Menu
15/03/2006
DUP leader told 'talk to Sinn Fein'
Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain has told the DUP leader that at "some point" his party will have to speak to Sinn Fein.
During Northern Ireland questions in the House of Commons, the Northern Ireland Secretary, responding to a question from the Rev Ian Paisley, said that he could not bar the second largest party from a power-sharing government.
Mr Hain said that Sinn Fein had committed itself to peaceful and democratic means.
The DUP's plan to partially reconstitute the Northern Ireland Assembly without the power-sharing ministerial-level tier in place has been rejected by both Sinn Fein and the SDLP.
And the DUP have refused to sit in any meetings directly involving Sinn Fein at talks called by the British and Irish Governments in an effort to get the political process back on its feet.
In the House of Commons today Mr Hain was adamant that he could not bar a "very important part of the political constituency" from either the Assembly or the power-sharing government.
He said the DUP would sooner or later have to speak to Sinn Fein.
The DUP, however, disagree with the assessment made by the International Monitoring Commission that there is no longer a "terrorist threat" and have rejected the International Independent Commission on Decommissioning finding on weapons put "beyond use" as photographic evidence was not supplied.
Both Sinn Fein and the SDLP have rejected proposals advanced by the DUP that would allow the Assembly to be recalled but stop short of full power-sharing as no locally elected ministers would sit in the executive as NIO ministers would be retained.
This has stymied recent attempts by both the Prime Minister Tony Blair and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to reinvigorate the devolution of local government in Northern Ireland.
Conservatives have also backed calls for the decommissioning process to be made public. During questions today, Sir Nicholas Winterton asked for more transparency in the process. Mr Hain asked Sir Nicholas whether or not he was questioning the integrity of the Commission and its Clerical witnesses. The NI Secretary of State asserted that Sir Nicholas should take account of the Commission's findings.
Following allegations of information gathering by Republicans, the Assembly was suspended by the then Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid, in 2002.
(SP/GB)
During Northern Ireland questions in the House of Commons, the Northern Ireland Secretary, responding to a question from the Rev Ian Paisley, said that he could not bar the second largest party from a power-sharing government.
Mr Hain said that Sinn Fein had committed itself to peaceful and democratic means.
The DUP's plan to partially reconstitute the Northern Ireland Assembly without the power-sharing ministerial-level tier in place has been rejected by both Sinn Fein and the SDLP.
And the DUP have refused to sit in any meetings directly involving Sinn Fein at talks called by the British and Irish Governments in an effort to get the political process back on its feet.
In the House of Commons today Mr Hain was adamant that he could not bar a "very important part of the political constituency" from either the Assembly or the power-sharing government.
He said the DUP would sooner or later have to speak to Sinn Fein.
The DUP, however, disagree with the assessment made by the International Monitoring Commission that there is no longer a "terrorist threat" and have rejected the International Independent Commission on Decommissioning finding on weapons put "beyond use" as photographic evidence was not supplied.
Both Sinn Fein and the SDLP have rejected proposals advanced by the DUP that would allow the Assembly to be recalled but stop short of full power-sharing as no locally elected ministers would sit in the executive as NIO ministers would be retained.
This has stymied recent attempts by both the Prime Minister Tony Blair and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to reinvigorate the devolution of local government in Northern Ireland.
Conservatives have also backed calls for the decommissioning process to be made public. During questions today, Sir Nicholas Winterton asked for more transparency in the process. Mr Hain asked Sir Nicholas whether or not he was questioning the integrity of the Commission and its Clerical witnesses. The NI Secretary of State asserted that Sir Nicholas should take account of the Commission's findings.
Following allegations of information gathering by Republicans, the Assembly was suspended by the then Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid, in 2002.
(SP/GB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 September 2006
Former DUP mayor admits electoral fraud
Dessie Stewart, a former DUP mayor of Coleraine, has admitted six charges of electoral fraud. The charges relate to the last general and local government elections in May 2005, when Mr Stewart was elected to the post.
Former DUP mayor admits electoral fraud
Dessie Stewart, a former DUP mayor of Coleraine, has admitted six charges of electoral fraud. The charges relate to the last general and local government elections in May 2005, when Mr Stewart was elected to the post.
14 March 2007
Paisley and Adams discuss deals
The DUP leader Ian Paisley and Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams have met with Prime Minister Tony Blair and Chancellor Gordon Brown in London today. The separate meetings follow the Northern Ireland Assembly elections last week that saw the DUP and Sinn Fein romp home as the two largest parties in the suspended NI Assembly.
Paisley and Adams discuss deals
The DUP leader Ian Paisley and Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams have met with Prime Minister Tony Blair and Chancellor Gordon Brown in London today. The separate meetings follow the Northern Ireland Assembly elections last week that saw the DUP and Sinn Fein romp home as the two largest parties in the suspended NI Assembly.
16 October 2002
Sinn Fein delegation meets Alderdice to discuss PSNI raids
A Sinn Fein delegation has met with assembly Speaker Lord Alderdice today to discuss the PSNI raid on the party's Stormont offices earlier in the month.
Sinn Fein delegation meets Alderdice to discuss PSNI raids
A Sinn Fein delegation has met with assembly Speaker Lord Alderdice today to discuss the PSNI raid on the party's Stormont offices earlier in the month.
05 May 2021
L'Derry Sinn Fein MLAs Will Not Stand For Party At Next Assembly Election
Sinn Fein MLAs Martina Anderson and Karen Mullan will not stand for the party at the next assembly election. The decision was made after a party review revealed election disappointments in L'Derry.
L'Derry Sinn Fein MLAs Will Not Stand For Party At Next Assembly Election
Sinn Fein MLAs Martina Anderson and Karen Mullan will not stand for the party at the next assembly election. The decision was made after a party review revealed election disappointments in L'Derry.
06 September 2007
Former Sinn Fein MLA Dies
Former Sinn Fein member and paramilitary activist John Kelly has died. Mr Kelly, who was a provisional IRA activist, spent 15 years behind bars in both Northern and Southern Ireland. He was a co-defendant in the alleged arms smuggling trial that collapsed with Charles Haughey, who later became Taoiseach.
Former Sinn Fein MLA Dies
Former Sinn Fein member and paramilitary activist John Kelly has died. Mr Kelly, who was a provisional IRA activist, spent 15 years behind bars in both Northern and Southern Ireland. He was a co-defendant in the alleged arms smuggling trial that collapsed with Charles Haughey, who later became Taoiseach.
-
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.
