A north Belfast loyalist today raised hopes of a permanent end to the Holy Cross school protests.
Mr Jim Potts held out the prospect as a new initiative was launched, aimed at making in-roads in tackling the social problems underlying the bitter sectarian dispute.
The highly-charged daily pickets of the school-run to and from the Catholic school in Ardoyne were suspended just over a week ago after 12 weeks.
But Mr Potts, a spokesman for the Protestant Glenbryn residents who staged the demonstrations, said today's development could result in them being called off for good.
He said: "There's a very good chance of that.
"The reason why we used the word ‘suspended’ was to let the government live up to their obligations."
Mr Potts' comments came after Northern Ireland ministers announced a €200,000 community action programme for north Belfast.
The six-month scheme, launched by First Minister Mr David Trimble, his deputy Mr Mark Durkan and Social Development Minister Mr Nigel Dodds, is part of a deal struck by the Executive last month with the Protestant and Catholic residents of Ardoyne which led to the suspension of the protests.
"North Belfast has serious problems - sectarian violence, unemployment and housing to name but a few. The Executive has a duty to help tackle these issues," Mr Durkan said.
"We recognise that we need to support local communities in dealing with matters of dispute and division including sectarian graffiti, unauthorised flag-flying, the erection of memorials, perceived inequality and other issues that can lead to community tensions."
PA