John Hume, Announces proposal to break talks deadlock
The SDLP leader John Hume has announced details of a formula, which he hopes could break the deadlock over arms decommissioning. The formula would involve the various parties making a pledge to non-violence and agreeing to expel themselves from the northern executive should they or groups connected with them return to violence.
Mr. Hume said that he had presented the proposal to the Ulster Unionist leader, David Trimble, and Sinn Féin President, Gerry Adams, and it was being considered by them. In a radio interview Mr Hume, said that the declaration would apply to all parties and connected organisations.
The Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams said that Mr Hume's proposals might provide the basis for moving forward, but he rejected any suggestion that Sinn Féin would be prepared to exclude itself from the new administration if there was a return to violence.
Ulster Unionists appeared unimpressed with Mr. Hume's proposal. Senior party talks team negotiator, Sir Reg Empey, questioned whether Sinn Féin would be prepared to make a pledge about IRA action.
Junior Minister, Liz O'Donnell, has called on Unionists to be more honest about their community's share of the responsibility for division and injustice in Northern Ireland. Addressing the Progressive Democrats' Conference she said they should develop a policy of a new Northern Ireland based on equality of esteem and allegiance.
