Trimble urges republicans to honour commitment on arms

The Ulster Unionist leader tonight urged nationalists to move beyond advancing their own cause on policing and demilitarisation…

The Ulster Unionist leader tonight urged nationalists to move beyond advancing their own cause on policing and demilitarisation and think about the problems unionists have with the implementation of the Belfast Agreement.

In a speech to the pro-agreement group Re-Union in Hillsborough, the Northern Ireland First Minister said republicans needed to honour their commitment on disarmament and the SDLP should sign up to the policing arrangements for the province.

Mr Trimble said: "The problem in bedding down the Agreement has been that nationalists and republicans have spent all their time selfishly looking after their own interests.

"They need to realise they have a responsibility to make the Agreement a success. They should see the bigger picture.

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"The real problem with the Agreement is that 45% of the unionist community did not support it in the referendum and remain sceptical about it.

"I believe a majority of these people, including DUP supporters, in their hearts actually want the Agreement to succeed. Movement now on policing and weapons would consolidate the whole community and enable us all to move into a better future."

PA