WILLIAM Hague's carping and sniping at the Government's handling of the Northern Ireland peace process is both unstatesman-like and inconsistent with the national interest.
Labour, when in opposition, maintained unequivocal support for John Major's commendable and successful efforts to facilitate progress. This included refusing to criticise the Tories when they were found to be engaged in secret dialogue with Sinn Fein, despite repeated public denials.
In the context of international conflict resolution, Northern Ireland presents unique difficulties. Only those directly involved in the delicate and gut-wrenching negotiations are in a position to make judgements about the best approach to achieving genuine and sustainable peace.
As the process stands on a knife edge, those of us on the "outside" should either refrain from comment or use any influence we may have to urge Northern Ireland's political leaders to walk that "extra mile" for peace.
It is not Tony Blair or Mo Mowlam who require Mr Hague's support. It is the children of Northern Ireland who have the most to lose if, on this issue, the Tories fail to fulfil their proper role as Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition.
IVAN LEWIS MP
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