The timing of the IRA ceasefire has, clearly, positioned Mr David
Trimble between a rock and a hard place. The other unionist parties and, perhaps, a majority among his own grassroots will not brook any compromise on decommissioning. But Mr Trimble knows that he risks the opprobrium of the international community if he destroys the prospects for peace. When he emerged from Downing Street yesterday,
Mr Trimble was clearly conscious of his wider responsibilities. He did not signal any softening of his stance on decommissioning -
indeed he said that "as things stand" he would not support the
British-Irish proposals at tomorrow's critical vote at the Stormont talks. But he also showed a commendable desire to move the process forward.
Indeed, it is important in present circumstances not to underestimate the contribution that Mr Trimble has already made to the talks process; it was his political skill which helped to resolve the wrangle over the chairmanship of Senator George Mitchell and it was his leadership which allowed his party to accept the concept of parallel decommissioning. While the stand-off on decommissioning persists, there were some constructive elements in Mr Trimble's approach yesterday. His decision to consult with the unionist hinterland - with those in the churches and in business who are, perhaps, most anxious to see political movement - is an encouraging sign. And he may be anxious to delay any vote on the decommissioning document beyond tomorrow to allow greater time for reflection and consultation.
Mr Trimble has already proved himself to be more politically adroit that his image might suggest. He will appreciate that while the current situation presents some difficulties for him, there are also great opportunities. In her article in today's editions of this newspaper, the Northern Secretary, Dr Mowlam, underlines the considerable challenges that the talks process will present for the
Republican Movement.
There is, she writes, an "unprecedented opportunity" to test the commitment of republicans to peace and democracy. Sinn Fein will be required to make a "total and absolute commitment" to the Mitchell principles. It must commit itself to "democratic and exclusively peaceful means of resolving political issues". Critically, Dr Mowlam underlines how any settlement in the North will be based on the
"central and inviolable principle of consent". Mr Trimble now has this opportunity to test the true level of commitment among republicans to the principle of consent. We are now, in his own phrase of yesterday, approaching a "defining moment for the North".
Substantial progress has been made. The IRA guns have been silenced.
The political representatives of both republican and loyalist paramilitaries were, for the first time, under the one roof at
Stormont yesterday. A detailed framework for negotiations is in place. Mr Trimble will surely not want to squander the opportunity that exists to help forge a durable settlement in Northern Ireland.