Historic Peace Process Takes Unprecedented Twists in Dublin and London

In a dramatic turn of events, the IRA's ceasefire announcement has set off a chain reaction in Dublin and London, with Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams welcoming a historic handshake with Irish Prime Minister Albert Reynolds, while in London, Rev Ian Paisley was unceremoniously ejected from Number 10 Downing Street by a furious John Major. The hastily arranged meeting between Adams, Reynolds, and SDLP leader John Hume at the Irish government buildings has publicly sealed the pact to bring an end to the IRA's violent campaign. However, the speed of the events has raised concerns about a deepening rift between the two governments.

Key Takeaways:

• Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams became the first Sinn Fein leader since the Irish state's foundation to meet a prime minister, when he met with Albert Reynolds and John Hume at the Irish government buildings.
• The meeting was a direct result of the IRA's ceasefire announcement, which has been met with skepticism by some, including David Trimble, Ulster Unionist MP for Upper Bann, who believes the IRA still exists with thousands of weapons and tonnes of munitions.
• Rev Ian Paisley was removed from Downing Street by John Major after Paisley refused to confirm there was no secret deal between Dublin and London.
• The core building blocks in the London-Dublin relationship remain in place, with work on the framework document between the two governments on schedule.
• A Dublin-led drive to "bounce" London into early talks with Sinn Fein has been dismissed by Downing Street as speculation.
• A Cabinet committee in Dublin has decided not to budge in its demands for further IRA assurances that its abandonment of violence is permanent.
• Irish Prime Minister Albert Reynolds defended his decision to meet with Adams quickly, saying it was "never too soon to save a life".

Statistics:

• The meeting between Adams, Reynolds, and Hume marked the first time a Sinn Fein leader has met with a prime minister since the Irish state's foundation.
• The IRA's ceasefire announcement has been met with skepticism by some, including David Trimble, who believes the IRA still exists with thousands of weapons and tonnes of munitions.
• The framework document between the two governments is still on schedule.
• A Cabinet committee in Dublin has decided not to budge in its demands for further IRA assurances that its abandonment of violence is permanent.

Sources:

• Byline: DAVID SHARROCK in Dublin and MICHAEL WHITE in London
• Source: Times of London