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10/08/2001
Temporary suspension of Assembly gives peace process more time
Despite intensive efforts to break the political deadlock Northern Ireland's devolved government is to be suspended as of midnight on Friday.
Northern Ireland Secretary of State Dr John Reid said on Friday afternoon that he was choosing the option of suspending the assembly because it would cause the least amount of damage to the peace process. He said: “We have it within our grasp to take a great step forward” and that by calling fresh elections would “only polarise the situation”.
The announcement made by the Secretary of State Dr John Reid means that the Northern Ireland assembly will be suspended temporarily and looks likely to be reinstated by the end of the weekend. On Saturday morning at Hillsborough Castle, Dr Reid will have talks with the Irish Foreign Minister Brian Cowen to review the situation.
The suspension allows another six weeks for pro-Agreement parties to find a resolution of the issues over which they are split - decommissioning, policing, demilitarisation and concerns about the stability of the institutions.
Earlier on Friday, Sinn Fein said the option to suspend the assembly would have serious consequences. Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness said: “No-one should consider that the institutions can simply be suspended at the behest of David Trimble and then return in the weeks or months ahead to all of the other issues without considering the effects of these actions especially on nationalist and republican opinion.”
The Ulster Unionists said Thursday's IRA statement to put its weapons beyond use did not go far enough and demanded a timetable for the handover of arms.
This week David Trimble said the Northern Ireland Secretary should suspend the assembly in the absence of IRA decommissioning but on Friday warned it would be "pointless" to suspend the assembly for a six-week period "unless it is clear that something is going to happen".
Regardless of Friday’s decision Mr Trimble has decided to continue with his holidays, and is planning to be in Austria by Sunday August 12. (AMcE)
Northern Ireland Secretary of State Dr John Reid said on Friday afternoon that he was choosing the option of suspending the assembly because it would cause the least amount of damage to the peace process. He said: “We have it within our grasp to take a great step forward” and that by calling fresh elections would “only polarise the situation”.
The announcement made by the Secretary of State Dr John Reid means that the Northern Ireland assembly will be suspended temporarily and looks likely to be reinstated by the end of the weekend. On Saturday morning at Hillsborough Castle, Dr Reid will have talks with the Irish Foreign Minister Brian Cowen to review the situation.
The suspension allows another six weeks for pro-Agreement parties to find a resolution of the issues over which they are split - decommissioning, policing, demilitarisation and concerns about the stability of the institutions.
Earlier on Friday, Sinn Fein said the option to suspend the assembly would have serious consequences. Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness said: “No-one should consider that the institutions can simply be suspended at the behest of David Trimble and then return in the weeks or months ahead to all of the other issues without considering the effects of these actions especially on nationalist and republican opinion.”
The Ulster Unionists said Thursday's IRA statement to put its weapons beyond use did not go far enough and demanded a timetable for the handover of arms.
This week David Trimble said the Northern Ireland Secretary should suspend the assembly in the absence of IRA decommissioning but on Friday warned it would be "pointless" to suspend the assembly for a six-week period "unless it is clear that something is going to happen".
Regardless of Friday’s decision Mr Trimble has decided to continue with his holidays, and is planning to be in Austria by Sunday August 12. (AMcE)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
