Trimble quits talks over IRA claims

UNIONIST leader David Trimble last night walked out of talks aimed at restoring the North’s government and parliament after documents leaked in Dublin said the IRA was still active.

Foreign Affairs Minister Brian Cowen had earlier apologised for what he said was the accidental disclosure of documents after a meeting in Dublin on Wednesday. The Foreign Affairs Department briefing papers also described Mr Trimble’s Ulster Unionist Party as dysfunctional.

“I recognise and greatly regret the potential for complicating the already difficult situation in Northern Ireland which the two governments, with the pro-Agreement parties, are trying to address,” Mr Cowen said. However, he also said the assertion that the IRA was still recruiting and training for potential future paramilitary action was derived from an assessment by the Northern Ireland Office. Mr Cowen said Dublin’s assessment of the IRA was that they had respected their ceasefire, had decommissioned weapons, and were working for a lasting peaceful solution.