A WELL INFORMED source with access to the republican viewpoint said there was some merit to the reports that the IRA was considering calling a new and perhaps permanent ceasefire.
The Northern politician said that ceasefires or conventions were not matters which the IRA gave "a month's notice about". But nonetheless he understood from his contacts that the renewal of the ceasefire was a matter that was being seriously addressed by the IRA leadership.
Meanwhile, the Sinn Fein general secretary, Ms Lucilita Bhreatnach, yesterday "categorically rejected claims" that this year's Sinn Fein Slogadh, or Irish language conference, in early October "will be a cover for an IRA convention".
"The slogadh is an annual event which brings together Sinn Fein Irish language activists and speakers . . . It is a nonsense to suggest that a public event which is open at all times to the media can also be a cover for something else," she added.
The Ulster Unionist Party security spokesman, Mr Ken Maginnis, said he did not believe an IRA ceasefire was imminent. He did not expect that the organisation would give President Clinton a pre election boost with such a cessation.
The SDLP leader, Mr John Hume, declined to comment on the speculation. In recent weeks, however, he has stated a number of times that he has maintained contact with Mr Adams "to achieve the restoration of the IRA ceasefire".
On Friday, the RUC chief constable designate, Mr Ronnie Flanagan, also signalled that an IRA ceasefire was not imminent.
Mr Gary McMichael, leader of the Ulster Democratic Party, said it was foolish to think that just because the IRA was calling an army convention that it meant an IRA ceasefire was imminent.
