Process in crisis says Ervine

Alleged IRA activity was discussed at meeting

The peace process is in a "substantial and serious crisis", the leader of the Progressive Unionist Party has said.

David Ervine was speaking on Monday after talks with Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams.

Mr Ervine, whose party has links with the loyalist paramilitary Ulster Volunteer Force, said the meeting was called to discuss allegations of continuing IRA activity.

Violence between loyalists and nationalists in interface areas of Belfast was also on the agenda.

David Ervine: People losing faith in process

Mr Ervine said: "The people I represent have and are losing faith in the peace process.

"We are in a substantial and serious crisis that both the government and the media are playing down."

The Sinn Fein president denied republicans were jeopardizing the peace process but he described the meeting as useful.

"If there is a crisis within one section then that will affect the complete process," said Mr Adams.

"The onus is on all the pro-Agreement parties and all of the leaders of the pro-Agreement parties to build confidence in the process.

"Out of today's meeting, and I think it was a constructive meeting, we have to intensify the dialogue."

'Smokescreen'

Security sources have pointed the finger at the IRA for a break-in at Special Branch offices at Castlereagh in Belfast in March.

Subsequent police raids in republican areas uncovered IRA intelligence files containing details of senior Conservative politicians and British army bases.

But in the statement to the BBC, the IRA said the arrests and raids in republican areas were "part of a smokescreen".

It is understood none of the Special Branch files stolen from Castlereagh were found in the raids.