MR TONY Blair has stated that he wants to see Sinn Fein in inclusive talks based on an unequivocal IRA ceasefire. He yesterday pledged to "strain every sinew" to make the peace process work.
In Northern Ireland for a number of engagements, the Labour leader said that if he won power in the next British general election he would continue Mr John Major's approach to the peace process.
As a measure of that continuing bipartisan position, Mr Blair put the onus on the IRA to call a ceasefire in order to allow Sinn Fein's entry into all party talks.
"All that is necessary is for Sinn Fein to make it absolutely clear that there is a ceasefire, that it will be sincere, and that it will be a lasting ceasefire," he said in Newry, Co Down.
"Once that judgment can be made properly then the peace process can carry forward," he added after meeting SDLP MPs Mr Seamus Mallon and Mr Eddie McGrady.
"For me, the peace process in Northern Ireland will be every bit as much a priority as it has been for the present Prime Minister and present British government. It is absolutely essential that it is moved forward. I will be straining every sinew to do that.
"My commitment to it is absolute and my determination as a priority to see it through is clear and it will not waver," Mr promised.
It was a promise that he restated in meetings with the Ulster Unionist Party leader, Mr David Trimble, near Portadown before noon, in a speech at Queen's University, Belfast in the evening, and in a meeting with the DUP deputy leader, Mr Peter Robinson.
Mr Blair said at Queen's University he wanted Sinn Fein in all party talks. "But if the talks are to succeed, everyone has to be fully committed to the democratic process and to peaceful methods," he said.
"No one can expect to use bombs and bullets to make others sit down with them. That is why I say to the IRA - if you want to talk, then you have to give up violence, not just for a week or a month, but for good."
Mr Blair said he believed the majority of people wanted the peace process to continue. "The gains that have been made are so enormous that I cannot believe that we will squander it at this stage of the situation."
He insisted that the British government's approach to the peace process would remain unchanged if he is the next prime minister.
Labour's support of the British government peace process line was "mature, responsible and right", he added.
"If there is a change of government after the election, we look forward to the same bipartisan approach from a Conservative opposition."
