Trimble demands IRA disarmament
Ulster unionist leader David Trimble tonight demanded an end to all paramilitary activity by republicans and complete decommissioning.
After talks in Stormont with Sinn Fein leaders Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness, Mr Trimble told a party meeting in his Upper Bann constituency that he was still waiting for clarification about the IRA’s future.
He told a meeting of the North Lurgan branch of the Upper Bann UUP Association: “The (British) government has rightly pointed out that acts of completion have to include ’an immediate, full and permanent cessation of all paramilitary activity’ (Article 13 of the British and Irish governments joint declaration).
“That permanency would have to be demonstrated in both words and deeds.
“For almost a year we have been waiting for clarification from Sinn Féin as to the future status of their armed wing.
“We are still waiting.
“Acts of completion also necessarily means a completion to decommissioning.
“We need to be sure that this is going to proceed to a full conclusion. So the situation requires not a mere gesture towards decommissioning but decisive action in a context where we can see an end point.”
Mr Trimble’s comments were the first public statements he has made since two meetings this week with Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams.
Devolution was suspended in Northern Ireland last October over allegations of an IRA intelligence gathering operation at Stormont.
The British and Irish governments and the Northern Ireland party have urged republicans to begin moves to stand down their paramilitary wings.
Mr Trimble’s comments appeared to sour the political climate in the wake of his meeting today with the Sinn Féin leadership.
Sinn Féin chief negotiator Martin McGuinness had claimed that there was a real sense of engagement going on between both parties.
However the party’s national chairman Mitchel McLaughlin said he was disappointed but not surprised by the UUP leader’s remark.
The former Foyle Assembly member said: “I am disappointed but not surprised at the defensive tone of Mr Trimble’s comments.
“Earlier this week Gerry Adams urged the British and Irish Governments to be ’reasonable and rational’ about what could be achieved in the coming weeks.
“Perhaps Mr Trimble should heed that advice also and recognise just how much common ground exists.”
