No breakthrough in party leaders' talks
Talks between Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble and his Sinn Féin counterpart Gerry Adams ended tonight without any sign of a breakthrough of a deal to restore devolution.
The discussions, held at a secret location in Belfast, explored issues such as IRA disarmament and a commitment from unionists to support the devolution of policing and justice to the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Alex Maskey a member of Sinn Féin’s negotiating team said the talks would intensify in the days ahead in a bid to reach agreement.
“The fact that Sinn Féin are still meeting with the Ulster Unionists and the two governments is evidence of our commitment to achieving a resolution of the crisis in the political process.”
He said republicans had concerns over the Ulster Unionists’ partial rejection of the two Governments’ Joint Declaration on the way forward.
“We need to see the UUP commit to the transfer of powers on policing and justice and to a human rights and equality agenda.
“That is the focus of our discussions and we expect to see the discussions between the unionists and the governments and ourselves intensify in the coming days.”
The Ulster Unionists were even more tight-lipped about the content of tonight’s discussions.
A UUP spokesman commented: “We are continuing our discussions and at this stage it isn’t possible to forecast any outcome.”
Speculation is increasing that the British government will announce an election this week irrespective of whether an agreement is reached.
Bertie Ahern said today he did not relish the prospect of an election with an agreement to restore devolution.
Speaking at his party’s annual conference, Mr Ahern said he was downbeat about the chances of a breakthrough in talks between the Ulster Unionists and Sinn Féin.
