Hopes of Ulster Peace Breakthrough Rise as Trimble Edges Closer to Deal

Hopes of an Ulster peace breakthrough began to rise today as Loyalist leader David Trimble edged closer to a deal with Prime Minister Tony Blair. In a significant shift, Unionist party chief Mr. Trimble refused to rule out Mr. Blair's controversial plans to allow the IRA to hang onto its weapons until after a power-sharing executive for the province had been set up. The change in tone was seen as encouraging at Westminster, with Mr. Trimble softening his line and holding out a flicker of optimism that a deal could still be hammered out.

Key Takeaways:

• David Trimble, Loyalist leader, has softened his stance on Tony Blair's controversial plans for IRA decommissioning, refusing to rule out the proposal.
• Trimble has agreed to carefully consider the proposals, weighing the potential consequences of rejection for devolution, the future of the RUC, and international standing of Unionism.
• Trimble requires absolute certainty that failure to decommission would result in the suspension of Sinn Fein's ability to remain in government.
• The shift in tone was seen as encouraging after a rise in Unionist anger following the decision to ban an Orange Order march.
• The plan, put together by Blair and Irish counterpart Bertie Ahern, calls for the new executive to come into being on July 15.
• The IRA is expected to commit itself publicly to decommissioning its entire arms arsenal by May 2000.

Statistics:

• 15 July: Date for the new executive to come into being.
• May 2000: Deadline for the IRA to commit to decommissioning its entire arms arsenal.
• 12 July: Date of the Orange Order march ban decision.

Sources:

• The Guardian
• Independent
• Reuters