Trimble unwilling to 'fudge' Assembly suspension

Ulster Unionist Party leader, David Trimble has said that the responsibility to avert the current political crisis and launch the process of returning power to Stormont rests firmly with Sinn Féin.

In a speech to the Institute of Irish Studies in Liverpool on Tuesday, Mr Trimble said: "The onus for the restoration of the institutions must rest with the paramilitaries, loyalist and republican. A special burden applies to Sinn Féin.

"It was the actions of their counterparts in the IRA which brought about the current crisis. They are the only paramilitary-related party entitled to seats in the Executive."

Mr Trimble's speech comes after a 40-minute meeting with the leader of Sinn Féin, Gerry Adams last night at Stormont.

The two party leaders met to discuss ways in which to bring the current suspension of the institutions to an end, however from responses given afterwards it seems as though little headway was made.

Last month the former secretary of state Dr John Reid suspended the devolved institutions at Stormont after police uncovered evidence of alleged IRA spying.

In his speech Mr Trimble said he hoped the suspension would not drag on. However he added: "If republicans continue to prevaricate, the institutions will remain in cold storage."

He went on to say that having been in and out of office three times, he and his party was not prepared to witness "another fudge".

"I think many republicans understand that the continued existence of the IRA as a standing so-called 'army' is the most significant barrier to political progress.

"As the Prime Minister said at the Harbour's Commissioners' in Belfast last month, the contradictions in the 'Armalite and ballot-box' strategy are apparent to us all."

(AMcE)