Trimble warns agreement may fail

David Trimble has said that The Good Friday Agreement, which underpins devolved government in the province, may prove unworkable.

Mr Trimble’s comments were made during an interview for a BBC News 24 programme, in which he said that the lack of progress on decommissioning illegally held weapons could result in a major review of the GFA in the autumn.

The Ulster Unionist leader stepped down as First Minister of the power sharing executive on July 1 due to the failure of the agreement to produce the much sought after disarmament of paramilitary organisations in the province.

During the interview Mr Trimble said that his duty was to see the Good Friday Agreement implemented in full and that this had been the sole reason behind his actions since the signing of the agreement in 1998.

The resignation of the First Minister, and by default the Deputy First Minister Séamus Mallon, led the British and Irish Governments to set up a series of talks with the pro-Agreement parties. However, the talks held in Weston Park are likely to produce an iron-clad document that will be non-negotiable. The document is expected to be presented within the next few days.

Failure to reach a solution to the impasse by August 12 will mean either the suspension of the assembly or the calling of new elections.

Sinn Fein Chairman Mitchell McLoughlin branded Mr Trimble’s comments as “illogical”. While the SDLP’s Mark Durkan said Mr Trimble’s comments were unhelpful.

Northern Ireland Secretary of State Dr John Reid said that he remained confident that a solution to the problems could be found. (SP)