Trimble 'sceptical' government proposals will end stalemate

The UUP leader David Trimble has said he is "sceptical" that a government paper expected to circulate around the parties this week will resolve political stalemate in the province.

Speaking at the party's annual conference in Newcastle at the weekend, Mr Trimble said that any proposals to restore devolution would fail unless it contained provisions for republicans to join the Policing Board, so removing the need for "the IRA as a private army". It is understood that the paper will be sent to the DUP and Sinn Fein on Wednesday or Thursday.

It is thought that one key proposal will call for a change in the way in which the First and Deputy First Ministers are elected - the DUP has refused to engage in the established procedure as it may mean backing a Sinn Fein candidacy.

The paper may also set out proposals on decommissioning and the devolving of justice and security powers to the assembly.

Mr Trimble said: "We have advised government that they first nail down republicans. There must be genuine acts of completion that satisfactorily resolve decommissioning and paramilitary issues. Without that prospect, there will be no progress. With it, there is something to do and we will be ready."

In an upbeat speech aimed at reinvigorating the party's grassroots support, Mr Trimble dismissed criticisms that the UUP was in decline, claiming it was looking to add to its tally of five MPs in four "winnable" constituencies.

He also warned that, should the DUP make further gains at next year's parliamentary elections, the prospects for unionism would be grim.

"Five years of their sourness will do unaccountable damage to the Union. Unionism cannot afford a representation that will make Gerry Adams appear good before the court of English public opinion," Mr Trimble said.

The UUP leader told delegates that by opposing, then accepting the core elements of the agreement, the DUP created deep divisions within the unionism.

Mr Trimble reiterated his view that the DUP's negotiating strategy had "let republicans away in the smoke".

(gmcg/sp)