Unless the British government sets a date for the assembly election there is no possibility of republicans even considering any further initiatives – it was made clear last night (Sunday).
As the political season gets under way after the summer Sinn Féin has sent a message to both the British and Irish governments about the imperative of a definitive election date.
A Sinn Féin representative ruled out the possibility of republicans coming forward with further initiatives in the political process in the absence of "a date certain" for the election.
It is presumed that what is being talked about behind the scenes is the possibility of the IRA's offer earlier this year coming back on the table. But it may take some weeks before a situation of fresh talks, or negotiations, can be put together to see if there is any real hope of progress.
The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and British Prime Minister Tony Blair are to meet this weekend and will have an opportunity to consider the possible way ahead.
In Sinn Féin's view, without an election date it appears impossible to put together any sustainable political arrangements which would satisfy both unionists and republicans.
Meanwhile, Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble said yesterday that the IRA must now accept that its days as an active paramilitary army are over.
Mr Trimble said: "In short, it must come to terms with the Belfast Agreement. I do not know if the IRA can measure up.
"But the Prime Minister has made it clear where the responsibility lies and unionists have nothing to fear in the current climate."
The UUP leader said that last year the Prime Minister insisted that the IRA would have to bring an end to all those activities which destabilised the agreement.
