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02/09/2002
DUP table motion for dissolution of Stormont
As MLAs returned to Stormont after the summer recess today, the DUP marked the occasion by tabling a motion calling for the dissolution of the assembly and an autumn election.
Presented by DUP leader the Reverend Ian Paisley, the motion will now be sent to the business committee to schedule debate on the matter. Afterwards, Mr Paisley said that "the time for words is past".
"It's time to halt the slide in Northern Ireland. While Mr Trimble and his party concentrate on self-preservation, Sinn Féin/IRA are allowed to continue to set the agenda and pace. This cannot be allowed to continue," he said.
There is no real prospect for the motion being carried as it must secure the support of two thirds of assembly members – or 72 votes out of 108 – to be approved, and no other party is expected to back the DUP.
The motion was dismissed by the UUP, with Environment Minister Dermot Nesbitt describing the move as "a publicity stunt".
He also said that there is no real alternative being offered by the anti-agreement DUP.
“Peter Robinson has said his party will enter into negotiations with democratic parties and accepts there will be other parties in that process. However, he won’t bring forward an alternative solution, arguing that it would have to be negotiated with other parties," he said.
“The DUP should be putting its hand to the wheel – as it does behind the scenes in the Assembly – and be up front about what it is doing. They sit on committees with Sinn Féin, accompany them on trips and vote with them in the division lobbies. This latest move is nothing more than a smokescreen,” he said.
(GMcG)
Presented by DUP leader the Reverend Ian Paisley, the motion will now be sent to the business committee to schedule debate on the matter. Afterwards, Mr Paisley said that "the time for words is past".
"It's time to halt the slide in Northern Ireland. While Mr Trimble and his party concentrate on self-preservation, Sinn Féin/IRA are allowed to continue to set the agenda and pace. This cannot be allowed to continue," he said.
There is no real prospect for the motion being carried as it must secure the support of two thirds of assembly members – or 72 votes out of 108 – to be approved, and no other party is expected to back the DUP.
The motion was dismissed by the UUP, with Environment Minister Dermot Nesbitt describing the move as "a publicity stunt".
He also said that there is no real alternative being offered by the anti-agreement DUP.
“Peter Robinson has said his party will enter into negotiations with democratic parties and accepts there will be other parties in that process. However, he won’t bring forward an alternative solution, arguing that it would have to be negotiated with other parties," he said.
“The DUP should be putting its hand to the wheel – as it does behind the scenes in the Assembly – and be up front about what it is doing. They sit on committees with Sinn Féin, accompany them on trips and vote with them in the division lobbies. This latest move is nothing more than a smokescreen,” he said.
(GMcG)
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UPDATE: With all counts declared on Friday evening the clear winners are the Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party who have claimed 10 more seats on the Assembly and Sinn Féin who have won 6 seats.
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UPDATE: With all counts declared on Friday evening the clear winners are the Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party who have claimed 10 more seats on the Assembly and Sinn Féin who have won 6 seats.
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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.
