Former US President Bill Clinton insisted yesterday that outstanding difficulties in the peace process could be ironed out among the North's parties and he commended their positive approach.
Repeating his cautiously optimistic message at every opportunity throughout his book promotion tour in Belfast, the self-proclaimed "cheerleader for peace" said: "The public wants to go forward; the politicians want to govern."
Referring to the parties as they prepare for next month's meetings leading to intensive negotiations at Leeds Castle in Kent he added: "The ball's in their court. You get the feeling they are willing to work out an accommodation."
At a series of meetings at the Europa Hotel, where he stayed during his first emotionally charged 1995 visit to Belfast, Mr Clinton held talks with Northern Secretary Mr Paul Murphy and the main parties.
"It's actually kind of encouraging what has been said lately. And the commitment that Prime Minister Blair and the Taoiseach have made in September and what the major parties have said," he said.
Asked if he thought the IRA would disband Mr Clinton said he did not know. "I just think that what is being said is encouraging," he added.
As he met Mr Clinton, Mr Murphy said the imminent intensification of talks among the parties and the two governments was critically important. Talking of the current stalemate he added: "We have come to a stage where we have to resolve it."
Mr Clinton's talks with a DUP delegation headed by Mr Peter Robinson and including Mr Nigel Dodds and Mr Jeffrey Donaldson, were marked by an appeal by them for the Democratic party to be more open to unionist concerns.The DUP was angered by comments from the Kerry campaign during US primaries that they should now share power with Sinn Féin. The DUP refuses to enter an executive or hold face-to-face talks with the party until decommissioning is verifiably completed and the IRA is wound down.
Mr Robinson said afterwards: "We are focused on what has to be done and we have a burning desire to see peace and stability in Northern Ireland."
As they arrived for their meeting with Mr Clinton, Mr Gerry Adams and Mr Martin McGuinness praised the former president's involvement in the peace process. Sinn Féin president Mr Adams said: "President Clinton in his eight years of office played a crucial role in the peace process. Hillary Clinton as First Lady and now as a senator still plays a very informed and important role." He said the Bush administration continued that work.
Mr Adams warned the DUP of making unrealistic demands before next month's talks. Calling for more pragmatism of the DUP Mr Adams warned: "They cannot set the bar at heaven's height."
After his meeting with Mr Clinton and Senator Hillary Clinton, the Ulster Unionist leader spoke of the benefits from the ceasefires and the Belfast Agreement. Mr David Trimble said Mr Clinton agreed that quality of life had improved.
"Violence has not completely ended, paramilitary organisations have not gone away but there has been a very considerable improvement in \."
SDLP leader Mr Mark Durkan also praised Mr Clinton, and said his "salient and wise encouragement" was still useful and positive. "He is still trying to prod people towards progress."