THE British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, made a robust effort in Belfast yesterday to inject momentum into the peace process. He altered British government policy substantially by offering Sinn Fein talks with British officials to determine if it genuinely wants to engage in "politics alone".
But while opening the door to Sinn Fein to enter inclusive talks if the IRA calls an unequivocal ceasefire, be also offered unionists reassurance on the principle of consent.
In a statement late last night, the Sinn Fein president, Mr Gerry Adams MP, confirmed the party had received a letter from the Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, and contacted the British government to arrange a meeting. "It should be done without delay," he said.
Earlier, Mr Blair's speech had been welcomed by President Clinton who said: "I urge Sinn Fein to take up this offer and I pray it will bring about an end to the violence for good."
Mr Blair made what was seen as a "carrot and stick" offer to republicans, in turn conciliatory and stern in tone. He wanted Sinn Fein in talks, but the republican movement must seize the opportunity now, he said.
"My message to Sinn Fein is clear. The settlement train is leaving. I want you on that train. But it is leaving anyway, and I will not allow it to wait for you," he declared in Belfast, where he received an enthusiastic response from the public.
"I want to hear Sinn Fein's answer. And to make sure there is no danger of misunderstanding, I am prepared to allow officials to meet Sinn Fein, provided events on the ground, here and elsewhere, do not make that impossible. This is not about negotiating the terms of a ceasefire. We simply want to explain our position and to assess whether the republican movement genuinely is ready to give up violence and commit itself to politics alone. If they are, I will not be slow in response. If they are not, they can expect no sympathy or understanding. I will be implacable in pursuit of terrorism.
Mr Blair went a significant way towards meeting Sinn Fein's demands for inclusive talks. He indicated decommissioning would not be a block to negotiations.
He also expressed support for the British-Irish Framework Document, which countenances an Irish dimension to any political settlement.
The initial Sinn Fein response to the Blair proposal was circumspect but in his statement last night Mr Adams was more positive.
While stressing the party should be involved in talks on the same basis as all other parties, he also said Sinn Fein "will take every opportunity, particularly with the two governments, to address the core issues central to the creation of a meaningful and inclusive process of peace negotiations."
He also stressed the importance of renewed contacts with the Government in Dublin. He said it was particularly important the Government upholds the rights of Irish nationalists because of Mr Blair's "pro-Union speech".
The Prime Minister also said a change in Articles 2 and 3 must be part of any settlement, and would be a helpful confidence-building measure in advance of it".
The SDLP leader, Mr John Hume, said the speech was the most comprehensive made by any British prime minister in the past 25 years - "indeed in this century. I hope the republican movement will seize this opportunity to take the gun forever out of our politics."
The Ulster Unionist Party leader's initial response was also favourable. Mr David Trimble said: "I think the people will also welcome the forthright commitment to the Union."
Last night, the Fianna Fail leader, Mr Bertie Ahern, accused the Government of "lagging behind" the British, and he called on it to reopen official discussions with Sinn Fein.
However, the Taoiseach reiterated last night that the Government's position was that there would be no "routine contact" with Sinn Fein "but that a meeting may be organised with officials to discuss matters that might lead to an imminent ceasefire.".
