The Sinn Fein leader outlined the history of progress toward implementation of the "Good Friday" agreement signed in April 1998 by his party and several Unionist parties. Since the signing, the Unionists have attempted to put the demand for a decommissioning of arms by the Irish Republican Army before all other stages in the agreement.

The Unionists' refusal to implement the agreement was never about disarming by the IRA, Doherty said. "It is the establishment of equality for Catholics and the all-Ireland concept that is terrifying to the Unionists."

A meeting participant asked Doherty about a report on the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) issued from the agreement. The report is unclear on the future of the pro-British police force, Doherty reported. "At the end of the day, does this report disband the RUC? If it does, it's a good report. If not, it's worthless." This is a fundamental issue, he emphasized. "Every single nationalist in Northern Ireland can tell you personal stories of dealings with the RUC. This force has to be got rid of."

The nationalist leader described the many potential pitfalls for process in the next several months. But he predicted that the Unionists will have no choice but to move to change their party policy of "no guns, no government."  
 
 
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