No progress on arms issue - Trimble
Republicans are unlikely to cave in to pressure over the next few days for IRA disarmament, Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble claimed tonight.
With nine days before Mr Trimble’s resignation as Northern Ireland First Minister, the prospects of an IRA gesture on arms looked increasingly unlikely as Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness stressed republicans would not bow to unionist demands.
Following a round of talks at Hillsborough, Co Down, involving the British and Irish Governments and the pro-Good Friday Agreement parties, Mr Trimble gave his gloomiest assessment of the ability of the parties to break the deadlock over arms, policing, demilitarisation and the political institutions.
The UUP leader said: ‘‘Unfortunately there is no sign of progress and in our own estimate it will be some time yet until we see republicans beginning to respond to the very clear pressure they are under.
‘‘It is my view, it is my expectation that the issue will be resolved but let’s be quite clear that it can only be resolved in one way.
‘‘Look at what is being said at the moment. Look at the editorials in the paper. Look at the interviews that are being given.
‘‘Can you not see how there is a united front throughout Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, all political parties, commentators saying to republicans: it is time for you to keep your promise?’’
Pressure has been mounting on Sinn Fein from Bertie Ahern and SDLP deputy leader Seamus Mallon to secure movement on arms.
SDLP leader John Hume, whose talks in the early 1990s with Gerry Adams helped bring republicans in from the political cold, became the latest nationalist politician to call for an arms gesture.
Mr Hume said at Hillsborough: ‘‘I would like to make it very clear that all the parties have pledged themselves to totally democratic and peaceful methods.
‘‘There is no need for weapons of any description. They should be got rid of as soon as possible.’’
