Taoiseach condemns 'mindless' bombing of BBC

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern says the bombing of the BBC Television Centre was a mindless act.

He was speaking amid speculation the British Prime Minister Tony Blair will join round table talks aimed at stabilising the peace process later this week.

However, officials are warning the Prime Minister would not be bringing any “ready-made deal”.

A spokesman at number 10 Downing Street is rejecting any suggestion that a Belfast visit would be in response to the weekend bombing of the BBC.

Speaking in Dublin, Mr Ahern was adamant that the security forces are getting to grips with dissidents – with about 20 suspects currently before the courts.