THE Ulster Unionist leader, Mr David Trimble, has said Sinn Fein is further away from the negotiating table than ever and that republicans have rejected the opportunity for political progress.
"Sinn Fein/IRA have blown it," he said. "They had the opportunity but instead of taking it, they exploded bombs in Manchester and are threatening bombs elsewhere. In the real world it's obvious that they're not committed to peace." The talks should progress without republications, he said.
Bilateral talks continued at Stormont Castle yesterday to try to break the deadlock over procedure. Real negotiations have yet to start as there is no unanimous agreement over the powers of the chairman, former US Senator Mr George Mitchell, the agenda or rules of procedure.
The dispute centres on the legal status of the ground rules, drawn up by the two governments and referred to in legislation passed in April. The UUP is maintaining that these ground rules can be changed, while the SDLP is arguing they must remain.
The Alliance leader, Dr John Alderdice, blamed the delay on the British government's refusal to accept his party's proposal to impose a deadline for agreement.