Sinn Fein 'encouraged' by Trimble's remarks on arms

Sinn FΘin's national chairman, Mr Mitchel McLaughlin, has said he is "very encouraged" by remarks last night by the UUP leader Mr David Trimble.

Speaking in Washington, Mr Trimble said he would again seek the office of Northern Ireland First Minister in the event of IRA decomissioning.

"I hope they do it in such a way that John de Chastelain is able to report to the people of Northern Ireland that he has verified it," Mr Trimble said. "It will transform the situation and there will be an appropriate response. In that situation, it would be my intention to take office."

Responding, Mr McLaughlin said the decomissioning impasse would be overcome if Mr Trimble was "in a mood to talk politics". He added: "I think if David Trimble is in a mood ... to work with the rest of us on it then we will resolve this because these now are political problems."

Earlier yesterday, Mr Trimble postponed his decision formally to withdraw his three ministers from the Northern executive, as speculation continued about an IRA move on arms. Senior security sources said last night they had "an expectation" that the IRA would make a gesture on weapons but it was still unclear when this might happen.

According to the sources many republicans, including some opposed to the idea of putting arms beyond use, were being briefed to expect movement.

Also yesterday the Northern Secretary, Dr John Reid, announced that from Sunday, November 4th, the new Police Service of Northern Ireland would come into existence, consigning the RUC title to history.

Ulster Unionist and Sinn FΘin sources would not be drawn on speculation that yesterday's developments were part of a complicated "choreography" to facilitate an IRA gesture on arms. On Monday, Mr Martin McGuinness, Sinn FΘin's chief negotiator, repeated that the party was working "flat out" to resolve the arms issue.

Mr Trimble expressed the hope that the current speculation about movement on decomissioning was accurate. Mr Trimble, who is due back in London today, indicated he would be satisfied with whatever action the IRA might take if such action were verified and accepted by Gen de Chastelain's decommissioning body.

It is expected that Dr Reid will meet the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, on Friday.