THE Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, has issued a formal invitation to the loyalist fringe parties to come and talk to the Government.
The invitation to talks at Government Buildings was issued yesterday after, Mr David, Ervine of the Progressive Unionist Party, which has links with the UVF, warned that the loyalist ceasefire was on the brink of collapse.
Officials in Dublin were yesterday in telephone contact with the PUP and the Ulster Democratic Party (UDP). However, remarks made by Mr Ervine cast doubt on the likelihood of his party taking up Mr Bruton's invitation.
Within hours of Mr Ervine's initial warning article appearing in the Belfast Telegraph, the Taoiseach moved to reassure the loyalists, saying "our door is open" if they wished to discuss any concerns. Last night he followed up with a formal invitation to the parties.
Earlier yesterday, Mr Ervine dismissed Mr Bruton's first offer of talks, made informally on Tuesday. Referring to the Taoiseach's remarks, he said: "What's the point in meeting him? I don't trust the British government and I mistrust the Irish Government even more.
"I fear it would be a pat on the head job, as it has been over the past couple of years. I do not see any particular value in it.
"Having had numerous discussions over, a protracted period with the Irish Government, I am not likely to have any greater effect now on them than I did in the past. From my perspective, nothing would seem to have been achieved. I doubt if much could be achieved this time."