Britain and Ireland wrestle with Trimble threat

The British and Irish Governments were today planning their next move in the peace process as concern mounted that they may not be able to resolve the arms issue ahead of David Trimble’s resignation as Northern Ireland First Minister.

With the Ulster Unionist leader threatening to stand down from the power sharing executive on Sunday if there is not sufficient disarmament by the IRA, pessimism is growing in Stormont about the ability of the Governments to persuade the terror group to disarm over the next six days.