A MILESTONE for the Northern peace process will be set down today when the British and Irish governments, along with the major Northern Ireland parties, launch complex and fragile negotiations in Belfast to seek a broad political settlement.
The long awaited peace talks will open with the rare advantage of a strong international dimension, but with the critical drawback that - barring a last minute IRA ceasefire - Sinn Fein will be excluded for the moment.
The former US Senator, Mr George Mitchell, appointed by the two governments as independent chairman, will face an immediate challenge to his role from unionist leaders, who will mount a joint onslaught on the procedural arrangements drafted by the governments.
Nine parties and both governments will be represented at the first plenary session of the talks, at Castle Buildings in the grounds of Stormont at 2 p.m. today.
The Taoiseach and the British prime minister will formally open the proceedings before handing over to Senator Mitchell, whose introductory remarks may provide a pointer to how he plans to bridge the threatened rifts and make the process inclusive and harmonious.
In spite of further appeals at the weekend, there was no indication last night that the IRA will reinstate its ceasefire in time to open the way for Sinn Fein to join the talks this afternoon.
The Sinn Fein president, Mr Gerry Adams, in a newspaper article this morning, declares that he feels cheated "that Irish Republicans, who have worked so hard for peace, are being locked out of negotiations".
Although Sinn Fein has welcomed the appointment of Senator Mitchell and acknowledged the "potentially positive" nature of the procedural elements, it has maintained its demand for inclusion as of right, on the basis of its electoral mandate.
Mr Adams is expected to lead all 17 of his party's elected delegates to the gates of the talks venue today, where they will make a ritual protest when they acre turned away.
The Northern Minister for Political Development, Mr Michael Ancram, conceded yesterday that even an 11th hour cessation announcement by the IRA, provided it is unequivocal, would be enough to secure admission for Sinn Fein. Unionists have already rejected that concept.
The eve of the ground breaking multi party talks was marked by a flurry of political meetings and exchanges in Belfast. The Tanaiste, Mr Spring, travelled to Stormont for preparatory discussions with the Northern Secretary, Sir Patrick Mayhew, and Senator Mitchell.
The leaders of the two main unionist parties and Mr Robert McCartney of the minority UK Unionist party met to discuss a joint strategy, but revealed no details of their plans. They are to have a further meeting this morning.
The unionist lenders also met Senator Mitchell at his Belfast hotel, but their statements afterwards appeared to indicate a hardening of their opposition to his role. The UUP accused the governments of trying to dictate the agenda and procedures for the talks. The DUP leader, the Rev Ian Paisley, is certain to make a formal and vociferous protest at the opening session.
The British Prime Minister, Mr Major, admitted yesterday that the path ahead was far from straightforward, and conceded that the opening plenary session could go on over several days or weeks.
The Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, said the challenge was to overcome the legacy of history, to heal the divisions which have resulted, and to remove the causes of conflict.