Trimble demands explanation over 'IRA weapons' haul

David Trimble today demanded an explanation from republicans over an arsenal of suspected IRA weapons discovered in Belfast.

The Ulster Unionist Leader said the haul of pistols, ammunition and explosive parts uncovered by the security forces had a huge significance for the future of the peace process.

Addressing the Sinn Fein leadership he said: “What is going on? What are you up to? You tell us you want to pursue peace and politics so why is this happening?

“Why are members of the mainstream IRA engaged in preparation for violence?”

An arms cache discovered in a warehouse beside a bar in the nationalist Lower Ormeau Road area included an assault rifle, six handguns, five timer power units and a large quantity of ammunition.

Police chiefs said the weapons were ready for use and linked them to the provisional IRA.

Mr Trimble said the find called into question Sinn Fein’s commitment to bring about IRA disarmament and acts of completion.

“Are you really preparing the ground for the acts of completion that we talked about at Hillsborough?” he said.

The Ulster Unionist chief is expected to meet the Sinn Fein leadership in the next few days and he said he would be putting these questions directly to them.

Mr Trimble also called on chief constable Hugh Orde to make public the type of weapons, their country of origin and date of manufacture.

“All of these things should be available to him from simple examination of the pistols.

“Put this information into the public domain,” he added.

Police are continuing to question three men arrested on Saturday night in connection with the arms find.