Sir, - John Major's recent reaction to the Hume/Adams peace initiative appears to have ended speculation about an imminent, pre Christmas IRA ceasefire. Ceasefire expectations have increased in recent weeks following comments by the Northern Secretary, Sir Patrick Mayhew, as well as, Mr Martin McGuinness, both of whom were indicating a convergence of opinion in relation to the need for inclusiveness within the talks process.
These public statements - particularly by Martin McGuinness, who at a recent Sinn Fein conference denounced the Republican Continuity Army for its recent bomb attack in Derry - indicate a shift in thinking among the republican leadership. So when John Major's less than positive reception to the Hume/Adams proposals is set in the context of these statements over recent weeks, one can begin to appreciate the obvious sense of disappointment felt by many on both sides of the border.
Despite this disappointment, it must be acknowledged that Mr Major's response was not a flat rejection of the proposals but rather a statement as to his Government's position. With this in mind, his statement last Tuesday evening should be viewed as a signal to all parties that we are entering a new phase in the current process. This phase, as distinct from the previous period, includes a current and definitive statement on the part of the Provisional IRA as to what it requires in order to bring about another ceasefire, which by implication will be permanent and credible.
What is now required is an objective analysis of the facts surrounding the current situation, as well as a clear and unambiguous understanding of positions on the part of all those concerned. There also needs to be a degree of flexibility on the part of the British Government, the unionists and the IRA. However the IRA should not expect an unrealistic degree of flexibility on the part of others and then proceed to absolve itself from the responsibility to be flexible in the search for a peace formula.
I noted Mr Major's adamant statement that he would not negotiate his Government's stated policy. Indeed, if the truth be known, the IRA probably has same view. However, policy is policy but negotiable details are something else entirely. It is for this reason I believe that progress is possible if parties are willing to be flexible, realistic and mature enough to accept that this process will be slow, sometimes uncertain.
The opportunity which now exists appears very real but, more importantly, there is now the opportunity to negotiate the permanency and credibility of a new ceasefire which represents something which all parties want to see, particularly the British Government and the unionists. - Yours, etc.,
Moreen Road,
Sandyford,
Dublin 16.