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05/03/2003
Stormont elections delayed following Hillsborough talks
Following the latest two-day talks to refloat the Good Friday Agreement, it has been announced that elections – originally scheduled for May 1 – have been delayed to allow time for the main players to find an agreed way forward.
At a joint British-Irish government press conference today, Prime Minister Tony Blair revealed that the elections would be pushed back to May 29. He said that although there are areas which are "still very difficult", he believed there had been a "shared understanding" on how to move forward.
While Mr Blair described the Hillsborough talks as "genuinely constructive", after almost 30 hours of negotiations issues such as sanctions and on-the-runs remain unresolved.
"There's obviously now going to need to be a time for people to discuss this with their colleagues and it's important that takes place," he said.
"Also, in addition to that, we, of course, have got the St Patrick's Day celebrations that will take place in America where many people are attending who've been engaged in those talks. For those reasons, and to give that time for reflection, we will put back the date of the elections to the 29th May."
Mr Blair was optimistic on the prospects of an agreement, saying he expected "positive endorsements on all elements".
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said that a "substantial amount of progress" had been made.
He added: "I think we all want to see a durable and stable outcome with the institutions restored and an end to the instability of the last few years and that's why we've all put in so much effort over the last number of months, if not years. And we've had, in these days, a torrid discussion of the issues and much progress has been achieved, there is no doubt about that."
However, an outraged DUP leader, the Rev Ian Paisley, told reporters that the unionist electorate would reject any deal which emerged from the Hillsborough talks.
"The entire unionist community are raging mad at what is happening and they'll show it at the election. The British government can churn out the spin doctors to lie like Lucifer – it will make no difference," he said.
The British and Irish government will publish the Hillsborough proposals next month.
(GMcG)
At a joint British-Irish government press conference today, Prime Minister Tony Blair revealed that the elections would be pushed back to May 29. He said that although there are areas which are "still very difficult", he believed there had been a "shared understanding" on how to move forward.
While Mr Blair described the Hillsborough talks as "genuinely constructive", after almost 30 hours of negotiations issues such as sanctions and on-the-runs remain unresolved.
"There's obviously now going to need to be a time for people to discuss this with their colleagues and it's important that takes place," he said.
"Also, in addition to that, we, of course, have got the St Patrick's Day celebrations that will take place in America where many people are attending who've been engaged in those talks. For those reasons, and to give that time for reflection, we will put back the date of the elections to the 29th May."
Mr Blair was optimistic on the prospects of an agreement, saying he expected "positive endorsements on all elements".
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said that a "substantial amount of progress" had been made.
He added: "I think we all want to see a durable and stable outcome with the institutions restored and an end to the instability of the last few years and that's why we've all put in so much effort over the last number of months, if not years. And we've had, in these days, a torrid discussion of the issues and much progress has been achieved, there is no doubt about that."
However, an outraged DUP leader, the Rev Ian Paisley, told reporters that the unionist electorate would reject any deal which emerged from the Hillsborough talks.
"The entire unionist community are raging mad at what is happening and they'll show it at the election. The British government can churn out the spin doctors to lie like Lucifer – it will make no difference," he said.
The British and Irish government will publish the Hillsborough proposals next month.
(GMcG)
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The Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Peter Hain, and the Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern, have invited a number of political parties to take part in meetings in Hillsborough today. On the agenda of the low-key meetings are policing, parades and restorative justice. Mr Hain referred to the meetings as a "stock-tacking" exercise.
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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.
