THE Tanaiste, Mr Spring has called on all political parties to show "political leadership" and engage in the preparatory talks at Stormont.
Mr Spring, following the first day of proximity talks at Castle Buildings, Stormont, said he was very pleased that this stage of the process - designed to lead to an elective process, possible parallel - referendums in the North and South, and all party negotiations - had now started.
On Sinn Fein being "locked out" of the talks yesterday, Mr Spring said he wished to see all party inclusive talks taking place. But there could be no talks by Sinn Fein with Government ministers - until the IRA had restored its ceasefire.
He pointed out there were still channels of communication at official level between the British and Irish governments and Sinn Fein. A spokesman for Mr Spring said he hoped a meeting between Government officials and Sinn Fein could be arranged in days.
A successful conclusion of this process required co operation from all parties and he hoped that would be forthcoming. The fixed date of June 10th for all party negotiations still stood, he said.
"I believe all the parties should show political leadership and get round the table and start talking to one another. Let's embrace the opportunities that exist, and that can only be done by preparatory talks at this stage."
Mr Spring, while stating he did not wish to interfere in internal Northern Ireland matters, asserted his right to be at Stormont yesterday for what unionists claim was a stage of the process that should be purely relevant to the North.
"If this process is going to work, it will work jointly, sponsored by both governments," he said. "That is necessary; that has been over the years."
The Tanaiste said he hoped to meet the Ulster Unionist Party leader, Mr David Trimble, shortly, before the March 13th deadline for the completion of proximity talks. Mr Trimble has written to the Government, seeking a meeting with the Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, the Democratic Left leader, Mr De Rossa, and Mr Spring.
