Government surprise at Trimble threat

The Government has reacted with surprise to David Trimble's shock threat to resign as First Minister if the IRA do not decommission by July 1st.

The Taoiseach was at the weekly cabinet meeting when the announcement was made.

A Government spokesman said they recognise the need for urged progress on all aspects of the Agreement and that includes policing, the North-South ministerial councils, as well as decommissioning.

A spokesman added that after the British election the Government expects all the pro-Agreement parties to come together to work with both governments to over come all remaining obstacles.