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14/10/2002
Direct rule returns as Reid dissolves devolved NI government
Direct rule will return to Northern Ireland as of midnight tonight and is likely to be maintained until the next assembly elections in May 2003, Secretary of State John Reid announced today.
During this morning's press conference at the Secretary of State's official residence at Hillsborough Castle, Dr Reid expressed his "regrets" that the decision to revert to direct rule had to be made, and said that it had been his "sincere hope" that recent difficulties would be overcome.
However, the Northern Ireland secretary stressed that an impasse had occurred over one aspect of the agreement – "a loss of trust on both sides of the community" that all political parties had committed themselves to exclusively peaceful means.
He said that the peroration of the executive had to be made in order to "safeguard" the "huge advances and benefits" achieved under the Good Friday Agreement.
Dr Reid then made it clear that direct rule would not involve joint authority with Dublin, and that the devolved ministerial team would not be asked to participate in government after today.
Using language similar to that during his speech to the Labour Party Conference in Blackpool, Dr Reid added: "In particular it is essential that concerns about the commitment to exclusively democratic and non-violent means are removed. The time has come for people to face up to the choice between violence and democracy."
Dr Reid commended the Policing Board as among the Agreement's "finest achievements."
He said: "I want their work to continue. Today I will be inviting all the existing Board members to continue providing their excellent service to the community. I sincerely hope that they will all accept reappointment."
The government also announced the drafting in of two government whips to assist in the administration of the province in the interim period. Basildon MP Angela Smith and the MP for Dudley South, Ian Pearson, have been appointed to the NIO's ministerial team.
A 'Blair Babe', Mrs Smith was elected in the New Labour landslide of 1997 and was previously head of PR at the League Against Cruel Sports. Hansard records that Mrs Smith has made written and oral questions on the north's restorative justice programmes.
Oxford-educated Mr Pearson is a business and economic development consultant by profession and was elected to Dudley South in 1994. He has served on the education and employment select committee, and is recorded as asking a question on aspects relating to Northern Ireland's economy.
Dr Reid will provide further details on the imposition of direct rule in a statement to the Commons tomorrow afternoon when it is expected he will outline the ministerial portfolios of Mr Pearson and Mrs Smith.
(GMcG)
During this morning's press conference at the Secretary of State's official residence at Hillsborough Castle, Dr Reid expressed his "regrets" that the decision to revert to direct rule had to be made, and said that it had been his "sincere hope" that recent difficulties would be overcome.
However, the Northern Ireland secretary stressed that an impasse had occurred over one aspect of the agreement – "a loss of trust on both sides of the community" that all political parties had committed themselves to exclusively peaceful means.
He said that the peroration of the executive had to be made in order to "safeguard" the "huge advances and benefits" achieved under the Good Friday Agreement.
Dr Reid then made it clear that direct rule would not involve joint authority with Dublin, and that the devolved ministerial team would not be asked to participate in government after today.
Using language similar to that during his speech to the Labour Party Conference in Blackpool, Dr Reid added: "In particular it is essential that concerns about the commitment to exclusively democratic and non-violent means are removed. The time has come for people to face up to the choice between violence and democracy."
Dr Reid commended the Policing Board as among the Agreement's "finest achievements."
He said: "I want their work to continue. Today I will be inviting all the existing Board members to continue providing their excellent service to the community. I sincerely hope that they will all accept reappointment."
The government also announced the drafting in of two government whips to assist in the administration of the province in the interim period. Basildon MP Angela Smith and the MP for Dudley South, Ian Pearson, have been appointed to the NIO's ministerial team.
A 'Blair Babe', Mrs Smith was elected in the New Labour landslide of 1997 and was previously head of PR at the League Against Cruel Sports. Hansard records that Mrs Smith has made written and oral questions on the north's restorative justice programmes.
Oxford-educated Mr Pearson is a business and economic development consultant by profession and was elected to Dudley South in 1994. He has served on the education and employment select committee, and is recorded as asking a question on aspects relating to Northern Ireland's economy.
Dr Reid will provide further details on the imposition of direct rule in a statement to the Commons tomorrow afternoon when it is expected he will outline the ministerial portfolios of Mr Pearson and Mrs Smith.
(GMcG)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
