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07/08/2001
SDLP remain positive on peace package
The nationalist SDLP have given a positive response to the Anglo-Irish package of proposals aimed at breaking the deadlock in Northern Ireland.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, 7 August, SDLP leader John Hume described the proposals as "positive" but added he still had concerns about the governments plan for implementation of reform of the RUC.
Deputy leader Séamus Mallon added that he wanted to see the police implementation plan published, which the parties viewed on Saturday August 4 but were unable to take home: “That implementation plan contains 175 sections and we would have liked that published with the proposals.”
A four-page statement outlining the SDLP’s position was also released on Tuesday afternoon.
The press statement entitled ‘SDLP Response to the Irish and British Governments document’ clearly welcomes the proposals as a vehicle to help deliver the full and early implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, although falls short of giving the new police service its full and unequivocal support.
Instead the SDLP have stressed the need to bring policing proposals in line with the principles outlined in the Patten report which all the parties signed up to in the Good Friday Agreement three years ago.
With regards to decommissioning the SDLP have said they have always accepted “this is an indispensable part of implementing the Good Friday Agreement.
Other issues surrounding Criminal Justice Review and the Agreement’s human rights provisions are also highlighted in the SDLP response statement as areas that need further redress.
The SDLP’s position has been heavily criticised by Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble who said this position was “wholly inadequate” and “not a way in which a political party should behave.” (AMcE)
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, 7 August, SDLP leader John Hume described the proposals as "positive" but added he still had concerns about the governments plan for implementation of reform of the RUC.
Deputy leader Séamus Mallon added that he wanted to see the police implementation plan published, which the parties viewed on Saturday August 4 but were unable to take home: “That implementation plan contains 175 sections and we would have liked that published with the proposals.”
A four-page statement outlining the SDLP’s position was also released on Tuesday afternoon.
The press statement entitled ‘SDLP Response to the Irish and British Governments document’ clearly welcomes the proposals as a vehicle to help deliver the full and early implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, although falls short of giving the new police service its full and unequivocal support.
Instead the SDLP have stressed the need to bring policing proposals in line with the principles outlined in the Patten report which all the parties signed up to in the Good Friday Agreement three years ago.
With regards to decommissioning the SDLP have said they have always accepted “this is an indispensable part of implementing the Good Friday Agreement.
Other issues surrounding Criminal Justice Review and the Agreement’s human rights provisions are also highlighted in the SDLP response statement as areas that need further redress.
The SDLP’s position has been heavily criticised by Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble who said this position was “wholly inadequate” and “not a way in which a political party should behave.” (AMcE)
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Policing is too important for “political mischief”
Speaking after the DUP and UUP leaders held talks on the future of policing in Northern Ireland, SDLP MLA for Foyle Mark Durkin said that policing was part of the overall implementation of the agreement, and that parties must regard it as such.
Policing is too important for “political mischief”
Speaking after the DUP and UUP leaders held talks on the future of policing in Northern Ireland, SDLP MLA for Foyle Mark Durkin said that policing was part of the overall implementation of the agreement, and that parties must regard it as such.
20 August 2001
SDLP accept policing plan
With the Tuesday midday deadline looming Northern Ireland’s political parties are rapidly running out of time to say whether they will accept or reject the revised implementation plan for reform of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. The document, which covers all 175 Patten proposals, has already been rejected by Sinn Féin.
SDLP accept policing plan
With the Tuesday midday deadline looming Northern Ireland’s political parties are rapidly running out of time to say whether they will accept or reject the revised implementation plan for reform of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. The document, which covers all 175 Patten proposals, has already been rejected by Sinn Féin.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
