After a most turbulent period in the recent history of Anglo Irish relations, there are, at last, some tentative signs of a rapprochement. The British Prime Minister, Mr Major, was robust in his continued defence of the Drumcree volte face on BBC television last night - as the Northern Secretary, Sir Patrick Mayhew, had been earlier in the Commons - but there was no mistaking the significant shift in tone. The Anglo Irish Intergovernmental Conference, requested by the Government - and originally resisted by the British side - will take place on Thursday. Mr Major, and his Northern Secretary are ready to convene discussions with all the Northern parties on the way forward. And today Sir Patrick will hold discussions with the Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Spring, on the margins of the resumed multi party talks in Belfast.
It is to be hoped that these various meetings will inject some badly needed momentum into a faltering peace process. But the path to peace remains hazardous. There is still much work to be done in repairing Anglo Irish relations. Dublin remains convinced that it was political pressure which explains the RUC's change of policy at Drumcree. Mr Major is equally adamant that the Chief Constable, Sir Hugh Annesley, who will attend Thursday's meeting, enjoyed full autonomy. The kernel of the issue, however, remains unchanged; the authorities in Northern Ireland bowed to the threat of force in a way that would be unthinkable in Britain.
But it would be regrettable if this unfinished business about Drumcree were to inhibit progress at the Conference. The great majority on this island with a commitment to peace are looking to both governments to put the events of last week to one side; to draw a line in the sand and in Mr Major word's to "try yet again and again and again" to secure the prize of peace.
The task remains formidable. The manner in which both the main unionist parties yesterday seized on the SDLP's withdrawal from the Forum in an attempt to undermine the multi party talks - does not augur well for today's discussions. As they resume discussions all parties must be aware, not just of their to the wider community. Their task is twofold to restore public confidence in the political process and to seize the initiative back from the men of violence on both sides. Yesterday's warning about the fragility of the loyalist paramilitary ceasefire from Mr Gary McMichael, the leader of the Ulster Democratic Party, should also concentrate minds. At this very delicate stage, any further departure from the Mitchell principles by the leaders of unionism would be calamitous.
Sir Patrick's announcement of a review body or commission to arbitrate on controversial marches which have the potential for violence is a welcome, if tardy, response to the confrontations at Drumcree last year and again last week. The peace process can no longer remain in thrall to the vagaries of the marching season; there is an onus on the British government to ensure that the potential for conflict is minimised. Sir Patrick, of course, still has to flesh out the details of his proposals. Both nationalists and unionists will have to be convinced about the genuine independence of the commission and its modus operandi. But, with the Apprentice Boys' march scheduled for Derry on August 12th, next time is of the essence; new mechanisms to avert renewed conflict on the streets must be put in place with the greatest urgency.