The Northern Secretary, Peter Mandelson, has announced a security review following the latest stage in the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. Mr Mandelson said that he would be looking at the possibility of scaling down or removing some measures while considering how best to counter the threat posed by paramilitary groups still intent on wrecking the peace process.
The Northern Secretary's announcement came less than 24 hours after the IRA had confirmed the appointment of a go-between to the decommissioning body. Mr Mandelson said that the British government believed the full implementation of the agreement would transform the prospects for peace and stability. In that context, he said, the British government was fully committed to normalising security arrangements and practices as soon as conditions allowed. In working to achieve this, the government had to take into account any threat posed to peace and stability and take effective measures to counter it. He felt it would therefore be irresponsible, and would expose the agreement itself to challenge, to ignore the continuing threat posed by dissident paramilitary groups on both sides, and they would not do so.
In addition to the proposals on security, a review of security force installations is being undertaken in conjunction with the RUC Chief Constable and the British Army's Commanding Officer in the North, taking account of the prevailing threat. Mr Mandelson added that any changes would depend on genuine cessations of violence and continued progress in the political process. The first phase of the review will be completed early in the New Year and members of the public have been invited to make submissions by mid-January.
The North's First Minister, David Trimble, has urged Loyalist paramilitaries to follow the IRA's lead in nominating a representative to the decommissioning panel. Speaking in Newry, he said that the IRA's decision to fulfil its commitment and appoint a go-between to the de Chastelain Decommissioning Commission marked the beginning of the process which should end in the disarming of paramilitary groups.
The Sinn Féin President, Gerry Adams, also welcomed the IRA decision. Speaking in Dublin this morning, Mr Adams said that this decision should not be underestimated and it once again showed that the IRA was prepared to keep its word. In a joint RTÉ/BBC radio interview, President Clinton called on all sides to give the decommissioning process a chance.
The North's new Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Bairbre de Brun visited the Royal Group of Hospitals in West Belfast for her first health engagement as Minister. The Minister met patients and staff on the wards, and toured the fracture clinic and the A&E department at the Royal Victoria Hospital. She also viewed the work underway on the site for the new hospital, which will cost over £65 million, before visiting the recently opened new Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.
