THE Ulster Unionist leader, Mr David Trimble, has fiercely criticised recent comments which, he claimed, are provoking loyalist paramilitaries.
The remarks by the Tanaiste's adviser, Mr Fergus Finlay, that talks without Sinn Fein would not be worth a "penny candle" were, he said, suggesting that the views of other parties at these negotiations would be of no value. Mr Trimble described Mr Finlay's comments as "grossly irresponsible".
The DUP leader, the Rev Ian Paisley, meanwhile, has threatened legal action if his name is not allowed on ballot papers in the May 30th elections. The DUP has, also stated Sinn Fein cannot be involved in all party talks even if the IRA calls a ceasefire.
Speaking yesterday at the launch of a UUP economic strategy document, Mr Trimble said there was no significance in the Taoiseach's recent speeches which sought to reassure unionists about the Government's intentions, he added.
Mr Trimble again called on loyalist paramilitaries not to be provoked into ending their ceasefire. Mr Finlay's "not a penny candle comments" indicated the only people that mattered were Sinn Fein.
"When people are saying that all that matters are the views of Sinn Fein then inevitably some people are going to say the importance invested in their views is because of violence, and the threat of violence.
"It is extremely foolish for people to go around giving that great prominence to violence, because it will encourage more. We need to have a better balanced approach from people in the Irish Republic if we are going to avoid further trouble," he said.
Recent speeches from Mr Bruton and the Fianna Fail leader, Mr Bertie Ahern, indicated the party leaders were competing with each other to see who could "stake out the most aggressive nationalist position. That is not a good way to approach any negotiations on June 10th."
Mr Trimble was speaking before a meeting with the British prime minister. The DUP, meanwhile, has stated that Sinn Fein must not be allowed into all party talks even if the IRA calls a cease fire before June 10th. There was not enough time for the IRA to demonstrate it was committed to peaceful methods between now and the beginning of talks, said party secretary Mr Nigel Dodds.
Sinn Fein could not be treated as a normal party because it did not subscribe to the g round rules of democratic politics, he added.
The Progressive Unionist Party, which is said to reflect UVF thinking, must also be excluded from talks because of the bomb alert at Dublin airport, according to the DUP.
Mr Paisley warned yesterday he may take legal action if his name is not allowed on all ballot papers in the forthcoming election. His party must be described on the papers as "Democratic Unionist (DUP) (Ian Paisley)", he said.
If the UK Unionist, Mr, Robert McCartney, could have his name on the ballot papers then so should he, Dr Paisley added.
