The Democratic Unionist Party must face Sinn Féin across the negotiating table if they are prepared to meet loyalists, the Alliance Party said today.
Alliance Party deputy leader Ms Eileen Bell was reacting to comments from the DUP's Peter Robinson that his party was looking at how it could persuade loyalists to abandon paramilitary activity.
Mr Robinson said last night the DUP were exploring how they could influence loyalists after Progressive Unionist Party leader David Ervine, whose party is linked to the Ulster Volunteer Force, appealed for help at the PUP's annual conference in Belfast last weekend.
The DUP deputy leader confirmed: "We're discussing it at the present time, so clearly we haven't ruled it out, and how best it can be done is something that we'll have to consider.
"But I think we have a responsibility to use our influence . . . how best we use that influence is something that the days and weeks will perhaps reveal."
The Democratic Unionist Party has consistently called on loyalists and republicans to end all paramilitary and criminal activity. But they have refused to engage directly with Sinn Féin in the current talks to restore power sharing at Stormont because the IRA remains active.
Ms Bell said: "It would be the ultimate in hypocrisy if the DUP were now to talk officially to the PUP and UPRG, yet refuse to engage with Sinn Féin.
"How could the DUP ignore Sinn Féin when the IRA has gone further towards 'going out of business' than any of the loyalist paramilitary groups?
"Only last night, the DUP's Sammy Wilson sat across a table from Sinn Fein MP Pat Doherty on the BBC's Hearts and Mindsshow.
"Obviously the DUP has no problem sharing a studio with Sinn Féin, but if it is serious about restoring the Assembly it will have to share an Executive too - and that means talking to republicans."
PA