Crunch talks on agreement under way

Talks between the Taoiseach, the British Prime Minister and politicians from the pro-Agreement parties have got under way today in Hillsborough Castle, Co Down.

The discussions are part of continuing efforts to restore the power-sharing government before the mid-March deadline expires.

Bertie Ahern and Tony Blair are expected to press Sinn Féin for a move on weapons decommissioning which it is hoped would get the suspended institutions up and running again.

Republicans have called on Downing Street to act first on their demands for demilitarisation and the strengthening of policing reforms.

However some unionists have said decommissioning would not be enough. Strangford MLA Lord Kilclooney warned the government this week that, “in the present circumstances, there is no chance of devolution being restored simply by an act of decommissioning”.

He further argued that decommissioning of itself was “not the final solution to the problem of paramilitaries in Northern Ireland”.

“One must be careful in stating that if there is total decommissioning peace has arrived. First, how does one know what total decommissioning is? Secondly, even if it occurred, as we well know, further illegal arms can be imported into Northern Ireland,” he said.

Meanwhile the Rev Ian Paisley, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party has branded today’s talks an as act of "surrender".

“The purpose of Blair’s and Ahern’s meetings is to get the IRA/Sinn Fein back into the government of Northern Ireland. Mr Blair has given the keys of Hillsborough House to IRA/Sinn Fein and the doors are locked against discussion with any Unionist who opposes IRA/Sinn Fein in government,” he said.

SDLP leader Mark Durkan has expressed his optimism that a breakthrough deal to kick-start the institutions is close at hand.

(AMcE)