THERE are no indications of a loyalist threat to the Republic in spite of the recent eruption of Northern violence, the Minister for Justice, Mrs Owen, has said.
In the only reference yesterday from a Government figure to the Northern flare-up, the Minister said last night "it should not happen in this day and age that people give vent to their anger like this". She declined to make any further comment on cross-Border security arrangements.
Apart from Mrs Owen's comments, the violence provoked no official reaction from the Government. A Government spokesman declined to make any comment whatsoever on the situation in Drumcree or elsewhere.
Opposition parties, with the exception of the Progressive Democrats leader, Ms Mary Harney, have avoided making any official comment on the matter, with sources indicating that their words could inflame the situation and add to tensions.
Meanwhile, bipartisan discussions took place yesterday at the Northern Ireland talks between the Minister for Equality and Law Reform, Mr Taylor, and a number of politicians. Mr Taylor, who has been appointed to act as Government representative in the absence of the Tanaiste, Mr Spring, had discussions with the Northern Minister, Mr Michael Ancram.
He also met Mr Ken Magennis of the UUP, and the SDLP. The Minister had discussions with the former US senator, Mr George Mitchell, as well as his colleagues from the international body on decommissioning, Mr Harri Holkeri and Gen John de Chastelain.