Rebel unionist questions monitoring body 'guts'

An Ulster Unionist MP today expressed cynicism about whether a proposed body for monitoring paramilitary ceasefires would have the guts to put Sinn Féin out of government over IRA activity.

Rebel South Antrim MP David Burnside, who has defied the party leadership in a row over policy by resigning the UUP whip at Westminster, dismissed reports that Tony Blair could downgrade the Irish Government’s rule on the four-man commission to help David Trimble fend off his critics in the party.