Menu
06/08/2008
'Joint' Bid To Recall Assembly Possible
A top Ulster Unionist member has come out in support of an SDLP call to convene a special meeting of the Stormont Assembly.
The UUP's Deputy Leader Danny Kennedy has admitted his party share SDLP concerns over what they are calling "a growing crisis at Stormont".
SDLP leader Mark Durkan has already sought an emergency meeting of the Northern Ireland Assembly to address the fact the Stormont Executive has not met formally since June.
He drew attention to the DUP and Sinn Fein being at "loggerheads" over a range of issues including the devolution of policing, academic selection, rural planning and the future of the former Maze prison.
The SDLP believe recalling all 108 elected members would increase the pressure on the Office of First and Deputy First Minister to call an Executive meeting.
The Assembly is currently in recess for the summer and is not scheduled to meet again until early next month.
Mr Durkan's initiative would require the backing of at least 30 MLAs to enforce the issue. The SDLP has 17 representatives in the Assembly.
Therefore, support would be required primarily by the Ulster Unionists and the Alliance Party.
Danny Kennedy has now said his party would give the matter serious consideration if the SDLP made a formal approach for support but questioned the logistics of such a move.
"Quite a number of Assembly members are abroad on holiday or are on leave at the minute and we would have to consider whether it would be justified bringing back from holidays at public expense MLAs from various parts of the world and what benefit that would actually have," he said.
"Though we do share the SDLP concerns. Three months [from the last Executive meeting to next scheduled meeting in mid-September], that is a very considerable period of inactivity and doesn't represent the process the hard pressed taxpayers expect from this Assembly."
Alliance Leader David Ford admitted he shared Mr Durkan's frustrations but questioned if the initiative could force proactive movement.
However, there are signs of movement on the "loggerhead" issues this week, with hints that the NI stadium issue is close to a resolution, for example.
NI Sports Minister, East Londonderry MP, Gregory Campbell has said the decision on the proposed Maze Stadium will happen within the next few weeks.
Mr Campbell made the statement at a reception for Linfield Football Club at Stormont on Tuesday night.
The DUP man stated he has been considering the plans with an open mind.
"I haven't yet come to a conclusion, but I'm going to in the next few weeks and I'm then going to make an announcement in the Assembly in the autumn," he said.
On Monday, the DUP and Sinn Fein made known that they had reached a form of agreement on the devolution of policing and justice powers - although a bid to have a 'middle-of-the-road' Minister appointed from the ranks of the Alliance party were dashed when Alliance Leader issued a firm rebuke citing a lack of consultation.
See: Adams Joins Debate On NI Policing Ministry
The UUP's Deputy Leader Danny Kennedy has admitted his party share SDLP concerns over what they are calling "a growing crisis at Stormont".
SDLP leader Mark Durkan has already sought an emergency meeting of the Northern Ireland Assembly to address the fact the Stormont Executive has not met formally since June.
He drew attention to the DUP and Sinn Fein being at "loggerheads" over a range of issues including the devolution of policing, academic selection, rural planning and the future of the former Maze prison.
The SDLP believe recalling all 108 elected members would increase the pressure on the Office of First and Deputy First Minister to call an Executive meeting.
The Assembly is currently in recess for the summer and is not scheduled to meet again until early next month.
Mr Durkan's initiative would require the backing of at least 30 MLAs to enforce the issue. The SDLP has 17 representatives in the Assembly.
Therefore, support would be required primarily by the Ulster Unionists and the Alliance Party.
Danny Kennedy has now said his party would give the matter serious consideration if the SDLP made a formal approach for support but questioned the logistics of such a move.
"Quite a number of Assembly members are abroad on holiday or are on leave at the minute and we would have to consider whether it would be justified bringing back from holidays at public expense MLAs from various parts of the world and what benefit that would actually have," he said.
"Though we do share the SDLP concerns. Three months [from the last Executive meeting to next scheduled meeting in mid-September], that is a very considerable period of inactivity and doesn't represent the process the hard pressed taxpayers expect from this Assembly."
Alliance Leader David Ford admitted he shared Mr Durkan's frustrations but questioned if the initiative could force proactive movement.
However, there are signs of movement on the "loggerhead" issues this week, with hints that the NI stadium issue is close to a resolution, for example.
NI Sports Minister, East Londonderry MP, Gregory Campbell has said the decision on the proposed Maze Stadium will happen within the next few weeks.
Mr Campbell made the statement at a reception for Linfield Football Club at Stormont on Tuesday night.
The DUP man stated he has been considering the plans with an open mind.
"I haven't yet come to a conclusion, but I'm going to in the next few weeks and I'm then going to make an announcement in the Assembly in the autumn," he said.
On Monday, the DUP and Sinn Fein made known that they had reached a form of agreement on the devolution of policing and justice powers - although a bid to have a 'middle-of-the-road' Minister appointed from the ranks of the Alliance party were dashed when Alliance Leader issued a firm rebuke citing a lack of consultation.
See: Adams Joins Debate On NI Policing Ministry
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 November 2024
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
19 October 2015
SDLP's Dominic Bradley To Retire Next Year
SDLP Assembly Member Dominic Bradley MLA has announced that he is to retire from frontline politics at the next election. Mr Bradley has been an SDLP Assembly Member since 2003. He said he believed it was now time to pass on the baton to other SDLP representatives in the Constituency.
SDLP's Dominic Bradley To Retire Next Year
SDLP Assembly Member Dominic Bradley MLA has announced that he is to retire from frontline politics at the next election. Mr Bradley has been an SDLP Assembly Member since 2003. He said he believed it was now time to pass on the baton to other SDLP representatives in the Constituency.
04 June 2002
Belleek Pottery to cut production to three-day week
Workers at Belleek Pottery in County Fermanagh have been told that the firm is to go on a three-day working week from Monday June 10. The firm said that the decision was made because of a downturn in business since September 11 and a dip in tourist numbers.
Belleek Pottery to cut production to three-day week
Workers at Belleek Pottery in County Fermanagh have been told that the firm is to go on a three-day working week from Monday June 10. The firm said that the decision was made because of a downturn in business since September 11 and a dip in tourist numbers.
12 June 2002
Primary school attack blamed on loyalist mob
A petrol bomb attack on a primary school in south Belfast last night was orchestrated by a loyalist mob bent on destruction an SDLP assembly member has said.
Primary school attack blamed on loyalist mob
A petrol bomb attack on a primary school in south Belfast last night was orchestrated by a loyalist mob bent on destruction an SDLP assembly member has said.
13 May 2002
SDLP Assembly Member targeted by death threats
An SDLP assembly member has claimed that he has been the subject of death threats daubed on a petrol station near his home. Graffiti attacking the Police Service of Northern Ireland and SDLP assembly member for west Tyrone Eugene McMenamin was found on the walls of a nearby petrol station. The graffiti described him as a “dead man walking”.
SDLP Assembly Member targeted by death threats
An SDLP assembly member has claimed that he has been the subject of death threats daubed on a petrol station near his home. Graffiti attacking the Police Service of Northern Ireland and SDLP assembly member for west Tyrone Eugene McMenamin was found on the walls of a nearby petrol station. The graffiti described him as a “dead man walking”.
-
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.
