Unionists Threaten Crisis Over Government's Peace Plan

Strategic Insights -

In a tense standoff, Unionists are refusing to accept the British government's blueprint for breaking the IRA disarmament deadlock, citing concerns over the proposed "legislative failsafe" and the IRA's willingness to disarm. Despite the relaxed atmosphere at Drumcree, where thousands of Orangemen dispersed peacefully after a massive military operation, the Unionist leadership remains opposed to the plan. The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) is expected to reject the blueprint at an executive meeting on Friday, with David Trimble stating that there is "not the remotest possibility" of acceptance without significant changes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Unionist leadership, led by David Trimble, has major concerns over the proposed "legislative failsafe" in the government's peace plan, which they believe does not provide sufficient safeguards for Sinn Fein's expulsion if the IRA fails to disarm on schedule.
  • Unionists are demanding that the IRA itself declare its willingness to disarm, rather than relying on Sinn Fein's assurances, and that a statement from the IRA declaring the end of the conflict be made.
  • The UUP is likely to reject the government's blueprint at its executive meeting on Friday, with party officers already condemning the plan as unacceptable.
  • The British government, led by Prime Minister Tony Blair, is trying to persuade the Unionists to accept the plan, with Blair warning that rejection would hand Sinn Fein a "massive propaganda victory".
  • Relations between Blair and the Unionists are strained, with senior Unionist officials accusing the Prime Minister of misleading them at a recent meeting at Stormont.

Statistics:

  • 3,000 Orangemen dispersed peacefully after a massive military operation barred their parade from Portadown's nationalist Garvaghy Road.
  • 150 loyalists were involved in skirmishes with police and troops, resulting in a baton being fired to disperse the crowd.
  • The plan envisages the appointment of an executive on July 15 and an actual beginning of IRA disarmament during the summer.

Sources:

  • "The Times"
  • Sunday Times
  • BBC News
  • The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP)
  • The Northern Ireland Office
  • The Irish Times