Sinn Féin plays down deal

SINN Féin yesterday played down the prospect of a deal to restore devolution before an Assembly election and criticised those focusing on making demands of republicans.

Just hours after Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble claimed the IRA had a week to declare an end to paramilitary activity, Sinn Féin chief negotiator Martin McGuinness criticised the focus on republicans.

After a meeting of Sinn Féin's officer board in Omagh, the Mid Ulster MP said: "Our discussions with the two governments and the UUP have focused on the need to secure firm commitments guarantees on the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and the sustainability of the institutions.