Northern Ireland politicians are studying proposals drawn up by the British and Irish Governments designed to form the basis of a lasting settlement for the province.

The proposals include plans for constitutional changes by both governments, and a new London-Dublin agreement to replace the 1985 Anglo-Irish Agreement.

Mowlam: The force behind the talks

The initiative presented to the province's political parties includes a wider umbrella body, called a Council of the Isles, bringing in members of regional assemblies in Scotland and Wales.

This might also incorporate limited institutions spanning all of Ireland.

There has been a guarded reaction in Northern Ireland to the idea.

The leader of the largest party representing mainstream Protestant opinion in the province, David Trimble of the Ulster Unionist Party, described the reports as a signal of fruitful and positive movement.

But the deputy leader of the nationalist SDLP, Seamus Mallon, said there was too much speculation stemming from Downing Street.

He called on the government to put forward any new proposals at the multi-party talks taking place at Stormont, near Belfast.

There is a renewed sense of urgency following the violence of recent weeks, with politicians on all sides emphasising the need for speedy progress towards agreement.

Mr Blair interrupted a visit to Japan to telephone participants in the peace process to try to ensure the meeting produces a breakthrough.

Gerry Adams: Phoned by Blair

He spoke to the Sinn Fein President, Gerry Adams, the Irish Prime Minister, Bertie Ahern, the Ulster Unionist leader, David Trimble and the Northern Ireland Secretary, Mo Mowlam.

Mr Blair's intervention from Japan follows a number of sectarian attacks which have been threatening the peace process.

Mr Blair's call to Mr Adams was made just hours after the Sinn Fein leader was told of the murder of Terry "Junior" Enright, 28, who was married to Mr Adams' niece.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman confirmed that the shooting had been raised during the conversation with Mr Adams.

But he would not say what had been said or whether Mr Blair expressed condolences.
 

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