country.

``There was a comprehensive discussion on the peace process and we offered Sinn Fein's analysis of the current political situation and progress at negotiations in Castle Buildings, Stormont. There was a broad welcome for the decision by ICTU to contribute to the talks process through meetings with the Taoiseach, British Prime Minister and Political Parties. We believe it is imperative that organisations such as ICTU facilitate the involvement of their members and activists fully in the search for peace.

``We also welcomed the inclusion of the peace process in ICTU's priorities for 1997/1998 and the re-constituting of its North/South Working Group.

``We have agreed to continue and develop these discussions over the coming months.''

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