The loyalist ceasefire will hold, the chairman of Derry Ulster Democratic Party and a key negotiator of that ceasefire, Mr David Nichol, told the Glencree Summer School in Co Wicklow.
Despite Protestant anger over events at Drumcree, the burning of Derry High School and the continuing boycott of Protestant businesses in Border counties, Mr Nichol said yesterday, loyalists were committed to non violence.
Mr Nichol refused to share a platform with a Sinn Fein ardchomhairle member, Mr Caoimhin O Caolain, "as to do so would be to reward violence". It "would be seen by, loyalists as saying that violence is permissible".
Mr Nichol said his party perceived "a sea change in the attitude of Sinn Fein. We note that they are saying that a united Ireland is not an absolute result of the talks. It is possible that another ceasefire is coming about".