13/02/2003
March deadline for 'acts of completion'
Following talks between the British and Irish Governments yesterday, it has been revealed that a March deadline has been established for the implementation of all outstanding issues in the Good Friday agreement.
Prime Minister Tony Blair and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern emerged from the Hillsborough talks yesterday evening – also attended by pro-agreement parties – stating their belief that all the main sticking points can be resolved and so paving the way for the May 1 elections to the assembly.
However, less optimistic were pro-agreement representatives who restated their party positions.
SDLP leader Mark Durkan said his party's meeting had covered "familiar ground" while UUP leader David Trimble called on paramilitaries to "deliver their part of the bargain" following his discussions.
However, the major problems associated with paramilitary groups and their weapons remains unresolved. Sinn Fein left the talks yesterday voicing their concerns that there was little detail on how the March 3 timetable can be achieved.
Elsewhere, anti-agreement DUP leader Rev Ian Paisley criticised the UUP's role in the proceedings, claiming the purpose of discussions was to "get IRA/Sinn Fein back into government".
"It is the Official Unionists who voted IRA/Sinn Fein into government. Now the two prime ministers will dictate to them the new price the UUP have to pay for bartering their heritage," he said.
(MB)
Prime Minister Tony Blair and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern emerged from the Hillsborough talks yesterday evening – also attended by pro-agreement parties – stating their belief that all the main sticking points can be resolved and so paving the way for the May 1 elections to the assembly.
However, less optimistic were pro-agreement representatives who restated their party positions.
SDLP leader Mark Durkan said his party's meeting had covered "familiar ground" while UUP leader David Trimble called on paramilitaries to "deliver their part of the bargain" following his discussions.
However, the major problems associated with paramilitary groups and their weapons remains unresolved. Sinn Fein left the talks yesterday voicing their concerns that there was little detail on how the March 3 timetable can be achieved.
Elsewhere, anti-agreement DUP leader Rev Ian Paisley criticised the UUP's role in the proceedings, claiming the purpose of discussions was to "get IRA/Sinn Fein back into government".
"It is the Official Unionists who voted IRA/Sinn Fein into government. Now the two prime ministers will dictate to them the new price the UUP have to pay for bartering their heritage," he said.
(MB)
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The Northern ireland Secretary of State, Peter Hain, has today invited the main political parties to sit on an Assembly Committee in a bid to restore devolution. It is understood that each of the main parties, the DUP, Sinn Fein, UUP and SDLP, will be given three places on the panel, with the Alliance party being given two.
27 January 2010
PM Leaves NI Without Deal
Gordon Brown has left Hillsborough Castle after failing to secure a definite deal on the devolution of policing and justice powers to the local Assembly. He chaired fresh negotiations aimed at saving Northern Ireland's power-sharing institutions before heading back to London this afternoon.
PM Leaves NI Without Deal
Gordon Brown has left Hillsborough Castle after failing to secure a definite deal on the devolution of policing and justice powers to the local Assembly. He chaired fresh negotiations aimed at saving Northern Ireland's power-sharing institutions before heading back to London this afternoon.
10 July 2001
LOYALIST SUPPORT FOR PEACE PROCESS BEGINS TO WANE
LOYALIST support for the peace talks was showing signs of weakening during the second day of discussions between the British and Irish governments and local political parties. The Progressive Unionist Party (PUP), which is linked to the loyalist paramilitary group, the Ulster Volunteer Force, has withdrawn from the current phase of the process.
LOYALIST SUPPORT FOR PEACE PROCESS BEGINS TO WANE
LOYALIST support for the peace talks was showing signs of weakening during the second day of discussions between the British and Irish governments and local political parties. The Progressive Unionist Party (PUP), which is linked to the loyalist paramilitary group, the Ulster Volunteer Force, has withdrawn from the current phase of the process.
16 February 2018
Draft Deal Agreed Before Talks Collapsed - Sinn Fein
Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald said a draft agreement was made last week to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland. She confirmed that the DUP and Sinn Féin leaderships had achieved an accommodation across the issues involved.
Draft Deal Agreed Before Talks Collapsed - Sinn Fein
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15 February 2018
Sinn Fein To Meet With Irish And UK Governments After Talks Fail
Sinn Fein is to meet with both the Irish and UK governments today, 15 February, after DUP leader Arlene Foster confirmed talks to restore power-sharing in NI had failed. Northern Ireland has been without an Executive since January 2017. Mr Foster said there was "no current prospect" of a deal.
Sinn Fein To Meet With Irish And UK Governments After Talks Fail
Sinn Fein is to meet with both the Irish and UK governments today, 15 February, after DUP leader Arlene Foster confirmed talks to restore power-sharing in NI had failed. Northern Ireland has been without an Executive since January 2017. Mr Foster said there was "no current prospect" of a deal.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
