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09/01/2003
SDLP and Sinn Féin in London for fresh talks
Delegations from the SDLP and Sinn Féin have met with the British Prime Minister Tony Blair today in London for another round of high level talks aimed at breaking the political impasse in Northern Ireland.
The stage has been set again for another attempt to revive the power sharing institutions which were suspended last October following a row over allegations of IRA activity, including intelligence gathering at Stormont.
Speaking ahead of their meeting Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams said unionist criteria for the restoration of the devolved institutions were too high.
“The ability of the Sinn Fein leadership and the two governments to devise a plan to sort out political crises’ has happened quite a few times in the last four years,” he said.
“Maybe it can be done again but even if we do that, the bar which the unionists have raised is very, very, very high indeed.
“I don’t see any sense at this time of any section of unionism running into the elections prepared to engage on a pro-Agreement axis.”
The SDLP were also scheduled to meet with Mr Blair earlier today.
Speaking ahead of their meeting, SDLP leader Mark Durkan said: “We have said all along that what we need to achieve - not just dealing with all the confidence issues - but a clear implementation pack that all the parties are signed up to.”
The Ulster Unionists held meetings with the prime minister yesterday at Downing Street.
Speaking afterwards UUP leader David Trimble expressed doubts over whether elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly should take place in May.
(AMcE)
The stage has been set again for another attempt to revive the power sharing institutions which were suspended last October following a row over allegations of IRA activity, including intelligence gathering at Stormont.
Speaking ahead of their meeting Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams said unionist criteria for the restoration of the devolved institutions were too high.
“The ability of the Sinn Fein leadership and the two governments to devise a plan to sort out political crises’ has happened quite a few times in the last four years,” he said.
“Maybe it can be done again but even if we do that, the bar which the unionists have raised is very, very, very high indeed.
“I don’t see any sense at this time of any section of unionism running into the elections prepared to engage on a pro-Agreement axis.”
The SDLP were also scheduled to meet with Mr Blair earlier today.
Speaking ahead of their meeting, SDLP leader Mark Durkan said: “We have said all along that what we need to achieve - not just dealing with all the confidence issues - but a clear implementation pack that all the parties are signed up to.”
The Ulster Unionists held meetings with the prime minister yesterday at Downing Street.
Speaking afterwards UUP leader David Trimble expressed doubts over whether elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly should take place in May.
(AMcE)
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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.
