Ceasefire still in place, Ahern tells Trimble

The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, insisted the IRA ceasefire was intact after meeting Northern Ireland First Minister Mr David Trimble in Dublin last night.

Mr Trimble told Mr Ahern the evidence of recent paramilitary activity had caused "a very severe loss of confidence in the community in Northern Ireland regarding the whole peace process".

I believe the IRA ceasefire is very much in place The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern

Mr Ahern agreed there had been a loss of confidence but said: "I believe the IRA ceasefire is very much in place".

He also called on all of the pro-Agreement parties to work together to protect the accord. But he queried why, if the IRA were no longer commiting terrorist attacks, there was "a need for soldiers at all".

Ahead of his meeting with Mr Trimble, Mr Ahern had telephone talks with Sinn Féin leader Mr Gerry Adams.

PA