DUP demand PM meeting over 'normalisation' plans

The DUP has demanded a meeting with Prime Minister Tony Blair following yesterday's announcement that a two-year security 'normalisation' plan is to be set in motion by the Government.

DUP Leader Dr Ian Paisley said the normalisation programme would have a profound impact on the political process in Northern Ireland and described it as a "surrender" to the IRA.

"We are appalled at the dishonest and dangerous approach of the Government with this announcement of ‘normalisation’ and we want to make it clear that it will pay a high price for the approach that is being taken," the North Antrim MP said.

"Only last week the Government indicated that words were not enough and that only actions would be satisfactory from the IRA. However, yet again we see the Government prepared to take republicans at their word.

"The Secretary of State may believe that this statement will bring forward devolution, but the reality is that it will delay its return. He should be aware that of all the political parties in Northern Ireland, the DUP needs devolution the least and whilst we have no control over many decisions that the Government takes, we do have a veto on the return of devolution."

Under the security normalisation plans announced on Monday, Army observation posts will be closed and police stations will be defortified while troop levels in the province will fall from 10,500 to 5,000 inside two years.

Sinn Féin MP for Newry and Armagh Conor Murphy, however, has welcomed the announcement.

Speaking following a meeting with Peter Hain, and PSNI Chief

constable Hugh Orde, Mr Murphy said: “I welcomed the start that the British government made last week to the demilitarisation process and today’s moves advance that process further. I now want to see the job completed as quickly as possible.”

The new security moves will see 26 Army sites out of 40 across Northern Ireland closed. Work has already commenced on dismantling the observation post on the top of Divis tower in west Belfast.

(MB/SP)