The arrest of three suspected IRA men in Colombia and the expected publication today of the British government's legislation to reform the RUC dominated a meeting yesterday between the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, and SDLP leader, Mr John Hume.
Speaking after the 45-minute meeting in Government Buildings, Mr Hume said it was essential that Sinn Fein immediately clarify its links with the three men detained in Bogota, and, in turn, their links with the FARC guerrillas.
"That is a matter for Sinn Fein. They should clarify it very clearly.
"They should make it very, very clear what this is all about, particularly given that the organisation that they were working with is recognised as international drugs dealers." The incident had caused damaging publicity, he added.
On police reform, he said the SDLP had worked hard to improve British proposals to reform the RUC.
He said the party had already had the chance to see the text to be released today by the Northern Secretary, Dr John Reid, but would have to study it further before offering a final verdict. "We have made considerable progress," he said.
Questioned about his meeting with Mr Ahern, Mr Hume said: "We had a very in-depth discussion on the current situation, particularly in relation to the total implementation of the Good Friday agreement.
"We agreed that we will do everything in our power to honour all aspects of the agreement."
Later, the Fine Gael leader, Mr Michael Noonan, speaking from Co Donegal, joined Mr Hume in calling on all parties to attempt once again to implement all aspects of the agreement.
"An agreement seemed to be close in recent weeks, and the pro-agreement parties should use the platform provided by the imminent publication of the Implementation Document on Policing to recommence negotiation," he said.
