THE British Prime Minister warned the IRA yesterday that unless there was a "verifiable ceasefire that is clear cut, there will be no part in the peace process for Sinn Fein". Mr John Major made his comments in the aftermath of Wednesday night's explosion in west London.
However, Scotland Yard was still unable last night to confirm if the IRA was responsible for what it described as a "small explosion". A spokeswoman said a coded message was received by the US news agency Associated Press at 21.40 p.m. The caller, apparently using a recognised code word, gave no precise time or location for the explosion.
The device exploded in the front garden of an empty house under renovation in The Boltons, an expensive residential area of Earls Court. No one was injured.
On a visit to Prague yesterday, Mr Major said: "It seems to me an odd time to mount this particular exercise when in the UK we are introducing the legislation that will lead to the prospect of all party talks on the question of Northern Ireland.
"It is particularly futile for them (the IRA) to behave in this fashion. What they must understand is that what we have done is to open up the possibility for Sinn Fein to join the democratic process.
"If they thumb their noses at the democratic peace process, they will not be able to stop it, the talks will go ahead, the discussions will go ahead without the participation of Sinn Fein and those people who support the bombing exercise last night. I hope they don't misunderstand it."
He said the bombing was "an indication from the IRA they continue to be prepared to threaten the prospects of a better future for the people of Northern Ireland and other parts of the UK.
"As far as I am concerned, the only acceptable path - and the only path that represents the true will of Irish people of both traditions - is the path of peaceful politics exclusively".