The Taoiseach and the British prime minister areexpected back in Northern Ireland tomorrow in a last-ditch bid toprevent Mr David Trimble quitting as First Minister of the power-sharing executive.
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The Taoiseach is expected back in Northern Ireland tomorrow in a last-ditch bid to prevent Mr David Trimble from resigning
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Stormont sources indicated today talks have been arranged atHillsborough Castle, Co Down.It is believed the two leaders willmeet Mr Trimble as well as Deputy First Minister Mr Seamus Mallon and Sinn Féin president Mr Gerry Adams.
They are also likely to have talks with smaller pro-Agreementparties.
Sinn Féin is likely to come under renewed pressure over the need tosecure IRA disarmament in a bid to stave off Mr Trimble's resignationon Sunday.
But a source close to London and Dublin said no major breakthroughwas expected. He said:"It is the next stage of the process and points ahead tomore talks next week."
Mr Ahern and Mr Blair spoke by phone today in preparation fortomorrow's meetings.
As well as resolving decommissioning, the governments and NorthernIreland's parties need to achieve an interlocking deal that willaddress nationalist concerns over policing, army bases and Ulster Unionist sanctions against Sinn Féin.
PA