New York Republican congressman Peter King has expressed strong support for the Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, and assailed the Democratic Unionist Party and the Ulster Unionist Party "for undermining the peace process".
Referring to the killings of Billy Wright and Seamus Dillon, Mr King said yesterday: "It is time for the unionists to support the British and Irish governments . . . There should be no question of removing Mo Mowlam from her position. She has done the best job that can be done despite the obstruction of the unionists."
Mr King, a member of the International Relations Committee of the House of Representatives, added: "It is particularly galling that Ian Paisley is leading the charge against the Secretary of State. He has always been and continues to be the living embodiment of impediments to the peace process.
"It is now more important than ever for the Ulster Unionist Party to engage in meaningful dialogue with Sinn Fein."