Reynolds reveals secret Shankill talks with Loyalist groups

FORMER Taoiseach Albert Reynolds yesterday revealed he held secret talks with loyalists in their Belfast heartland 10 years ago to secure their ceasefire.

Mr Reynolds confirmed he set foot on the Shankill Road months before the 1994 IRA ceasefire.

In a television interview broadcast in the North, Mr Reynolds said: "In the run-up to the (IRA) ceasefire I had a copy of the statement to be used by the Republican Movement on August 31 at 11am.