Trimble quits talks over IRA claims
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.
The documents’ assessment was also that the UUP was not likely to help a return of the Belfast power-sharing government and parliament, which were stood down in October, ahead of elections due in May. It also noted the continued pressure which came on that party from its rival, the DUP, led by Rev Ian Paisley.
As he left the all-party talks in Belfast, Mr Trimble said he would not be returning and he repeated calls on the IRA to disarm and disband. “The people of Northern Ireland could not understand us continuing to talk in these circumstances,” Mr Trimble said. Northern Secretary Paul Murphy said he regretted the walkout as it also showed the ongoing lack of trust between parties in Northern Ireland.
Politicians on the nationalist side showed their frustration at the latest move by Mr Trimble.
Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said the UUP leader was a serial walk person. “It seems he just walked in so he could walk out,” Mr Adams said.
SDLP leader Mark Durkan said the only way to deal with serious issues was to sit around the table and negotiate. “Perhaps after Christmas, wiser counsel will prevail,” Mr Durkan said.
The North’s power-sharing institutions were put into suspension on October 14 last amid allegations of republican spying within them. February is seen as the practical deadline for reviving them ahead of assembly elections in May.
