THE Minister for Equality and Law Reform, Mr Taylor, called on unionist leaders to be prepared to work for a Northern Ireland which can accommodate both identities when the peace negotiations resume in June.
Mr Taylor was speaking at the "American Ireland Fund dinner here last night, which was also attended by the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, Mr David Trimble.
Saying that there was "an ever growing degree of public and political exasperation" with the IRA's failure to call a ceasefire, Mr Taylor said the key principle of consent cut both ways. "If there can be no change in the status of Northern Ireland without the consent of a majority, equally the consent of both communities is required if its institutions of government are to enjoy, popular support and allegiance."
Mr Taylor said the United States has "played a key role in the search for lasting peace and for a comprehensive and inclusive political settlement in Northern Ireland." The Government "welcomes this ongoing constructive support of the United States, which has been forthcoming at every stage of the peace process.
The chairman of the multi party talks, former Senator George Mitchell, was honoured at the dinner for his efforts in the peace process. The gala event was a glittering affair, attracting about 1,000 guests paying $500 each to support the fund, which finances community projects for peace and reconciliation and the arts and culture in Ireland, North and South.
Earlier, political leaders from North and South of the Border briefed the White House and the State Department on how they view the Northern Ireland situation.
However, the Fianna Fail leader, Mr Bertie Ahern, urged White House and State Department officials "to try to push things forward" because it is "far too dangerous just to have acceptance that nothing can happen until after the elections".
The delegation from the Ulster Unionist Party was first into the White House, followed at intervals by Mr Ahern and the SDLP leader, Mr John Hume. They met the new National Security Adviser, Mr Sandy Berger, and his deputy, Mr James Steinberg, who have recently taken over from Mr Tony Lake and Ms Nancy Soderberg.
The officials gave strong assurances that President Clinton's close personal interest in the peace process is just as strong in his second administration.
The politicians also had separate meetings at the State Department with the Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Mr Peter Tarnoff, who is due to be replaced later this year.
Mr Ahern also had two meetings on Capitol Hill with members of Congress interested in Irish affairs. The first meeting was in Congressman Joe Kennedy's office, with members of the Ad Hoc Committee on Irish Affairs. Later Mr Ahern met Senators Edward Kennedy and Christopher Dodd.