Trimble and Adams meet to discuss way forward

Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble and Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams have met for the first time since the suspension of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

They met at Stormont on Monday just a few days after both had talks with Northern Ireland Secretary of State Paul Murphy who has met all the main political parties recently in an effort to find a way forward to reverse the suspension of Northern Ireland's devolved government.

Speaking after the 40-minute meeting last night Mr Trimble said the Sinn Féin leader had suggested that each leader could address the executive of each other’s party as a way to break the stalemate, but he dismissed that as “a stunt.”

Mr Trimble said that no significant developments came out of the meeting but added: “The onus is on the republican movement to move the process forward.”

Meanwhile, Mr Adams, who left today to embark on a six-day fund raising trip to the United States, said he found the meeting useful, but far from conclusive.

Mr Adams is due to meet President Bush's special advisor on Northern Ireland Richard Hass tomorrow, and New Jersey Governor James McGreevey later this week during his stay.

He will also visit Washington, New York, New Jersey, Montreal and Toronto.

During his trip, Mr Adams said he would be urging the Bush administration to help resolve the political quagmire the institutions now face.

The province's institutions were suspended on 14 October following a row over allegations of IRA activity, including alleged spying within the Northern Ireland Office.

(AMcE)