THE Tanaiste has proposed that arms decommissioning should become, in effect, a fourth strand in the all party negotiations starting on June 10th.
Mr Spring told the British Irish Inter Parliamentary Body that decommissioning, which has bedevilled peace efforts, should be dealt with by "remitting this issue in the first instance, under an independent outside aegis, to a separate but parallel stream of negotiations.
In this way, the issue could be "processed and clarified" for the consideration of the political negotiators. Decommissioning was "qualitatively different" from most other items likely to be on the agenda for the talks.
"The baleful potential of the issue has been well demonstrated, and we must ensure that it does not eclipse the wider goal of political agreement."
A Tory peer, Lord Skelmersdale, said that, if the Tanaiste was thinking of decommissioning as a fourth strand, nothing on the other three strands would ever be agreed unless there was a formula on decommissioning.
"The decommissioning strand is a very important strand", Mr Spring replied. "That has to be settled and settled comprehensively and the gun taken out of politics"
The British co-chairman of the body, Conservative MP Mr Peter Temple Morris, welcomed the Tanaiste's proposal and said most people would, agree it was worthy of consideration.
Mr Spring gave a strong indication that he wished to see Senator George Mitchell and the other two members of the International Body on Decommissioning playing a role in the talks process although, he said, the two governments had not yet agreed on personalities.
"I have on many occasions praised the expertise of Senator Mitchell and his colleagues" he said. "The triumvirate that worked on the international commission have done excellent work. I know that Senator Mitchell and indeed, John de Chastelain and Mr Holkeri, are available to is. They have a body of expertise which proved itself in a short period of time."
Referring to "speculation" that the three men had been approached to play a role in the all party negotiations, he said. "It could well happen." He added. "The reality is that it's too early at this stage. Both governments will come to agreement on personalities."
Reflecting the Government's clear determination to deal with the weapons issue, he told members of the body in a question and answer session. "There is little point going in there on June 10th to have a row yet again about decommissioning." He added ti\at the Mitchell report on decommissioning would "effectively become the Bible that will see us through some of the difficulties that lie ahead".
Mr Spring was also questioned about the recent comment by his. adviser, Mr Fergus Finlay, that talks without Sinn Fein were "not worth a penny candle". He said the remark was made in the course of a 20 minute interview "but television has the liberty of deciding to pick out the bits that they know will cause most controversy.
He added that it was "plain as a pikestaff" that "if you want the ultimate solution you need all the parties there".
Maol Muire Tynan writes. The Taoiseach has denied there is any reluctance on the Government's part to introduce legislation prior to the start of all party talks permitting paramilitary organisations to decommission weapons.
Mr Bruton's comments came. yesterday after the Ulster Unionist leader, Mr David Trimble, wrote to him asking what had happened to his commitment that the necessary legislation would be in situ before the negotiations began on June 10th.
Mr Bruton said a number of officials were working full time on the legislation but that there were detailed legal and constitutional requirements to be considered. There would be little point in producing a "one line Bill" because the proposed legislation had to "stand up" constitutionally.