The Electronic Telegraph 25 April 1995 FRONT PAGE

Patience that led to a breakthrough

THE LATEST moves will not be the first time that Government ministers have talked to Sinn Fein or been in touch with its IRA ally, writes Philip Johnston.

In July 1972 William Whitelaw, then Northern Ireland Secretary, met secretly in London with six members of the IRA, including a 21-year-old Martin McGuinness, in an abortive effort to call a halt to the paramilitary campaign.

From 1990 to 1993 secret contacts took place between Sinn Fein/IRA and the Government in an attempt to lay the foundations for a ceasefire. The Government said the breakthrough had come with a message, allegedly from Mr McGuinness, saying the "conflict is over". This has always been disputed by Sinn Fein.

In April last year, Rodric Lyne, the Prime Minister's private secretary, wrote to Sinn Fein setting out the possible basis for talks in the event of a ceasefire. This approach culminated in yesterday's announcement from the Northern Ireland Office that said:

Following intensive exchanges with Sinn Fein the Government believes that a sufficient basis now exists for the entry of ministers into the exploratory dialogue with Sinn Fein.

The purposes of the Government's exploratory dialogue with Sinn Fein have been: to explore the basis upon which Sinn Fein would come to be admitted to an inclusive political talks process; to exchange views on how Sinn Fein would be able, over a period, to play the same part as other parties in the public life of Northern Ireland; and to examine the practical consequences of the ending of violence.

Ministers have needed to be clear, as with the loyalist parties, that, if and when they take part, constructive discussion - particularly in achieving substantial progress on the decommissioning of arms - would be facilitated and accelerated by their joining the dialogue. The Government has made it clear that, once ministers join the dialogue, there will first need to be a substantive discussion, as a separate issue, on decommissioning of arms including an exploration of the specific ways this can best be achieved.

In reply Sinn Fein have said that they will discuss in a serious and constructive manner, any issue which the Government wishes to raise, including decommissioning of arms, with a view to seeking a resolution of this and all relevant issues.

The Government has reiterated that no subject is excluded from the dialogue.

It will be glad to explain its policy and approach on any subject. Sinn Fein have made clear their wish to raise a number of issues, including those arising from the need for what they term "demilitarisation".

The Government has told Sinn Fein that the understandings set out in the Government's letters, reflected in this statement, provide a basis for ministerial contacts in the exploratory dialogue.

The Government has therefore proposed that a meeting should be held on this basis as soon as it can be arranged, at which the Minister of State, Michael Ancram MP, would lead the Government team.

Sinn Fein deal ends the long deadlock

The Electronic Telegraph is a Registered Service Mark of The Telegraph plc