Trimble warns time running out

Trimble warns time running out

Mr Ahern and Mr Trimble will hold talks in Dublin

Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble has warned that time is running out for efforts to restore devolved government in Northern Ireland.

He was speaking after a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern in Dublin on Friday.

"Time is short, time is very short," he said.

"They (Sinn Fein) have delayed and delayed and delayed. They cannot delay much longer."

Friday's talks at Government Buildings in Dublin took place as political parties await a package from the Taoiseach and British Prime Minister Tony Blair next month.

Things are running on longer than we would like

David Trimble
Ulster Unionist leader

The meeting was one of a series between parties since the crucial talks at Hillsborough Castle earlier this month failed to reach agreement among the pro-Agreement parties.

Mr Blair said a final breakthrough was possible following the talks.

No deadlines

Mr Trimble said he would not set deadlines since this would only lead to him being criticised.

"I would be delighted if things could be sorted out today, tomorrow, the day after, time is short," he said.

"At the time when we left Hillsborough I would have thought we would have it sorted by now.

"So things are running on longer than we would like."

Northern Ireland's devolved institutions were suspended on 14 October 2002 following a row over allegations of IRA activity, including alleged spying within the Northern Ireland Office.

Assembly elections scheduled for 1 May have been postponed until 29 May to allow time for more negotiations.

On Monday, Secretary of State Paul Murphy held discussions with Irish Foreign Minister Brian Cowen to finalise the position of the two governments before their latest initiative is unveiled next month.