DUP says Trimble struck a hidden deal on process

The DUP this morning accused Ulster Unionist leader Mr David Trimble of striking a hidden deal on the peace process which would only emerge after the UK general election.

DUP deputy leader Mr Peter Robinson

DUP deputy leader Mr Peter Robinson MP said reports that progress was being made which came after yesterday's marathon Hillsborough talks were "of great significance".

The East Belfast MP said: "I think it is fairly clear from what is being said that the basis of a deal has been done.

"There have been more major concessions from Mr Trimble but he does not want that to emerge before the election. That is why they are talking about reaching agreement in June.

"But let's look at what's on offer. The IRA is saying it is prepared to talk to the decommissioning body while David Trimble makes the real concessions of accepting the destruction of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and allowing demilitarisation."

I think it is fairly clear from what is being said that the basis of a deal has been done Peter Robinson

Mr Robinson made his comments hours after Prime Minister Tony Blair and the Taoiseach Mr Ahern held 12 hours of talks and insisted progress was made on decommissioning, policing, the scaling down of British army bases and Ulster Unionist sanctions against Sinn Féin.

Mr Blair said that the ground was "narrowing" on securing nationalist and republican backing for police reforms.

He reported: "We are confident now that we can get this issue resolved, probably in June. We also believe that in relation to the issues of decommissioning and the putting of weapons beyond use, we welcome the step that has been taken by the IRA today, but there is an expectation now that this must go on to be substantial re-engagement with the commission for decommissioning."

Mr Ahern said "a good day's work" had been done to advance the process. He welcomed progress on policing and the IRA's announcement it was resuming contact with the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning.

"I am delighted that there has been a clear statement and that allows us to get back to where we were a long time ago. So I think that issue is now at least on the road to being far more progressed than we have had in a long, long time."

PA