Ahern to brief Bush on peace package

A spokesperson for the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has said he will brief US President George W Bush later today on the package of proposals aimed at saving the Good Friday Agreement.

Mr Ahern will telephone Mr Bush to inform him of the contents of the package.

Speaking from the Galway Races, Mr Ahern said he believes the peace document addresses all of the issues that have created difficulties in the North over the past few years.

"We do think they have the necessary balance and the necessary detail to overcome these difficulties," the Taoiseach said.

"We do understand that everyone can't win on all of these issues, but in a careful examination of them, I think they will see that the balance is correct."

Meanwhile, former First Minister and UUP leader David Trimble said decommissioning is still the main obstacle to peace.

The British-Irish peace document only says that paramilitary disarmament must be dealt with under the auspices of the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning.

Mr Trimble said today: "What has to be done is that the questions de Chastelain has put to republicans have to be answered.

"De Chastelain's report made it clear that for months now, he has been saying to them and continues to say to them 'What do you mean by putting weapons beyond use? When are you going to do it'. It's quite clear that republicans are not co-operating with de Chastelain."

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams has said his party will take a critical approach to the document, but will retain a constructive frame of mind.

He said each issue will be examined to see if the proposals put forward are in line with the Good Friday Agreement. Sinn Fein's ruling council will meet on Friday morning to examine the package.

Elsewhere, DUP leader Ian Paisley described the proposals as "disastrous" and called on Mr Trimble and his negotiating team to resign.

"He ought to hang his head in shame," Mr Paisley said. "This package of measures, if implemented, will strip Northern Ireland of its security apparatus at a time when the paramilitary organisations are on the increase.