ONCE again the peace process in Ulster seems to be on the point of stalling, mainly over the IRA's refusal to abandon its campaign of violence and also to agree to the decommissioning of weapons.

The IRA say that there are no prospects of a renewed ceasefire ahead of next Monday's all-party talks on Ulster, while the British Government say Sinn Fein will not be allowed to take part without giving up the bombs and the bullets.

Time, perhaps, for new tactics to break the impasse. The harsh reality is that if talks are to succeed, Sinn Fein must have a seat at the table - their increased vote in last week's election in Ulster cannot be ignored.

Several months have passed since any outrage linked to the IRA. It is time to test Sinn Fein's commitment to peace by allowing them to join the Ulster talks without pre-conditions, removing at a stroke any excuse for further terrorist activity. To allow Gerry Adams to enter the talks when he turns up with the world media at his shoulder will deny him the inevitable opportunity to play the role of the oppressed victim of what he will claim to be an undemocratic sham.

Ulster has to move out of the 'victors and vanquished' arena if it is to have a chance of real peace.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.