Ulster: New hope for progress?

The prime minister has rejected suggestions that the government's approach to the peace process caused the collapse of Ulster's moderate political parties.

Tony Blair was speaking in the wake of general election that saw gains for Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionist Party.

The nationalist SDLP held steady at three seats, while the Ulster Unionist Party collapsed to just one seat, prompting the resignation of party leader David Trimble.

At his monthly press conference, the prime minister said the failure of moderate parties to agree a way forward on their own had caused the peace process to stall.

Blair said he had asked the SDLP if they would join a devolved administration without Sinn Fein.

"The moderate centre can only move forward if [the SDLP is] prepared to move forward with the UUP," he said.

"I don't think that is the position of the SDLP today even.

"I can't make the moderate centre go forward, I can't determine that.

"In the end it is for the parties to determine that."

The prime minister also said Trimble had been "brave" in backing the peace process.

But he accepted the government would now have to work with the outcome set by the public in the election.

"I am still actually very hopeful that we can resolve it," Blair added.

"I hope the DUP are prepared to share power providing there is a clear, unequivocal and complete giving up of violence.

"And if there isn't, I'll be left in the same position again.

"I'm happy to make progress with the moderates in Northern Ireland who want to make progress.

"But I can't force them to do it, and in particular I can't force the SDLP to move forward with say the DUP and UUP, but without Sinn Fein if they are not prepared to do it.

"I also think the reality is, and always has been, is that it is better to have an inclusive settlement.

"This now rests on one thing. It rests on the absolute, unequivocal cessation, giving up of all forms of violence and a complete embrace of democratic politics.

"It is the only way forward in Northern Ireland."