Muted reaction to talk of ceasefire

REACTION was muted at Stormont yesterday to speculation about a renewed IRA ceasefire. Most participants in the talks at Castle Buildings said they would believe it when it happened.

The deputy leader of the SDLP, Mr Seamus Mallon, said he would wait "until it becomes fact". He knew what speculation was, "how it can be nurtured. I know how it can be manipulated."

Mr David Ervine of the Progressive Unionist Party saw no evidence or dynamic" to suggest there would be the opportunity for an immediate IRA ceasefire. "I think everybody is trying to second guess the Provisional IRA and perhaps the Provisional IRA don't even know themselves."

The Northern Secretary, Sir Patrick Mayhew, said "of course there should be a ceasefire" but only the IRA could deliver it. "To permit Sinn Fein to enter the talks, then a ceasefire has to be an unequivocal restoration of the original ceasefire."

He added: "Of course, nobody should be in any doubt at all that a ceasefire that is announced has to be wholly compatible with events on the ground at the time."

The Alliance party leader, Lord Alderdice, said there were many "who felt betrayed" when the IRA broke its ceasefire in February. He hoped the paramilitary organisation would "have some sense" and call a ceasefire.

The Ulster Unionist Party leader, Mr David Trimble, said he had no way of knowing whether there was any substance to the speculation about a ceasefire.

"At the moment it is speculation. I see contrary speculation in the press this week about a renewed IRA bombing in England. You look at these things and you take your choice. I wouldn't attach any significance to either set of speculation until we see something happen."

Earlier Mr Mall on was asked about the Sinn Fein leader's comments that the talks were going nowhere.

"I would welcome Mr Adams's presence," he said.

"Certainly we would welcome his presence here to contribute to this process, rather than having the luxury of sitting outside the political process and criticising it at the same time.

"The real courage would be shown by those who come in and confront the issues rather than those who stay outside and hope that somebody will confront them for them.