Mowlam: "Positive" meetings

Mowlam Hopeful After Talks With Loyalists

Her talks in Belfast and Londonderry are aimed at avoiding a repeat of last year's violence during the marching seaons in Northern Ireland.

With the height of this summer's marching season only six weeks away, there are widespread fears in Northern Ireland about a repeat of the violence and disruption which marred last year.

The Ulster Secretary described her meetings with Loyalist leaders as positive and constructive.

"I found today a willingness to talk which was very impressive," she said. "So I'm hopeful, with John Hume, who did such a good job last year, along with the Apprentice Boys who I think helped accommodate a situation that worked, and I hope the same again happens this year."

Last week, Ms Mowlam toured Catholic areas, where residents oppose Loyalist marches, drawing criticism from Unionists. By meeting Loyalists, she is trying to counter any perception of imbalance by addressing Protestant concerns.

However it is unclear whether a solution to the various marching disputes is any closer after this round of talks.

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