NO "formal approach" has yet been made by the Irish and British governments to Mr George Mitchell, the former US senator, to play a role in the Northern Ireland peace talks, The Irish Times has confirmed. Sources close to Mr Mitchell said it was now clear that any approach to him would have to come after today's election. He would also want time to consider whatever role was being offered to him.
Meanwhile, the White House spokesman, Mr Mike McCurry, last night expressed "concern" that the IRA ceasefire had not yet been reinstated. Asked if the administration was disappointed that Sinn Fein had not so far been able to influence the IRA on this Mr McCurry said the US was concerned that Sinn Fein, which was taking part in the election and needed to have a place at the negotiating table, might be denied its place because of this.
"It is of very great concern to us if the ceasefire is not reinstated, because the threat then remains of unnecessary and tragic acts of violence, and that is exactly what the peace process is trying to prevent."
The administration would therefore "encourage Sinn Fein to use all its influence on the IRA so that the peace talks will indeed be all party talks".
The British Foreign Secretary, Mr Malcolm Rifkind, warned here, yesterday that there would be "no place for Sinn Fein" at the talks if the IRA ceasefire was not reinstated. Answering questions at the National Press Club, he warmly thanked President Clinton for his full support for this position.
The Sinn Fein president, Mr Gerry Adams, last night addressed an invited audience of politicians "and Irish residents in Washington on a live TV link from Belfast. His address "to the diaspora" was also transmitted to cities across the US, and Canada.
An editorial in yesterday's New York Times, headed "Critical Days for Northern Ireland", stated that there had not been "a better opportunity in a generation to settle the Irish conflict". Praising Mr Adams, who had "worked hard to bring peace to his homeland", the editorial said that the "next move" was up to the IRA. Mr Adams could not take the next step "without the help of the IRA".
Referring to the threat by the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, Mr David Trimble, to bring down Mr John Major's government, the editorial said he was "bluffing".
It also called for Mr Mitchell to be given "a central role in the peace talks, possibly chairing the plenary sessions when all the delegations meet together".