Murphy: Pressuring republicans

Ending IRA criminality is the only issue on the agenda in official talks with republicans, according to Northern Ireland secretary Paul Murphy.

Speaking in the Commons, he repeated his view that illegal IRA activities were the only barrier to further progress on the peace process.

Shadow Ulster secretary David Lidington asked why discussions with republicans were continuing.

But Murphy said the talks were being used to push for an end to paramilitary criminality.

The secretary of state said: "So far as any talking is concerned, whether they are classified as discussions or negotiations, I have said on more than one occasion to this house that they are stopping."

"What we are saying is that in any sort of discussions there is only one item on the agenda, and that is how to address criminality by the IRA.

"And until we do that there can be no further discussion or negotiation."

Democratic deficit

Murphy also told MPs he was continuing to look for ways to enhance democratic scrutiny of the Northern Ireland Office's work, given the continuing suspension of the Stormont assembly.

"What I can't do and no government can do is make people form a government together," he said.

But Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble said ministers should be less "passive" and seek ways for Ulster's parties to form a government without republicans.

Murphy responded that the aim was an inclusive executive, "but at the same time it is very important to understand that we are looking at other ways by which we can address the democratic deficit in Northern Ireland".

The secretary of state also said he was "more than happy" to look at alternatives that would allow Sinn Fein to be excluded from the executive.

There would still need to be cross-community support, he added, and at the moment there was no sign that would prove feasible.