IRA truce doubts

Sinn Fein yesterday emitted conflicting signals about the possibility of a renewed IRA ceasefire, though both republican and security sources pour cold water on ideas that another cessation may be imminent. Security sources were mystified by reports that a ceasefire was on the way, saying their assessments pointed instead towards more IRA attacks in England.

The IRA came under significant public pressure from Washington and Dublin to call a ceasefire in order to allow a republican presence at the all- party talks which are due to start in Belfast on 10 June. But there is as yet no sign that such a move is in the air. Sinn Fein president, Gerry Adams, issued a statement saying there was little basis for the ceasefire speculation.

But a more upbeat tone came in later statement by Mitchel McLaughlin of Sinn Finn. He described as "significant" comments by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Secretary, Sir Patrick Mayhew, that the British and Irish governments wanted genuine all-party talks on an open agenda.

Last night John Major and the Irish leader, John Bruton, discussed issues relating to the forthcoming all-party talks in a "constructive" 20-minute telephone conversation.

Whither ceasefire, page 15