Former IRA terrorist to meet MPs

The former IRA terrorist Sean O'Callaghan, who has reformed and begun a campaign against his former commanders, is due to visit the House of Commons today to meet senior Tory MPs.

The backbench Northern Ireland committee believes Mr O'Callaghan will be able to provide a crucial insight into IRA thinking. He has warned that a second ceasefire would be tactical to put the Government on the defensive, and bring about a merger between the SDLP and Sinn Fein - enabling Gerry Adams to outflank John Hume and come to represent the nationalist community in the North. Mr Callaghan's presence in the House will be seen by left-wing Labour MPs as justification for their meeting last month with Sinn Fein leaders. Colin Brown