Menu
16/06/2014
Ford Questions Commitment To Flag Talks
Alliance leader David Ford has publicly questioned whether all parties at Stormont are "genuinely committed" to reaching agreement on contentious issues, following a delay in organising five party talks.
Martin McGuinness and Peter Robinson have pledged to hold two sessions of three-day talks to resolve outstanding issues that remain following last year's talks chaired by US diplomat Richard Haass. However, no date has yet been set.
Mr Ford made the comments as he was addressing the Alliance Party's ruling Council in Newcastle on Saturday.
"It is now exactly twelve days since Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness agreed to hold these all-party talks, and promised to deliver a paper on the details within 48 hours," he said.
"Yet so far no details whatsoever on the arrangements for these meetings have been given to the parties. There are meant to be two periods of intensive talks before the start of July, but there has so far been a total lack of urgency coming from the First and deputy First Ministers. The reality is that, if the will is there, we can resolve these issues in these talks. However, if it is taking nearly two weeks for Robinson and McGuinness to organise their diaries then it suggests the will is not there."
Mr Ford said he was concerned that Peter Robinson is "attempting to take issues off the table.
"Concerns about flags and parades are inextricably linked with our divided past," he said. "Anyone who suggests otherwise is misleading the people."
(IT)
Martin McGuinness and Peter Robinson have pledged to hold two sessions of three-day talks to resolve outstanding issues that remain following last year's talks chaired by US diplomat Richard Haass. However, no date has yet been set.
Mr Ford made the comments as he was addressing the Alliance Party's ruling Council in Newcastle on Saturday.
"It is now exactly twelve days since Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness agreed to hold these all-party talks, and promised to deliver a paper on the details within 48 hours," he said.
"Yet so far no details whatsoever on the arrangements for these meetings have been given to the parties. There are meant to be two periods of intensive talks before the start of July, but there has so far been a total lack of urgency coming from the First and deputy First Ministers. The reality is that, if the will is there, we can resolve these issues in these talks. However, if it is taking nearly two weeks for Robinson and McGuinness to organise their diaries then it suggests the will is not there."
Mr Ford said he was concerned that Peter Robinson is "attempting to take issues off the table.
"Concerns about flags and parades are inextricably linked with our divided past," he said. "Anyone who suggests otherwise is misleading the people."
(IT)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 November 2005
Minister committed to tackling issues facing children
NIO Minister Jeff Rooker has committed himself to championing the causes of children and young people throughout Northern Ireland.
Minister committed to tackling issues facing children
NIO Minister Jeff Rooker has committed himself to championing the causes of children and young people throughout Northern Ireland.
23 October 2014
Irish Foreign Affairs Minister In Belfast
The Irish Foreign Affairs Minister is in Belfast today, Thursday, to continue with the political talks. Minister Flanagan will meet with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers, and representatives of the UUP, SDLP, Alliance and Sinn Féin.
Irish Foreign Affairs Minister In Belfast
The Irish Foreign Affairs Minister is in Belfast today, Thursday, to continue with the political talks. Minister Flanagan will meet with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers, and representatives of the UUP, SDLP, Alliance and Sinn Féin.
10 July 2009
Garvaghy Road Residents Meet Robinson
First Minister Peter Robinson held separate talks with the Loyal Orange Order and Garvaghy Road residents today, over the contentious Drumcree march. Mr Robinson (pictured) said he believed both sides could meet together soon. "I think both of them are prepared to sit down with the other," said the First Minister.
Garvaghy Road Residents Meet Robinson
First Minister Peter Robinson held separate talks with the Loyal Orange Order and Garvaghy Road residents today, over the contentious Drumcree march. Mr Robinson (pictured) said he believed both sides could meet together soon. "I think both of them are prepared to sit down with the other," said the First Minister.
24 January 2018
Fresh Round Of Talks To Restore Power-Sharing In NI Begin
A fresh round of talks to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland have begun. The Secretary of state will hold meetings with the five main parties. The Irish deputy prime minister will also be at Stormont. Northern Ireland has been without an Executive for over a year.
Fresh Round Of Talks To Restore Power-Sharing In NI Begin
A fresh round of talks to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland have begun. The Secretary of state will hold meetings with the five main parties. The Irish deputy prime minister will also be at Stormont. Northern Ireland has been without an Executive for over a year.
05 December 2014
Talks Progress Must Be Made - NI Secretary
Theresa Villiers has said the chance to make progress in the latest round of political talks in Northern Ireland must not be missed, after Chancellor George Obsorne said he would devolve corporation tax in the event of agreement.
Talks Progress Must Be Made - NI Secretary
Theresa Villiers has said the chance to make progress in the latest round of political talks in Northern Ireland must not be missed, after Chancellor George Obsorne said he would devolve corporation tax in the event of agreement.
-
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.
