THE Ulster Democratic Party, the UDA's political wing, underlined the fragility of the loyalist cease fire during talks with the Northern Secretary, Sir Patrick Mayhew, at Stormont Castle yesterday.
The UDP leader, Mr Gary McMichael, said loyalists were still committed to the peace process but every IRA attack made it made it "difficult for us to hold the line".
He expressed concern that the IRA would restart its campaign in Northern Ireland. "We need to avoid that. We need to retrieve the situation. We need to get the IRA to reverse their position and reinstate their ceasefire."
Mr McMichael stressed the need for political movement. The government should start talks even if Sinn Fein was excluded, he said.
It is understood the UDP would not oppose Sinn Fein's inclusion in all party negotiations if the IRA reinstated its ceasefire.
A Northern Ireland Office spokesman said the two sides had agreed that "a comprehensive political settlement could only be achieved through political dialogue and that the search for peace must continue with renewed intensity".
At yesterday's meeting, Sir Patrick expressed appreciation of the "proper restraint" shown by the UDA and UVF. He also praised the "responsible attitude" of the loyalist political parties and their "measured response" to the ending of the IRA ceasefire.
Meanwhile, the Combined Loyalist Military Command, the umbrella group which includes the UDA and UVF, met yesterday to discuss its response to the end of the IRA ceasefire. No statement was issued afterwards.
Loyalist politicians advised the military command not to adopt a knee jerk reaction by returning to violence.
The military command is believed to have agreed to this approach but is keeping its ceasefire under constant review.