A Dublin-based trade unionist who acted as intermediary between the Government and the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) has expressed concern that there has been no apparent effort to continue dialogue with loyalists and anti-Belfast Agreement unionists.
The intermediary, Mr Chris Hudson, said there had been no dialogue between the Government and the loyalists for more than two years.
His comments come as security force figures are beginning to express concern about developments within the two loyalist paramilitary organisations, the UVF and Ulster Defence Association (UDA).
Both organisations have been recruiting young members and the UVF has been training in bomb-making. The discovery a week ago of 415lbs of explosive mixture in a loyalist housing estate north of Belfast has caused concern because it appears the UVF was preparing a large bomb. The haul of explosive uncovered by the RUC was about the same amount used in the Omagh car bombing on August 15th, 1998, in which 29 people were killed.
According to senior loyalist sources there is growing concern among the loyalist community about political developments in the North in the aftermath of the general election. It is felt there could be violence surrounding the annual Drumcree protests next month.
The UVF and UDA are reported to be patching up their differences since last year's feud. Although it is expected some fall-out violence may continue senior sources say a compromise between the two main organisations is likely soon.
Members of the splinter group, the Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF), recently moved into the UDA for protection. During the feud another small splinter group, the Red Hand Commando (RHC) dissolved and its members joined the UVF. Sources say there is no prospect of the UVF or UDA decommissioning.
It was also pointed out that the loyalist ceasefire is not predicated in any way on an IRA ceasefire. The loyalist ceasefire, as stated when it was announced in October 1994, is based on the continuing "safety" of the union between Northern Ireland and Britain. If this is endangered by any moves towards joint authority in Northern Ireland, the loyalists warn they will return to violence.
If there was a break in the loyalist ceasefire the UVF has indicated it would probably carry out attacks in the Republic.
The recent developments are a cause of concern, according to Mr Hudson. His last contact with the Government was around the time of the Belfast Agreement at Easter 1999.
"I am concerned. I think both governments should be keyed in at all times, in a positive way, with the loyalist community, and particularly with the results of the general election and the movement towards the DUP. I am not suggesting that the DUP is treating in any way with paramilitaries, but the move towards them can send out the wrong signals to loyalists.
"I'm not sure that the Dublin Government is tuned in. Talking to a loyalist politician is not the same as talking to loyalists on the ground.
"I would hope that the lack of communication is not intentional but rather a result of sloppiness. Maybe I should make it my business, but I equally feel it is up to them to say whether they are interested in keeping that channel open."
The previous contact before the Belfast Agreement was in August 1998, immediately after the Omagh bombing by the "Real IRA". In the aftermath of that bombing it is understood the UVF made it clear there would be no retaliatory violence and that it would not breach its ceasefire unless there were further attacks by republicans on the Protestant community.
According to sources close to the UVF leadership yesterday, an attempt was made to send a message to the Government during last autumn's feud between the UVF and the UDA. However, it is understood there was no response to the overture.
Mr Hudson said: "I think there is an assumption, and a dangerous assumption, that because the ceasefires have lasted from October 1994 that everything is fine and intact. I don't necessarily believe that the ceasefires are as firm as they can be.
"Governments can make blunders. Before the 30 years of the Troubles there was a longer period of relative peace and it would be wrong to believe that because there have been seven years of relative peace this will become permanent. There is a need to hear all the voices in Northern Ireland and particularly the voices of paramilitaries and those who said No to the agreement in the general election. This is a large constituency that cannot be ignored."