THE leader of the British Tories in the European Parliament, Lord Plumb, said Friday's bombing was a cynical betrayal of the people of Northern Ireland. "It was a betrayal of the brave attempts by our colleague, John Hume, to include all sections of opinion in the democratic process, he said in a Parliament debate on Northern Ireland.

The British and Irish governments were offered the full support of the EU by the representative of the Italian presidency, Mr Walter Gardini.

Mr Gerry Collins (FF), said it was regrettable that the momentum so vital in the peace process had been clearly absent in recent months. The British government had not exploited opportunities to promote the peace process. He favoured the appointment of a US peace envoy.

The DUP leader, Dr Ian Paisley, wanted to know if the EU Council and the Commission supported British and Irish prime ministers in breaking contact with the IRA and Sinn Fein until there was a cessation of violence. The ceasefire had never been total, he said.

The Ulster Unionist member, Mr Jim Nicholson, said the decision to end the ceasefire had been made some time ago. Those with less than 10 per cent of the vote were holding the other 90 per cent to ransom.

The leader of the SDLP, Mr John Hume, said there was no place for violence or coercion. He called for dialogue among representatives of the people.

Ms Mary Banotti (FG, Dublin), said that the bombing showed how fragile peace was. It had not always been nurtured as it should have been. The issue of prisoners in the UK should be raised.

Ms Nuala Ahern (Green) urged both governments to continue talking and to leave entrenched positions behind. Mr Pat the Cope Gallagher, (FF, Connacht Ulster), welcomed the EU commitment to continue its aid programme for Northern Ireland and the Border region.