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17/07/2002
Trimble calls for caution over IRA apology
David Trimble has issued a warning over yesterday's IRA apology statement, saying that the government could create a "dangerous situation" if it uses it to absolve its responsibility to the province in the event of IRA ceasefire breaches.
In a statement carried in the republican newspaper An Phoblacht on Tuesday, the IRA apologised to the civilian victims and relatives of its campaign of violence, on the anniversary of one of the province's worst terrorist atrocities.
The statement was welcomed – albeit cautiously – by most political parties, with a spokesperson for the Prime Minister describing it as "useful", while Northern Ireland Secretary, De John Reid, called it "an apology of unprecedented strength".
However, speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Mr Trimble said that it was "significant" that the statement made no reference of more recent violence that the IRA had played a hand in, and nothing referring to what "their future conduct would be".
However, Mr Trimble's fears were refuted by Sinn Fein MP Martin McGuinness, who is currently on a visit to the US. Speaking to the BBC, he said that the statement provided a "powerful contribution" to the peace process, adding that he realised there would be "a minority" who would remain sceptical about the move. (CL)
In a statement carried in the republican newspaper An Phoblacht on Tuesday, the IRA apologised to the civilian victims and relatives of its campaign of violence, on the anniversary of one of the province's worst terrorist atrocities.
The statement was welcomed – albeit cautiously – by most political parties, with a spokesperson for the Prime Minister describing it as "useful", while Northern Ireland Secretary, De John Reid, called it "an apology of unprecedented strength".
However, speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Mr Trimble said that it was "significant" that the statement made no reference of more recent violence that the IRA had played a hand in, and nothing referring to what "their future conduct would be".
However, Mr Trimble's fears were refuted by Sinn Fein MP Martin McGuinness, who is currently on a visit to the US. Speaking to the BBC, he said that the statement provided a "powerful contribution" to the peace process, adding that he realised there would be "a minority" who would remain sceptical about the move. (CL)
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06 May 2003
Empey challenges DUP to publish alternative proposals
Former Economy Minister Sir Reg Empey has challenged the DUP to publish their detailed proposals for ‘A Fair Deal’. In a statement, the UUP councillor said that now the Joint Declaration had been published - and with an IRA statement imminent - the time was right to see what alternatives the DUP could offer.
Empey challenges DUP to publish alternative proposals
Former Economy Minister Sir Reg Empey has challenged the DUP to publish their detailed proposals for ‘A Fair Deal’. In a statement, the UUP councillor said that now the Joint Declaration had been published - and with an IRA statement imminent - the time was right to see what alternatives the DUP could offer.
18 April 2003
Adams claims IRA response is ‘unparalleled’
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has told a meeting of party members that the IRA statement issued to the British and Irish governments contained elements that were “unparalleled” in republican history. Mr Adams attending a meeting held in a Newry hotel maintained that the IRA statement was both “clear and unambiguous”.
Adams claims IRA response is ‘unparalleled’
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has told a meeting of party members that the IRA statement issued to the British and Irish governments contained elements that were “unparalleled” in republican history. Mr Adams attending a meeting held in a Newry hotel maintained that the IRA statement was both “clear and unambiguous”.
07 May 2003
UUP called IRA bluff claims Trimble
UUP leader, David Trimble, has claimed that his party called the IRA's bluff by proving that they "were not prepared to engage in acts of completion".
UUP called IRA bluff claims Trimble
UUP leader, David Trimble, has claimed that his party called the IRA's bluff by proving that they "were not prepared to engage in acts of completion".
20 September 2001
Trimble increases pressure on IRA to decommission
As the time for nominations to the Police Board to be posted runs out, pressure has been increasing on the IRA to announce actual decommissioning of weapons.
Trimble increases pressure on IRA to decommission
As the time for nominations to the Police Board to be posted runs out, pressure has been increasing on the IRA to announce actual decommissioning of weapons.
07 August 2001
UUP dismiss IICD report and peace blueprint
Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble’s response to the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) report has been to again reiterate that the IRA must put its arms beyond use and must decommission its weapons.
UUP dismiss IICD report and peace blueprint
Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble’s response to the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) report has been to again reiterate that the IRA must put its arms beyond use and must decommission its weapons.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
