Diplomatic chill grows between Ahern and Trimble

The tension on Washington’s Capitol Hill this week escalated a notch when Mr Trimble told waiting reporters at a prize ceremony that the Irish Republic’s recent abortion vote was sectarian.

The comments, which were made on Wednesday, have further cooled relations between the First Minster of the Northern Ireland Executive and the Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

Last Saturday at the Ulster Unionist AGM Mr Trimble described the Republic of Ireland to his party members as a “pathetic, sectarian, mono-cultural and mono-ethnic state".

The comments on the abortion referendum were dismissed by Mr Ahern who said Mr Trimble was “wrong” to describe it in that way.

Mr Durkan, the Deputy First minister said he also disagreed with Mr Trimble's comments. He added: “I like many people in the south and many in the north, take exception to David’s description of the south. I am not surprised that David is not a fan of the southern state. I would not expect him to be but we all have to be careful.”

On Thursday the newly wed Secretary of State John Reid also distanced himself from Mr Trimble’s position.

“The comments made by David Trimble about the Republic of Ireland do not reflect my own view. I do not agree with them and I recognise the vast changes that have taken place in the Republic of Ireland in recent decades - economically, socially and politically," stated Mr Reid.

“I also recognise the constructive role the Irish Government has played as partners in helping us move towards a new Northern Ireland. There are huge difficulties that remain and we will tackle them in partnership with the parties and the Government of the Republic of Ireland.”

Meanwhile, Mr Trimble and Deputy First Minister Mark Durkan held a meeting with the American Secretary of State, General Colin Powell to update him on political developments in Northern Ireland.

Speaking after the hour-long meeting Mr Trimble said: "We were both impressed by General Powell's level of knowledge of the political situation in Northern Ireland. He showed a good understanding of what has been achieved but was also fully aware of the challenges we face. The Secretary of State assured us of the Bush Administration's assistance and expertise where appropriate. We welcome this, as we are keen to learn lessons from others and to draw on best practice models from around the world”.

(AMcE)