Menu
24/09/2001
Unionists draw up Sinn Féin exclusion motion
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has begun drawing up a motion to exclude Sinn Féin from the Northern Ireland power-sharing executive.
The motion, which was tabled to be debated on Monday September 24, is expected to take up to three weeks before it reaches the floor of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
It has been reported that if the motion were defeated Mr Trimble and his ministers in the power-sharing executive would leave office.
Acting Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon argued the weekend decision by the UUP to try to remove Sinn Féin ministers Martin McGuinness and Bairbre de Brún from the executive was against the spirit of the Belfast Agreement.
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster he said: "At this stage in negotiations to have the type of proposed motion coming from the Ulster Unionist Party, in my view, will not in any way help to solve the problem of decommissioning.
"You cannot have exclusions of this nature and at the same time have the inclusivity of the Good Friday Agreement.”
Ulster Unionist economy minister and Acting First Minister Sir Reg Empey told the same programme his party’s move against Sinn Féin was a weapon of last resort. "We have done everything in our power. We have seen our efforts repudiated time and time again," he said.
The UUP decided to seek the expulsion of Sinn Féin from the power-sharing executive after Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid suspended institutions for one day for the second time in six weeks in a bid to buy more time for movement from the IRA on disarmament.
Another exclusion motion by the Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionists has been signed by 29 MLAs - just one short of the figure required for it to be debated.
He has asked, and been refused a meeting with Mr Trimble in which he said he would be asking him to sign up to their DUP exclusion motion. (AMcE)
The motion, which was tabled to be debated on Monday September 24, is expected to take up to three weeks before it reaches the floor of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
It has been reported that if the motion were defeated Mr Trimble and his ministers in the power-sharing executive would leave office.
Acting Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon argued the weekend decision by the UUP to try to remove Sinn Féin ministers Martin McGuinness and Bairbre de Brún from the executive was against the spirit of the Belfast Agreement.
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster he said: "At this stage in negotiations to have the type of proposed motion coming from the Ulster Unionist Party, in my view, will not in any way help to solve the problem of decommissioning.
"You cannot have exclusions of this nature and at the same time have the inclusivity of the Good Friday Agreement.”
Ulster Unionist economy minister and Acting First Minister Sir Reg Empey told the same programme his party’s move against Sinn Féin was a weapon of last resort. "We have done everything in our power. We have seen our efforts repudiated time and time again," he said.
The UUP decided to seek the expulsion of Sinn Féin from the power-sharing executive after Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid suspended institutions for one day for the second time in six weeks in a bid to buy more time for movement from the IRA on disarmament.
Another exclusion motion by the Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionists has been signed by 29 MLAs - just one short of the figure required for it to be debated.
He has asked, and been refused a meeting with Mr Trimble in which he said he would be asking him to sign up to their DUP exclusion motion. (AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 November 2024
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
21 November 2024
Belfast Region City Deal Delivers Early Results
The Belfast Region City Deal, a decade-long investment program, is already making significant strides in delivering tangible benefits to the region. Three years after its inception, partners from the program recently visited Stormont to showcase the progress made so far.
Belfast Region City Deal Delivers Early Results
The Belfast Region City Deal, a decade-long investment program, is already making significant strides in delivering tangible benefits to the region. Three years after its inception, partners from the program recently visited Stormont to showcase the progress made so far.
08 October 2001
UUP to walk from assembly if Sinn Féin exclusion motion fails
Two motions to exclude Sinn Féin from the power-sharing executive in Northern Ireland were scheduled for debate in the assembly on Monday October 8.
UUP to walk from assembly if Sinn Féin exclusion motion fails
Two motions to exclude Sinn Féin from the power-sharing executive in Northern Ireland were scheduled for debate in the assembly on Monday October 8.
29 October 2002
Commons reject Sinn Féin exclusion motion
A motion to exclude Sinn Féin's four MPs from their Westminster offices was defeated in a Commons vote last night. The motion, tabled by the Tory Party with the support of the UUP and DUP, was overwhelmingly rejected by 336 votes to 140.
Commons reject Sinn Féin exclusion motion
A motion to exclude Sinn Féin's four MPs from their Westminster offices was defeated in a Commons vote last night. The motion, tabled by the Tory Party with the support of the UUP and DUP, was overwhelmingly rejected by 336 votes to 140.
04 March 2002
DUP leads assembly motion to exclude Sinn Féin
The Democratic Unionist Party has led a motion called for the republican party Sinn Féin to be excluded from the Northern Ireland executive for a year. The motion, which has gathered 30 signatures from anti-agreement unionists, is to be debated at a special session on Wednesday March 6.
DUP leads assembly motion to exclude Sinn Féin
The Democratic Unionist Party has led a motion called for the republican party Sinn Féin to be excluded from the Northern Ireland executive for a year. The motion, which has gathered 30 signatures from anti-agreement unionists, is to be debated at a special session on Wednesday March 6.
-
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.
