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25/11/2003
Future of NI in electorate's hands, says Blair
The Prime Minister, commenting yesterday on the Northern Ireland Assembly election to be held on Wednesday, has said that the future of the province is in the electorate's hands.
Mr Blair said that the election was a "big moment" for people in Northern Ireland: "We are now at the point in the politics of Northern Ireland where I can't make any more decisions. I can't renegotiate agreements, I can't rewrite those things that have already been agreed.
"The decision is now for people in Northern Ireland and they are going to have to decide, in a fundamental way, whether Northern Ireland today is a better place than it was six, seven, 10 years ago. And if it is they are going to have to vote for it."
The Prime Minister said that he hoped "people chose the future and not the past."
The electorate will select 108 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from the 256 candidates representing the 20 or so political parties.
However, it is not thought that there will be an immediate resumption of the power-sharing executive that was suspended on October 14, 2002. A review of the Good Friday Agreement with further negotiations is expected to commence.
For the first time observers from the Northern Ireland office of the Electoral Commission will monitor the election process. The 18-strong team of observers will contribute to a report on the conduct and administration of the election.
(SP)
Mr Blair said that the election was a "big moment" for people in Northern Ireland: "We are now at the point in the politics of Northern Ireland where I can't make any more decisions. I can't renegotiate agreements, I can't rewrite those things that have already been agreed.
"The decision is now for people in Northern Ireland and they are going to have to decide, in a fundamental way, whether Northern Ireland today is a better place than it was six, seven, 10 years ago. And if it is they are going to have to vote for it."
The Prime Minister said that he hoped "people chose the future and not the past."
The electorate will select 108 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from the 256 candidates representing the 20 or so political parties.
However, it is not thought that there will be an immediate resumption of the power-sharing executive that was suspended on October 14, 2002. A review of the Good Friday Agreement with further negotiations is expected to commence.
For the first time observers from the Northern Ireland office of the Electoral Commission will monitor the election process. The 18-strong team of observers will contribute to a report on the conduct and administration of the election.
(SP)
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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.
