The US special envoy to Northern Ireland has concluded a series of bilateral meetings with the Northern parties claiming the political process is not in crisis despite the postponement of elections and the "Stakeknife" revelations, writes Dan Keenan, Northern News Editor.
Mr Richard Haass, on his third visit to Northern Ireland in six weeks, said elections to the Assembly should be held "as soon as possible". President Bush's adviser also said: "I came here hopeful, and I've seen nothing yet that in any way discourages me. Over the last few months we have made tremendous progress in Northern Ireland despite the frustrations, despite the fact that we were not able to bring things to closure.
"I see no reason whatsoever for people to be discouraged. We've had a setback. . .but this is not a crisis." Mr Haass is due to quit his position at the US State Department this summer, but there were indications yesterday that he may retain some role in US involvement in Northern Ireland. Both the British and Irish governments acknowledge the positive role he has played.
The ambassador met the UUP on Monday evening, followed by the Alliance Party, SDLP, Women's Coalition and DUP yesterday.
The Sinn Féin president again pressed for Assembly elections next month rather than in the autumn or later. Mr Gerry Adams accused the British government of "ignoring the Taoiseach, all the political parties on this island except the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party" and deciding to call off the Assembly election for a second time.
The SDLP leader recognised the input of Mr Haass, but added: "It is down the political parties here. We can't say it is up to someone like Richard Haass to come here and say 'Here's how it's done'. . .If this agreement is going to work, it is going to work on the basis of parties here making it work." For the Women's Coalition, Ms Jane Morrice said the context for elections to take place must be created.
The DUP claimed the agreement itself was the basis of the problem and there would not be progress until that was acknowledged.