THE British Prime Minister, Mr Major, has said he believes progress can be made on Northern Ireland, but not until after the election, and not without a verifiable IRA ceasefire.
Mr Major visited pupils at Pangbourne College, Berkshire yesterday, where he said there was nothing more he would like in politics than "a conclusive settlement". But, he said, "it won't be done before the general election".
"I believe that there is a way through, to get all the parties to sit down together and talk, provided there is a clear cut and verifiable ceasefire by Sinn Fein and the IRA. What has changed significantly is that for a very long time, the IRA had the support of many people throughout the world for one reason or another. They are much more isolated, today than they have ever been.
Mr Major was speaking as MPs last night processed vital Northern Ireland business before the Commons is prorogued on Friday. The MPs approved orders redefining and extending the role of the Northern Ireland Grand Committee; suspending the Northern Ireland Forum while the inter party talks are adjourned; and renewing the Northern Ireland Emergency Provisions Act.