March deadline for 'acts of completion'

Following talks between the British and Irish Governments yesterday, it has been revealed that a March deadline has been established for the implementation of all outstanding issues in the Good Friday agreement.

Prime Minister Tony Blair and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern emerged from the Hillsborough talks yesterday evening – also attended by pro-agreement parties – stating their belief that all the main sticking points can be resolved and so paving the way for the May 1 elections to the assembly.

However, less optimistic were pro-agreement representatives who restated their party positions.

SDLP leader Mark Durkan said his party's meeting had covered "familiar ground" while UUP leader David Trimble called on paramilitaries to "deliver their part of the bargain" following his discussions.

However, the major problems associated with paramilitary groups and their weapons remains unresolved. Sinn Fein left the talks yesterday voicing their concerns that there was little detail on how the March 3 timetable can be achieved.

Elsewhere, anti-agreement DUP leader Rev Ian Paisley criticised the UUP's role in the proceedings, claiming the purpose of discussions was to "get IRA/Sinn Fein back into government".

"It is the Official Unionists who voted IRA/Sinn Fein into government. Now the two prime ministers will dictate to them the new price the UUP have to pay for bartering their heritage," he said.

(MB)