Mowlam holds talks with SF and UDP

BRITAIN'S Shadow Northern Secretary yesterday held talks with representatives from Sinn Fein and the Ulster Democratic Party, …

BRITAIN'S Shadow Northern Secretary yesterday held talks with representatives from Sinn Fein and the Ulster Democratic Party, the political wing of the UDA, at separate meetings in Belfast.

Dr Marjorie Mowlam insisted Mr Major's proposal for elections to a talks convention had not jeopardised the bipartisan approach to the North in the House of Commons.

Both parties described the meetings as "positive and constructive".

"I will fall out with the government when there is just cause to do so. I believe it is acting in good faith to move the process forward," Dr Mowlam said.

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The election proposal had support among some sections of the community, she noted, and any means forward would need widespread approval.

Dr Mowlam held talks with the SDLP earlier this week and is due to meet the DUP next week. The parties generally agreed that there had not been enough time to discuss the Mitchell report in detail, she said.