Menu
05/07/2019
Stormont Talks In Danger Of Losing Momentum
As the UK Government moves to delay the legal requirement to call an Assembly election in Northern Ireland, the ongoing talks process aimed at restoring devolution is in serious danger of losing momentum, an Alliance MLA has warned.
The government published a bill on Thursday 04 July that would push an election back until 21 October, with the prospect of a further extension until January 2020.
The development comes two and a half years since power-sharing collapsed when the DUP and Sinn Fein split in a bitter row in January 2017, and nine weeks into the latest phase of negotiations.
Responding to claims by Sinn Fein that talks were stalling to allow for the upcoming 12 July celebrations, Alliance Deputy Leader Stephen Farry MLA said the process is continuing but the window for success is diminishing.
He said: "Rather than seeing momentum and intensity building towards an agreement, we are in danger of seeing momentum lost.
"After nine weeks of this particular phase of talks, and an impasse of 30 months, people have every right to see and expect more progress than we have to date.
"There was an easier window of opportunity to get an agreement to restore and sustain the institutions before the end of June. As time goes on, the external environment with a change of Prime Minister and Brexit becomes even more complicated."
Meanwhile, Sinn Fein's Stormont Leader Michelle O'Neill said the UK Government's move to extend legislation signals a lack of urgency to secure an agreement.
She said: "The governments convened the current talks process and as co guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement they have a responsibility to ensure that we get credible, sustainable institutions up and running that treat all citizens equally."
Ms O'Neill added that the people of Northern Ireland should be given their say through a general election if the facilitating governments aren't prepared to commit.
Secretary of State Karen Bradley is also facing pressure from Ulster Unionists to act in order for vital local issues to move forward in Northern Ireland.
Party leader Robin Swann MLA said: "The people of Northern Ireland are reaching the end of their tether.
"It may be the case that some parties are close to finding agreement in the current round of talks, but our reading of the situation is that there is still a long way to go in some areas, and in the meantime the people of Northern Ireland need decisions to be made.
"We really need to see reforms in health implemented, we need to see a Bengoa-style review of education, we need to see investment in infrastructure, we need urgent legislation passed regarding domestic violence and coercive control, and we simply cannot wait to see if a deal can be done by October.
"The bottom line is that Northern Ireland needs decisions to be made, and in the short term, if that means they have to be taken by the Secretary of State until such time as we get an Assembly and Executive up and running again, then so be it."
(JG/CM)
The government published a bill on Thursday 04 July that would push an election back until 21 October, with the prospect of a further extension until January 2020.
The development comes two and a half years since power-sharing collapsed when the DUP and Sinn Fein split in a bitter row in January 2017, and nine weeks into the latest phase of negotiations.
Responding to claims by Sinn Fein that talks were stalling to allow for the upcoming 12 July celebrations, Alliance Deputy Leader Stephen Farry MLA said the process is continuing but the window for success is diminishing.
He said: "Rather than seeing momentum and intensity building towards an agreement, we are in danger of seeing momentum lost.
"After nine weeks of this particular phase of talks, and an impasse of 30 months, people have every right to see and expect more progress than we have to date.
"There was an easier window of opportunity to get an agreement to restore and sustain the institutions before the end of June. As time goes on, the external environment with a change of Prime Minister and Brexit becomes even more complicated."
Meanwhile, Sinn Fein's Stormont Leader Michelle O'Neill said the UK Government's move to extend legislation signals a lack of urgency to secure an agreement.
She said: "The governments convened the current talks process and as co guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement they have a responsibility to ensure that we get credible, sustainable institutions up and running that treat all citizens equally."
Ms O'Neill added that the people of Northern Ireland should be given their say through a general election if the facilitating governments aren't prepared to commit.
Secretary of State Karen Bradley is also facing pressure from Ulster Unionists to act in order for vital local issues to move forward in Northern Ireland.
Party leader Robin Swann MLA said: "The people of Northern Ireland are reaching the end of their tether.
"It may be the case that some parties are close to finding agreement in the current round of talks, but our reading of the situation is that there is still a long way to go in some areas, and in the meantime the people of Northern Ireland need decisions to be made.
"We really need to see reforms in health implemented, we need to see a Bengoa-style review of education, we need to see investment in infrastructure, we need urgent legislation passed regarding domestic violence and coercive control, and we simply cannot wait to see if a deal can be done by October.
"The bottom line is that Northern Ireland needs decisions to be made, and in the short term, if that means they have to be taken by the Secretary of State until such time as we get an Assembly and Executive up and running again, then so be it."
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 May 2012
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
04 January 2006
Taoiseach to take part in Northern Ireland talks
The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has today announced that he is to hold talks with the country's Foreign Minister Dermot Ahern on the future of the Northern Ireland political process. The Irish Foreign Minister said there would be "a lot of activity" in relation to the political process in the near future. "We have to prepare the ground.
Taoiseach to take part in Northern Ireland talks
The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has today announced that he is to hold talks with the country's Foreign Minister Dermot Ahern on the future of the Northern Ireland political process. The Irish Foreign Minister said there would be "a lot of activity" in relation to the political process in the near future. "We have to prepare the ground.
13 June 2005
The 2005 Birthday Honours List for Northern Ireland
The full list of recipients of honours in the 2005 Birthday Honours list for Northern Ireland is as follows: Knighthood: Mr Hugh Orde OBE, Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland - for services to Northern Ireland. CBE: Mr Robert David Stewart Campbell, Belfast - For Political and public service.
The 2005 Birthday Honours List for Northern Ireland
The full list of recipients of honours in the 2005 Birthday Honours list for Northern Ireland is as follows: Knighthood: Mr Hugh Orde OBE, Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland - for services to Northern Ireland. CBE: Mr Robert David Stewart Campbell, Belfast - For Political and public service.
02 November 2022
Julian Simmons Launches Lidl's Festive Trolley Dash
Lidl Northern Ireland has teamed up with renowned broadcaster Julian Simmons for the return of its major festive fundraiser Trolley Dash, in aid of charity partner NSPCC Northern Ireland.
Julian Simmons Launches Lidl's Festive Trolley Dash
Lidl Northern Ireland has teamed up with renowned broadcaster Julian Simmons for the return of its major festive fundraiser Trolley Dash, in aid of charity partner NSPCC Northern Ireland.
08 September 2015
Cross-Party Talks To Begin At Stormont
Northern Ireland's Secretary of State is to begin cross-party talks at Stormont later today, Tuesday. Theresa Villiers is expected to attempt to resolve the political impasse after police claimed that IRA members were involved in the murder of former republican prisoner Kevin McGuigan.
Cross-Party Talks To Begin At Stormont
Northern Ireland's Secretary of State is to begin cross-party talks at Stormont later today, Tuesday. Theresa Villiers is expected to attempt to resolve the political impasse after police claimed that IRA members were involved in the murder of former republican prisoner Kevin McGuigan.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
