The Ulster Unionist leader has played down any hopes of a breakthrough at next week's round table talks on the peace process. David Trimble claimed it was time for the Republican movement to deliver on the arms issue, but said that he would be surprised if they did.
The Northern Secretary, John Reid, was also doubtful of the likelihood of a breakthrough at the crucial talks in Shropshire, aimed at rescuing the Good Friday Agreement. Dr Reid said that the peace process was in a critical phase following the resignation of David Trimble as First Minister over the failure of the IRA to decommission its weapons.
Meanwhile the RUC Chief Constable, Sir Ronnie Flanagan said he had no intelligence information to suggest that decommissioning was imminent, but he said that it still could happen.
