AS revealed by Slugger contributor Sean yesterday (on several threads – tut!), the prime minister’s Chief Mover and Shaker, Jonathan Powell, has held talks with members of Sinn Fein and the DUP in Stormont. The Irish Government was also present, and while talks have been continuing quietly recently, the significance of this round is unclear. As we move towards the height of the marching season, possibly more security-related than political?
It was busy at Stormont – for a change – yesterday, with loyalist paramilitaries, church and community leaders meeting Security Minister Ian Pearson.
The loyalists have apparently revoked their threat not to ‘steward’ interface flashpoints. A Sinn F�in delegation is meeting Ian Pearson right now, and a press conference is expected. Sinn F�in will make public a template document drawn up to “assist local communities affected by interface tensions”.
Some positive signs at last for a peaceful summer?
Update: The UUP are unhappy at governmental talks with Sinn Fein in the mouth of the election. The Irish President, Mary McAleese, is pleased that loyalists and republicans are hammering out a resolution before trouble starts.
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