Menu
12/06/2001
DECOMMISSIONING IS NOT IMMINENT
RUC Chief Constable Ronnie Flanagan has declared that there is no sign of the IRA moving towards imminent decommissioning.
Speaking during an interview with the BBC, Sir Ronnie’s comments come at a crucial time for the arms decommissioning issue which is set to dominate the political agenda.
Sir Ronnie told BBC that decommissioning was a "political matter in the political arena" and added he had no information to “suggest at this point in time, that actual decommissioning is imminent. I would be dishonest to suggest otherwise".
In the run up to the recent general election First Minister David Trimble declared that he would resign if there had been decommissioning by the July 1 deadline.
Although the de Chastelain Commission’s inspectors have been able to inspect some of the IRA’s weapons, the failure to achieve IRA decommissioning remains a major issue for the successful continuation of the Good Friday agreement. Following a meeting with British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Tuesday June 12, Mr Trimble said he was determined to follow through on the issue of decommissioning. He said:" I have made it clear to the Prime Minister my own determination that if we come to the end of this month, and we find that the Agreement with regard to decommissioning has not been implemented, then I am determined to follow through in terms of drawing a line and causing a crisis in the institutions by resigning." The UUP’s two new MP’s Lady Sylvia Hermon and David Burnside also attended the Downing Street meeting accompanied by Northern Ireland Assembly Enterprise Minister Sir Reg Empey. (SP)
Speaking during an interview with the BBC, Sir Ronnie’s comments come at a crucial time for the arms decommissioning issue which is set to dominate the political agenda.
Sir Ronnie told BBC that decommissioning was a "political matter in the political arena" and added he had no information to “suggest at this point in time, that actual decommissioning is imminent. I would be dishonest to suggest otherwise".
In the run up to the recent general election First Minister David Trimble declared that he would resign if there had been decommissioning by the July 1 deadline.
Although the de Chastelain Commission’s inspectors have been able to inspect some of the IRA’s weapons, the failure to achieve IRA decommissioning remains a major issue for the successful continuation of the Good Friday agreement. Following a meeting with British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Tuesday June 12, Mr Trimble said he was determined to follow through on the issue of decommissioning. He said:" I have made it clear to the Prime Minister my own determination that if we come to the end of this month, and we find that the Agreement with regard to decommissioning has not been implemented, then I am determined to follow through in terms of drawing a line and causing a crisis in the institutions by resigning." The UUP’s two new MP’s Lady Sylvia Hermon and David Burnside also attended the Downing Street meeting accompanied by Northern Ireland Assembly Enterprise Minister Sir Reg Empey. (SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 November 2024
Police Issue Fresh Appeal For Missing Boys On 50th Anniversary
Police have made a fresh appeal to the public for information regarding the disappearance of two young boys in west Belfast on the 50th anniversary of the date they went missing.
Police Issue Fresh Appeal For Missing Boys On 50th Anniversary
Police have made a fresh appeal to the public for information regarding the disappearance of two young boys in west Belfast on the 50th anniversary of the date they went missing.
29 June 2009
UVF Guns, Ammo And Bombs 'Beyond Use'
The haul of weapons decommissioned by the UVF and Red Hand Commandos included guns, ammunition and explosives, it has been revealed. However, independent observers - who described the cache as a "major decommissioning event" - have not said how many weapons were actually given up.
UVF Guns, Ammo And Bombs 'Beyond Use'
The haul of weapons decommissioned by the UVF and Red Hand Commandos included guns, ammunition and explosives, it has been revealed. However, independent observers - who described the cache as a "major decommissioning event" - have not said how many weapons were actually given up.
21 August 2008
NI Students Celebrate Exam Success
GCSE students are celebrating top grades in the biggest annual rise since 1990 - with the Province outperforming the mainland. Northern Ireland beat England, Scotland and Wales with 26.4% awarded A* or A.
NI Students Celebrate Exam Success
GCSE students are celebrating top grades in the biggest annual rise since 1990 - with the Province outperforming the mainland. Northern Ireland beat England, Scotland and Wales with 26.4% awarded A* or A.
05 September 2002
Shorts Bombardier to axe 461 jobs
Belfast-based aerospace company Shorts Bombardier has announced that 461 jobs are to be axed. The news was communicated to staff at a management meeting at 2pm this afternoon.
Shorts Bombardier to axe 461 jobs
Belfast-based aerospace company Shorts Bombardier has announced that 461 jobs are to be axed. The news was communicated to staff at a management meeting at 2pm this afternoon.
27 November 2024
Graduate Entry Medical Students To Benefit From Tuition Fee Loans
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced that from the 2025/26 academic year, students enrolled in the Graduate Entry Medical School at Ulster University's Derry-Londonderry campus will be eligible for tuition fee loans. Previously, graduate entry medical students were unable to access government loans to cover tuition fees.
Graduate Entry Medical Students To Benefit From Tuition Fee Loans
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced that from the 2025/26 academic year, students enrolled in the Graduate Entry Medical School at Ulster University's Derry-Londonderry campus will be eligible for tuition fee loans. Previously, graduate entry medical students were unable to access government loans to cover tuition fees.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
