North fallout: SF's war of words with PDs hots up

THE dispute over the interpretation of the recent peace plan for the North escalated last night, amid a furious row between the Progressive Democrats and Sinn Féin over IRA commitments not to engage in criminal activity.

In a significant development, the Government last night confirmed that there were no differences of position or emphasis between Fianna Fáil or the PDs on the criminality issue.

And the Government seemed to set a stricter interpretation of the joint document for agreement than that given by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Prime Minister Tony Blair last Wednesday. Government sources said the statements which the Government expected from each party contained in the document would be "required" in order for a comprehensive deal to be agreed. It then suggested they would not be open for negotiation.