Bruton, Blair plan closer relations

THE Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, and the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, yesterday added another element to the peace process with a new initiative to strengthen London-Dublin co-operation.

Mr Bruton said his half-hour meeting with Mr Blair on the fringes of the European Council meeting in this Dutch coastal town had been very successful. He hoped reinforced "east-west" co-operation would contribute to building confidence "that would create a framework in which North-South co-operation will become easier, particularly from a unionist perspective because it will be part of a co-operation between the two governments and less confrontational".

In a joint statement issued at the meeting, the two leaders spelled out a programme of joint projects arising from their decision in principle in London on May 8th to strengthen London-Dublin relations.

The statement emphasises the need to complement the co-operation in many social and economic fields with projects on using information technology in education; enhancing the skills of workforces; strengthening the fight against organised crime; homelessness, particularly of the Irish in Britain, food safety, and environmental issues.

Mr Bruton paid tribute to Mr Blair's "tremendous determination" in the last few days "to move forward to give the republican movement every chance to come in and give up violence. They are going to face an opportunity as well as choice as a result of what he has done".

The Taoiseach last night also welcomed the decision to grant special bail to Ms Roisin McAliskey.