Ahern calls on parties not to delay political process

Following behind-the-scenes talks between both governments, the DUP and Sinn Féin, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has described reports of possible IRA decommissioning by the end of the year as "very near the mark".

Mr Ahern was speaking on Monday as he called on local parties to consider whether it was a sound tactical move to leave the current political process on the back-burner until 2006 if the current window of opportunity was lost following recent discussions.

"We are so near," he said, but expressed a fear that there were those involved who saw a tactical advantage to be gained by placing the process on the "long-finger".

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams is to meet US Special envoy Mitchell Reiss on Wednesday morning in Washington before he returns to Northern Ireland.

The meeting will be the first between a member of the US Administration and a local politician since last week's Presidential election.

Mr Adams said: "In the course of the past week or so I have met with senior Congress members, Senators and Governors and with Irish American organisations to update them on the ongoing efforts to end the impasse in the peace process.

"The US continues to be a vital component in securing the peace process and the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. Wednesday's meeting with Mitchell Reiss will provide an early opportunity in the wake of last week's Presidential election to urge all those in the US and particularly within the Administration to continue to play this important role."

(MB)