THE British Labour Party's offer to Sinn Fein on multiparty talks has been described as dangerous by the Northern Ireland Secretary. Sir Patrick Mayhew said he concluded this when he considered the implications of Labour's offer to Sinn Fein that it could be included in the talks by June if the IRA calls an immediate ceasefire.
While the British government seeks "no unnecessary delay" and has not ruled out the possibility of Sinn Fein joining talks on June 3rd, Sir Patrick said it could not happen without an immediate IRA ceasefire followed by "totally consistent actions and conduct."
Remaining cautious, Sir Patrick added that in the light of events at Wilmslow last week and at Coalisland, "it is a very big if".
Sir Patrick's comments followed an interview on BBC Radio Ulster by the Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, who said if Sinn Fein showed a commitment "to peace by words and deeds" there was a "high possibility" under a Labour government that it would be admitted to talks when they resume on June 3rd.
Dr Mowlam insisted a ceasefire be called immediately and activity cease. "If this drags on and they call a ceasefire on May 10th, then say it was in line with what I have said, that is clearly not the case. It has to be done now," she said.