THE British Prime Minister last night described the IRA's admission of responsibility for the Lisburn bombing as "sickening". Mr John Major said "So much of what Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness have said in the last two years is nothing less than sickening hypocrisy."
The Prime Minister, in Bournemouth for the Conservative Party conference, indicated that the Sinn Fein president had in recent days been seeking discussions with the British government about the peace process. I hope people will now see the IRA for what they are, and treat their words for what they are worth," Mr Major said.
Speaking to The Irish Times in Bournemouth last night, the Ulster Unionist Party leader, Mr David Trimble, said of the IRA's admission. "Frankly, it was clear from the outset that the Provisional IRA were responsible. Nobody else had the resources. We're not even sure if the Continuity Army Council actually exists. So the admission by the Provisionals is no surprise.
Mr Trimble said the British government "must now make clear that the Provisionals have excluded themselves".
The UUP leader said he hoped the loyalist ceasefire would continue to hold. "I know the leadership wants it to, but so much turns on the attitude the British government takes in the next few days."
It is understood Mr Trimble will meet Mr Major in Bournemouth later today to review the latest developments.
Earlier yesterday, Mr Major made a direct appeal to loyalist paramilitaries "not to be provoked" by the Lisburn bomb attack. He also strongly rejected suggestions that the Northern Ireland talks process should be adjourned until after the British general election.
The Prime Minister called on the Sinn Fein leader, Mr Gerry Adams, to "stop playing public relations tricks" and called on the IRA to re-establish "a dependable ceasefire".
Speaking to Ulster Television, Mr Major said. "I believe what is happening in Northern Ireland is that some people are trying to provoke the loyalists into a response. They wish the loyalists to break their ceasefire so that the IRA can claim they have a mandate to go out and start killing people again.
"My very direct plea to the loyalists is don't be fooled, don't walk into the trap that is being laid for you. Stay away from violence. The only show in town is the peace talks. If they run into a sticky patch we can get over that. But don't return to violence."