Murphy: Controversial move

The government has announced that the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) and the Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF) will now be able to take part in peace talks.

Announcing his decision on Friday, Northern Ireland secretary Paul Murphy said he believed both previously "specified" organisations were now committed to a ceasefire.

He said the Ulster Political Research Group had found "positive political engagement" over recent months.

"My decision, reached only after the most careful consideration, is based on a number of factors, in line with the legislation," said Murphy.

"They include the UDA's reaffirmation in February this year of its Gregg Initiative, when it re-stated its commitment to its ceasefire; the organisation's generally constructive approach during this year's marching season; and some diminution in paramilitary activity by its members over the past six months, as reflected in the IMC's recent report.

"But as that report also makes clear, the UDA continues to be involved in a range of unacceptable activities which must be brought to an end."

Different route

Murphy added: "I am persuaded that the UDA is now prepared to go down a different road, moving away from its paramilitary past. I will have more to say on this in my parliamentary statement on Monday."

But he said the government had to be mindful of those who had been on the receiving end of paramilitary violence over recent years.

"It is important at a time like this to acknowledge the feelings of victims. While I hope this move will help in the process of building a future where violence is put firmly in our past, I want to reassure victims that we have not forgotten their suffering, or their needs," he said.

And Murphy went on to warn that there would be no let up in the campaign against paramilitarism in Northern Ireland.

"This is a positive step forward for those involved in this initiative and the communities concerned," he said.

"I must make clear, however, that all paramilitary groups, whether specified or not, remain illegal organisations and any criminal activity will be pursued relentlessly by the police.

"I will continue to judge them not just by their words but by their deeds. The onus is now on the UDA/UFF to continue to show its good faith."

However opposition parties attacked the decision to despecify the groups.

Lembit Opik, Liberal Democrat spokesman on Northern Ireland, said: "People in Northern Ireland may find it difficult to understand how the secretary of state can recognise this ceasefire. 

"The UDA might well have declared a new ceasefire in February. But they did
not stick to it. 

"The Independent Monitoring Commission describes the organisation as still
active, still violent and still refusing to allow the exiled to come home."

DUP move

Meanwhile the leading Democratic Unionist Peter Robinson has insisted he will not be rushed into any power-sharing deal at Stormont.

Speaking amid speculation of an imminent breakthrough Robinson said: "The DUP earnestly hopes that agreement can be reached in the next few weeks.

"We will play a constructive part in attempting to reach such a conclusion but if it cannot we know the unionist community will hold the line and trust us to finish the job. 

"We will not let all that has been achieved be lost by a premature dash for the finish line."