Menu
28/01/2010
Justice Talks Enter Crucial 48-Hours
Northern Ireland's political leaders have until tomorrow to present their plans for devolved policing and justice to Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Failure by the DUP and Sinn Fein to reach an agreement, or at least a compromise, before Friday will see the British and Irish governments publish their own proposals for a way forward.
Continued wrangling over the transfer of judiciary powers between the two largest parties has threatened to collapse the Stormont power-sharing administration.
Mr Brown, and Ireland's Prime Minister Brian Cowen, left Hillsborough Castle yesterday without brokering a deal, despite two days of intense negotiations.
The premiers issued a joint statement before exiting the province.
"Progress has been made inch by inch, slowly but surely," the men said.
"Having talked to all the leaders of Northern Ireland's political parties, we brought forward proposals that we believe set clear parameters for a pathway to an agreement."
Messrs Brown and Cowen said they believe it is "practicable to set a date in early March for the cross-community vote and the beginning of May for the transfer of powers".
The statement added: "We look forward to receiving an update on progress from the first minister and deputy first minister on Friday."
Today, Secretary of State Shaun Woodwards and Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin will chair further cross-party talks.
Parading has proved a major sticking point for both sides. The DUP has called for the dissolutions of the Parades Commission, which adjudicates on contentious Orange Order marches.
Sinn Fein wishes to retain the status quo, having accused the DUP leadership of bowing to unionist hardliners.
Republicans could still take the 'nuclear' options of pulling Martin McGuiness from the office of the First and Deputy First Minister, forcing Peter Robinson to resign.
If either party failed to renominate ministers within seven days the Belfast Assembly's powers would revert to London.
Under direct rule the Secretary of State would control all Northern Ireland matters. An early Stormont election would be called within weeks.
(PR/BMcC)
Failure by the DUP and Sinn Fein to reach an agreement, or at least a compromise, before Friday will see the British and Irish governments publish their own proposals for a way forward.
Continued wrangling over the transfer of judiciary powers between the two largest parties has threatened to collapse the Stormont power-sharing administration.
Mr Brown, and Ireland's Prime Minister Brian Cowen, left Hillsborough Castle yesterday without brokering a deal, despite two days of intense negotiations.
The premiers issued a joint statement before exiting the province.
"Progress has been made inch by inch, slowly but surely," the men said.
"Having talked to all the leaders of Northern Ireland's political parties, we brought forward proposals that we believe set clear parameters for a pathway to an agreement."
Messrs Brown and Cowen said they believe it is "practicable to set a date in early March for the cross-community vote and the beginning of May for the transfer of powers".
The statement added: "We look forward to receiving an update on progress from the first minister and deputy first minister on Friday."
Today, Secretary of State Shaun Woodwards and Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin will chair further cross-party talks.
Parading has proved a major sticking point for both sides. The DUP has called for the dissolutions of the Parades Commission, which adjudicates on contentious Orange Order marches.
Sinn Fein wishes to retain the status quo, having accused the DUP leadership of bowing to unionist hardliners.
Republicans could still take the 'nuclear' options of pulling Martin McGuiness from the office of the First and Deputy First Minister, forcing Peter Robinson to resign.
If either party failed to renominate ministers within seven days the Belfast Assembly's powers would revert to London.
Under direct rule the Secretary of State would control all Northern Ireland matters. An early Stormont election would be called within weeks.
(PR/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 January 2010
Clock Ticking On Justice Talks
Northern Ireland's politicians have until this afternoon to broker a compromise on the contentious devolution of policing and justice powers to the Belfast Assembly. Gordon Brown is en route to the province and poised to publish his joint proposals with the Irish government on the matter if agreement is not reached.
Clock Ticking On Justice Talks
Northern Ireland's politicians have until this afternoon to broker a compromise on the contentious devolution of policing and justice powers to the Belfast Assembly. Gordon Brown is en route to the province and poised to publish his joint proposals with the Irish government on the matter if agreement is not reached.
18 October 2010
Politicians Help 'Kick Hate Into Touch'
An innovative campaign, the 'Unite Against Hate' sporting weekend has been launched. Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and his Junior Minister Gerry Kelly (pictured) joined forces to support the campaign which highlights all forms of hate crime and challenges people here to unite to stop it.
Politicians Help 'Kick Hate Into Touch'
An innovative campaign, the 'Unite Against Hate' sporting weekend has been launched. Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and his Junior Minister Gerry Kelly (pictured) joined forces to support the campaign which highlights all forms of hate crime and challenges people here to unite to stop it.
20 June 2013
Conference Announced To Promote Jobs In NI
First Minister the Rt. Hon. Peter D. Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA have announced a major Investment Conference on 10 and 11 October 2013 to promote jobs and growth in Northern Ireland.
Conference Announced To Promote Jobs In NI
First Minister the Rt. Hon. Peter D. Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA have announced a major Investment Conference on 10 and 11 October 2013 to promote jobs and growth in Northern Ireland.
14 October 2024
Ministers Attend First Council Of Nations And Regions Meeting
Northern Ireland's First and deputy First Minister, Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, have attended the first meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in Edinburgh.
Ministers Attend First Council Of Nations And Regions Meeting
Northern Ireland's First and deputy First Minister, Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, have attended the first meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in Edinburgh.
05 March 2024
Ministers Discuss Development Of Football At All Levels In NI
Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has welcomed UK Sports Minister, Stuart Andrew, on an official visit to Northern Ireland. During his visit, the Ministers will discuss the development of football at all levels in NI.
Ministers Discuss Development Of Football At All Levels In NI
Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has welcomed UK Sports Minister, Stuart Andrew, on an official visit to Northern Ireland. During his visit, the Ministers will discuss the development of football at all levels in NI.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
