Mowlam: the 'ball is in Sinn Fein's court'

Mowlam Warns Talks Could go Ahead Without Sinn Fein

Ms Mowlam said, "the ball is in their court. We have been straight with them. The Republican movement now has to make up its mind. If they cannot rise to the challenges of democracy they can have no place in shaping the future arrangements for Northern Ireland."

Her comments came as MPs debated the Northern Ireland Act 1974 (Interim Period Extension) Order, which renews direct rule of the province from the Westminster Parliament. "This 'temporary' arrangement has lasted for 23 years so far. I regard this as a sorry state of affairs," she said.

The people of Ulster deserved political structures more accountable to them and more responsive to their needs. Devolution of power could play a significant part in healing divisions and encouraging people to work together.

Turning to her attempts to head off trouble in the coming marching season, Dr Mowlam said she could not yet say whether her talks would prove successful. "But I can assure the House we will continue to do all we can to avoid a repetition of last year's events."

The Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary, Andrew Mackay, said he wanted to echo Dr Mowlam and the Prime Minister "in saying this must be the final chance for Sinn Fein/IRA". He told the Northern Ireland Secretary: "You and Mr Blair must mean this - it really has to be the last chance.

"And you will have the full support, I believe, of the whole House if you proceed with the talks process without Sinn Fein/IRA if they do not lay down their arms and commence a real, genuine, deep, lasting ceasefire."

Mr Mackay told Ms Mowlam: "We naturally wish you well in the very very difficult weeks ahead, not just in dealing with the marching season but in hopefully ensuring a ceasefire and starting the talks."