Menu
24/01/2018
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.
Previously, Mrs Bradley said: "Without an Executive, Northern Ireland's voice on critical issues will not be heard as strongly.
"I will be updating Parliament in Westminster no later than 7 February on progress."
SDLP Chairperson Colin McGrath MLA said: "The DUP and Sinn Féin have now been given more than enough space to achieve a deal between themselves. After a year of being indulged, now is the time to put them under real pressure to come clean and secure the deal the North needs."
Sinn Féin leader in the north Michelle O'Neill said the party is ready to engage in the talks process and find a way through the current political impasse.
She said: "Issues like marriage rights, language rights, the Bill of Rights and legacy inquests should not be politically contentious.
"They should be issues that we are able to resolve here as part of the current discussions.
"We believe that the biggest threats facing this Executive are Brexit and Tory austerity and that the institutions are the best mitigation against those twin threats.
"The public want these institutions to work but they will only work if the people have confidence in them."
Ulster Unionist Party Chief Whip, Steve Aiken OBE MLA, said: "If they do not reach a positive outcome, then it is incumbent on the UK Government to take responsibility and ensure that Northern Ireland has some form of functioning government, whether that is a voluntary coalition or move to direct rule. The restoration of devolution should be the number one target.
"It is simply intolerable to let the current political drift continue. No party should be allowed to stymie progress through their ideological stubbornness. Sinn Fein cannot be allowed to continue to hold Northern Ireland and its people to ransom."
(CD/LM)
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.
Previously, Mrs Bradley said: "Without an Executive, Northern Ireland's voice on critical issues will not be heard as strongly.
"I will be updating Parliament in Westminster no later than 7 February on progress."
SDLP Chairperson Colin McGrath MLA said: "The DUP and Sinn Féin have now been given more than enough space to achieve a deal between themselves. After a year of being indulged, now is the time to put them under real pressure to come clean and secure the deal the North needs."
Sinn Féin leader in the north Michelle O'Neill said the party is ready to engage in the talks process and find a way through the current political impasse.
She said: "Issues like marriage rights, language rights, the Bill of Rights and legacy inquests should not be politically contentious.
"They should be issues that we are able to resolve here as part of the current discussions.
"We believe that the biggest threats facing this Executive are Brexit and Tory austerity and that the institutions are the best mitigation against those twin threats.
"The public want these institutions to work but they will only work if the people have confidence in them."
Ulster Unionist Party Chief Whip, Steve Aiken OBE MLA, said: "If they do not reach a positive outcome, then it is incumbent on the UK Government to take responsibility and ensure that Northern Ireland has some form of functioning government, whether that is a voluntary coalition or move to direct rule. The restoration of devolution should be the number one target.
"It is simply intolerable to let the current political drift continue. No party should be allowed to stymie progress through their ideological stubbornness. Sinn Fein cannot be allowed to continue to hold Northern Ireland and its people to ransom."
(CD/LM)
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.
18 October 2017
New Deadline Set To Restore Power-Sharing In NI
Northern Ireland Secretary of State James Brokenshire has said political parties have until the end of October to reach an agreement to restore power-sharing in NI. He said progress had been made between the DUP and Sinn Fein, however they have failed to reach an agreement on culture and language issues.
New Deadline Set To Restore Power-Sharing In NI
Northern Ireland Secretary of State James Brokenshire has said political parties have until the end of October to reach an agreement to restore power-sharing in NI. He said progress had been made between the DUP and Sinn Fein, however they have failed to reach an agreement on culture and language issues.
21 April 2017
'Tangible Progress' Being Made In Stormont Talks - Flanagan
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan, has said that "tangible progress" has been made towards the establishment of a new power-sharing executive in Northern Ireland.
'Tangible Progress' Being Made In Stormont Talks - Flanagan
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan, has said that "tangible progress" has been made towards the establishment of a new power-sharing executive in Northern Ireland.
09 March 2017
Brokenshire: NI Could Face Second Assembly Election
Secretary of State James Brokenshire has said Northern Ireland could face another election if political parties fail to reach an agreement within three weeks. Mr Brokenshire warned there would be "significant consequences" if there is no agreement to form a power-sharing Executive.
Brokenshire: NI Could Face Second Assembly Election
Secretary of State James Brokenshire has said Northern Ireland could face another election if political parties fail to reach an agreement within three weeks. Mr Brokenshire warned there would be "significant consequences" if there is no agreement to form a power-sharing Executive.
20 December 2023
'It Is Now Time For Decisions To Be Made' – Chris Heaton-Harris
The Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris, has said that "it is now time for decisions to be made", following the conclusion of talks at Hillsborough. The Secretary has been holding a series of talks of NI's five main parties in an effort to restore Northern Ireland's political institutions.
'It Is Now Time For Decisions To Be Made' – Chris Heaton-Harris
The Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris, has said that "it is now time for decisions to be made", following the conclusion of talks at Hillsborough. The Secretary has been holding a series of talks of NI's five main parties in an effort to restore Northern Ireland's political institutions.
-
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.
