Ahern denies not backing Mowlam move

The Taoiseach said it would be "entirely untrue" to suggest that the Government was not supporting the complaint against Sinn Fein instigated by Dr Mowlam. He also said that any "considerations" which he took into account were on the word of the British Prime Minister and not the RUC.

In a brief press conference at the end of the talks session, Mr Ahern said the complaint which had been instigated was very serious and due process had to be followed. That due process would take place today.

"I have listened to what the British Prime Minister has stated in the last week and what the Secretary of State has said to her colleagues. As far as I am concerned, the Irish Government condemns killings utterly in all cases. The rules of democracy and non-violence are the very basis of the process and fundamental to the integrity of the process."

When there was a charge made which demonstrably stated that that had been broken, then the matter had to be taken seriously.

Mr Ahern added that due process would take place today and both governments would listen to what all the parties had to say and the indictment procedure would be followed.

Rejecting Sinn Fein speculation that there were differences between the two governments, he said: "There is no question but that the two governments are working closely together on all of these issues".

It was very regrettable that what should have been a very important stage of the talks, working through Strand Two on North/ South bodies, "has been knocked off course".

"I regret that . . . This process has never been easy. It was never going to be easy and we will continue to work our way through it."

He described as "emotive language" Sinn Fein's assertion that there was a lynch-mob with the British government at the head.

Dr Mowlam said there was no question of a difference "between us and the Irish". There would be a plenary session today and it would be for discussion afterwards "for us to make a decision".