merrion street

"I note the release of the President of Sinn Fein, Gerry Adams, following four days of questioning by the PSNI as part of their investigation into the murder of Jean McConville.

Now that the PSNI have determined that a file should be sent to the Public Prosecution Service we must await the outcome of these deliberations.

I call on all parties to respect this process and to refrain from further comment or speculation. This is a week to reaffirm commitment to the PSNI and to the democratic institutions in Northern Ireland.

We should be sensitive in particular to the McConville family whose loss was so vividly and publicly recalled this week, as were the families who lost loved ones in Ballymurphy and in the La Mon Hotel.

These events are a reminder that more needs to be done, not least in addressing the needs of those who were bereaved or suffered loss during the Troubles.

I call on all parties now to demonstrate a renewed commitment to resolving the outstanding issues discussed in the Haass talks. This continues to offer the best means of addressing the outstanding issues of parades, flags and dealing with the legacy of the past.

I have spoken with the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Theresa Villiers and I know that both governments are committed to supporting this work to the full".