Paisley comments boost powersharing hopes

Hopes that powersharing in the North could be restored in March have been boosted today after Ian Paisley spelt out what he expected from Sinn Féin.

Downing Street welcomed comments from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader in response to a warning from Northern Secretary Peter Hain that there was only one date for the restoration of devolution - March 26 - and it would not be pushed back.

In a letter to unionist, nationalist and cross community party leaders, Mr Hain stressed: "There is only one chance to get devolution up and running and that is March 26. Everyone involved needs to understand that."

Mr Hain's reminder came two days after Sinn Féin's 56-member national executive approved plans for an Árd Fheis in Dublin on January 28 involving 2,000 members to consider supporting the police in the North for the first time in republican history.

Republican support for the Police Service of Northern Ireland is seen as critical to Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and British Prime Minister Tony Blair's plan to revive powersharing by March 26.

The Democratic Unionist Party will not form a powersharing administration involving Sinn Féin without it.

Mr Paisley also made it clear that his party expected Sinn Féin to demonstrate on the ground its support for the police, the courts and the rule of law if there was to be devolved government by March 26.

"If a government cannot be formed on March 26 because Sinn Féin fails to deliver it will be clear Sinn Fein alone is to blame," the North Antrim MP said.

Downing Street interpreted Mr Paisley's remarks as a clear signal that he was prepared to enter into a power-sharing administration with Gerry Adams' party if republicans publicly endorsed the police and proved they meant it.

Mr Blair's official spokesman said: "Dr Paisley's comments put alongside the outcome of the Sinn Féin ard chomhairle at the weekend confirmed the prime minister in his view that it is possible to arrive at the situation where we will have full support for the police and the powersharing by March 26."