State Papers: Sinn Féin secretly met with Ulster Unionists amid deadlocked peace process

(Left to right) Sinn Féin's Gerry Kelly and Martin McGuinness in 2004. Both privately met the Minister for Enterprise and UUP member of the Legislative Assembly, Reg Empey, along with another UUP colleague, Chris McGimpsey in 2001. Photo: AP/Roman Koszowski

Secret meetings were held between a small group of senior Sinn Féin and Ulster Unionist Party representatives in Stormont during 2001 at a time when progress in the peace process seemed deadlocked, confidential documents have revealed.

State papers show the Minister for Enterprise and UUP member of the Legislative Assembly, Reg Empey, along with another party colleague, Chris McGimpsey met privately each week with Sinn Féin deputy leader, Martin McGuinness and his MLA colleague, Gerry Kelly.