Ahern and Blair divided on nuclear plant controversy

Differences between the Irish and British governments over plans for a controversial development at the Sellafield nuclear plant in Cumbria were highlighted when the leaders of the two countries met today.

Britain intends to build a mixed oxide facility at the nuclear waste disposal complex, but it was clear that Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and British Prime Minister Tony Blair had agreed to differ on the issue during talks at Dublin Castle.

The divisions were emphasised when the two men led delegates at the first meeting proper of the British-Irish Council since it was set up more than three years ago as part of the Good Friday agreement on Northern Ireland.

Mr Blair stressed at a later news conference that any fears about the new MOX plant had to be based on firm evidence, which he claimed had yet to be presented.

‘‘It is important that we proceed according to evidence. But that is not to say we do not understand at all, or we do not listen.

‘‘It has been forcibly expressed to me today.’’

The British Prime Minister added: ‘‘If anyone was at risk, the people at risk would be British - as well as Irish.’’

Mr Ahern said: ‘‘I re-stated the Irish Government position, and the Prime Minister is familiar with it.

‘‘It is a serious issue of concern to the Irish people, both north and south. The MOX plant, in particular is a further agitation of what we believe.’’

Ireland has already pledged to contest Sellafield in the European Court and at are challenging the project under United Nations laws.

Today’s British-Irish Council meeting went ahead after a series of postponements generated by failures to advance the Ulster peace process.

The breakthrough came with last month’s historic move towards disarmament by the IRA and subsequent re-election of Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble as First Minister of the Northern Ireland Executive.

After today’s meeting Mr Blair highlighted his ‘‘joy’’ at the turn in circumstances that had permitted the staging of the council meeting only the second of its kind.

It enabled the two leaders to range over a number of agenda items not directly linked to the situation in Northern Ireland - such as ways of dealing with the common threat of drugs trafficking.

Other issues on the agenda involved the environment, social inclusion, transport and the knowledge economy.

There was also a discussions on a controversy generated by bombings in Dublin and Monaghan dating back more than 25 years.

Today’s meeting was also attended by Scottish Assembly First Minister Jack McConnell and his Welsh counterpart Rhodri Morgan as well as senior representatives from the Isle of Man and Channel Island administrations, as well as other members of the Irish government and the Northern Ireland executive.