Time for all private armies to retire, says Ahern

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern yesterday warned that all private armies must retire as time is running out for the completion of a credible peace process.

In advance of a crucial meeting with Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams in Dublin today, Mr Ahern also indicated there was a renewed danger of more violence as the marching season approached.

"There can no longer be an acceptable half-way house between the Armalite and the ballot box. A credible peace process cannot sustain such ambiguity," he said.