WITH the devolution process deadlocked, the British and Irish governments have to agree to the postponement of the Northern Ireland Assembly elections on May 29.

Electing representatives for an assembly which is unable to function is a pointless exercise.

Rather than campaigning in a worthless election, the political leaders in the province would be better employed trying to get the peace process back on track.

Last night's speech by Gerry Adams offered little hope that devolution can be restored in time for the elections to go ahead as planned.

The disarmament of the IRA remains the stumbling block to a lasting and secure peace.

The IRA's offer of a third act of arms decommissioning is rightly viewed with scepticism by the Unionists. While the first two acts of decommissioning were significant milestones, a third is little more than a stunt.

The time for gimmicks has past. What everyone involved in Northern Ireland wants to see is tangible and verifiable evidence that the IRA is prepared to renounce violence and effectively disband.

Only when that occurs will the feelings of mutual distrust subside, allowing both sides of the political divide to take the leap of faith vital to securing a lasting peace.

A Royal and his subjects

IT is easy to associate the Prince of Wales with batty notions. This is the man, after all, who once admitted chatting to vegetation.

At first glance his new interest in nanotechnology and the threat of a "grey goo" catastrophe is suitably absurd.

However, much of the time Prince Charles speaks from a perfectly sound standpoint. His views on architecture, the environment and GM crops may not have been universally welcomed, but no one can deny that they have stimulated important public debate.

The Prince must shy away from strictly political issues. But if he can use his influence and privileged position to raise issues which would otherwise be hidden from scrutiny, then more power to his elbow.

In years to come we may be thankful for the Prince's inquisitive nature.