Blair 'must put pressure on paramilitaries'

BRITISH Prime Minister Tony Blair must prove he is the guardian of the peace process this week by bringing pressure to bear on republican paramilitaries to implement a "clear and unambiguous" ceasefire, David Trimble said yesterday.

The Northern Ireland First Minister said it was Mr Blair’s responsibility to prevent republican violence continuing in Belfast, four-and-a-half years on from the Good Friday Agreement.

Mr Blair or Northern Secretary John Reid are expected to make a statement on the peace process before the Commons rises for the summer recess on Wednesday.