Menu
30/01/2003
No show for unionists at talks
Inter-party talks aimed at restoring devolved government in Northern Ireland have gone ahead at Stormont without the input of the Ulster Unionist Party or the Democratic Unionists.
UUP party leader David Trimble said they wouldn’t be participating in today’s talks because those taking part would simply be skirting around the issues that really mattered.
The Northern Ireland Secretary Paul Murphy and Irish Foreign Minister Brian Cowen are chairing the talks which does include members from Sinn Féin, the SDLP, Alliance and the Women’s Coalition.
Today’s roundtable talks will reportedly cover the issues of paramilitarism, policing, justice and republican demands to clear the south Armagh countryside of military watchtowers.
Speaking earlier this week Paul Murphy said: “These talks are important. Parties should take the opportunity to talk with each other and with the two governments, about the issues that we all know have to be resolved.”
The Progressive Unionist Party withdrew from talks two weeks ago because they felt that Prime Minister Tony Blair and Sinn Féin were operating on the sidelines and trying to strike a secret deal behind closed doors.
Alliance leader David Ford said ahead of today’s meeting that the talks at Stormont would have to deal with more than just the issue of decommissioning.
Instead Mr Ford said the need to improve community relations across a range of areas must be speedily addressed.
"Nearly five years after the Good Friday Agreement, a fundamental question remains for this society – are we going to attempt merely to manage the divisions in Northern Ireland or are we going to actively seek to build a united community, respecting diversity and treating all citizens equally?
"It is time to put all aspects of a divided society behind us once and for all. To insist that we build on the foundations of the Agreement to establish a truly shared future,” he said.
Meanwhile it has been confirmed that Tony Blair and the Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern are to hold talks with the parties of Northern Ireland in the province on February 12. The two premiers will set out their views on the condition of the peace process and on how to move forward towards the restoration of the suspended Northern Irish institutions.
(AMcE)
UUP party leader David Trimble said they wouldn’t be participating in today’s talks because those taking part would simply be skirting around the issues that really mattered.
The Northern Ireland Secretary Paul Murphy and Irish Foreign Minister Brian Cowen are chairing the talks which does include members from Sinn Féin, the SDLP, Alliance and the Women’s Coalition.
Today’s roundtable talks will reportedly cover the issues of paramilitarism, policing, justice and republican demands to clear the south Armagh countryside of military watchtowers.
Speaking earlier this week Paul Murphy said: “These talks are important. Parties should take the opportunity to talk with each other and with the two governments, about the issues that we all know have to be resolved.”
The Progressive Unionist Party withdrew from talks two weeks ago because they felt that Prime Minister Tony Blair and Sinn Féin were operating on the sidelines and trying to strike a secret deal behind closed doors.
Alliance leader David Ford said ahead of today’s meeting that the talks at Stormont would have to deal with more than just the issue of decommissioning.
Instead Mr Ford said the need to improve community relations across a range of areas must be speedily addressed.
"Nearly five years after the Good Friday Agreement, a fundamental question remains for this society – are we going to attempt merely to manage the divisions in Northern Ireland or are we going to actively seek to build a united community, respecting diversity and treating all citizens equally?
"It is time to put all aspects of a divided society behind us once and for all. To insist that we build on the foundations of the Agreement to establish a truly shared future,” he said.
Meanwhile it has been confirmed that Tony Blair and the Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern are to hold talks with the parties of Northern Ireland in the province on February 12. The two premiers will set out their views on the condition of the peace process and on how to move forward towards the restoration of the suspended Northern Irish institutions.
(AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
06 November 2002
All-party talks on the agenda following ministerial meeting
Northern Ireland Secretary of State Paul Murphy and Irish Foreign Minister Brian Cowen are expected to announce details of fresh all-party talks next week following their first ever meeting in Dublin today.
All-party talks on the agenda following ministerial meeting
Northern Ireland Secretary of State Paul Murphy and Irish Foreign Minister Brian Cowen are expected to announce details of fresh all-party talks next week following their first ever meeting in Dublin today.
30 January 2023
Alliance Calls For All-Party Talks On Institutional Reforms
The Alliance Party has called for immediate all-party talks to discuss the reform of NI's institutions in order to get the Assembly and Executive up and running again.
Alliance Calls For All-Party Talks On Institutional Reforms
The Alliance Party has called for immediate all-party talks to discuss the reform of NI's institutions in order to get the Assembly and Executive up and running again.
09 October 2018
Unionist Leaders In Brussels For Brexit Talks
Leaders from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) are in Brussels to hold Brexit talks with the EU's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier. DUP Leader Arlene Foster and UUP Leader Robin Swann have arrived in Brussels for a meeting with Mr Barnier later today, Tuesday, 09 October.
Unionist Leaders In Brussels For Brexit Talks
Leaders from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) are in Brussels to hold Brexit talks with the EU's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier. DUP Leader Arlene Foster and UUP Leader Robin Swann have arrived in Brussels for a meeting with Mr Barnier later today, Tuesday, 09 October.
06 February 2004
DUP unveil 'corporate' NI Assembly proposals
The Democratic Unionist Party has unveiled short-term proposals to reconstitute the NI Assembly without ministers. The hardline unionist party has revealed a plan that would appear to circumvent some of the many problems that face the British and Irish governments who are currently attempting to get a power-sharing Assembly back on course.
DUP unveil 'corporate' NI Assembly proposals
The Democratic Unionist Party has unveiled short-term proposals to reconstitute the NI Assembly without ministers. The hardline unionist party has revealed a plan that would appear to circumvent some of the many problems that face the British and Irish governments who are currently attempting to get a power-sharing Assembly back on course.
-
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.
