THE Sinn Fein chairman, Mr Mitchel McLaughlin, has admitted that republicans now suffer from a "credibility problem" as a result of the IRA bombing of the British army headquarters in Lisburn, Co Antrim.
Asked on BBC television last night if a renewed IRA ceasefire was the best way to re establish trust, he answered: "Yes."
"We have to create a situation where there is a peaceful environment in which dialogue is possible," said Mr McLaughlin.
He reiterated, however, that before there could be a prospect of a new ceasefire three conditions would have to be met a guarantee of inclusive talks involving Sinn Fein; a timeframe for a political settlement; and confidence building measures.
The Sinn Fein president, Mr Gerry Adams, meanwhile has called on the Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, to take the lead in creating a "viable political alternative to conflict". Responding to criticism levelled at him by Mr Bruton, Mr Adams said that the Taoiseach's brief had to include defending the rights of nationalists in the North.
Mr Adams said that, while many people would resent Mr Bruton's use of the terms "fascists" and "Nazis", it would be "deeply unhelpful at this dangerous time" for him to slip into similar name calling. He added: "If we are to overcome the difficulties we currently face, we need to avoid the politics of the easy soundbite."
Mgr Den is Faul yesterday called for a public pledge from the leaderships of the paramilitary organisations never to use arms for political or criminal purposes. This would surmount the decommissioning hurdle and create inclusive political talks, he said.
He proposed that the US President, Mr Bill Clinton, or some other figure of church or state, should call together the leaders of the IRA, UVF, UDA, INLA and Continuity Army Council and ask them to make a commitment in front of public witnesses and before television cameras. The pledges would be tantamount to a permanent ceasefire, he said.
