Menu
20/01/2010
Unionists' Secret Tory Talks Revealed
Senior members of the DUP and UUP held private talks - facilitated by the Conservative Party - in London at the weekend, it has been revealed.
Peter Robinson (pictured here) led a delegation of Democratic Unionists into the secret discussions, which Tory sources said were designed to "promote greater political stability".
However, claims the meeting centred on agreeing Westminster voting arrangements in the event of a hung parliament at the General Election have been flatly denied.
Meanwhile, the UUP's sole MP Lady Hermon has sought clarification on the content of a special meeting of the party executive this weekend.
Party leader Sir Reg Empey is expected to provide an update on the latest political developments at Stormont, and outline decisions regarding the UUP-Tory electoral pact.
Lady Hermon, a vocal opponent of the link-up, hinted that she would attend the meeting, given that no definite candidate has been selected to stand in her North Down constituency.
Earlier this week, Lady Hermon quashed reports she was being lined-up as Northern Ireland's first justice minister.
Sinn Fein and the DUP are continuing to thrash out an agreement for devolving policing and judiciary powers to the local Assembly.
Talks intensified late last week, yesterday talks of a set back were dismissed.
It is believed Sinn Féin issued the DUP with an ultimatum, however Executive Minister Edwin Poots said a deal was still possible.
"I don't think there is any particular wobble in the process," he said.
"Where we are at this point is that we are narrowing down issues, and those issues of concern will have to be resolved.
"Ultimately we are working our way towards that."
(PR/BMcC)
Peter Robinson (pictured here) led a delegation of Democratic Unionists into the secret discussions, which Tory sources said were designed to "promote greater political stability".
However, claims the meeting centred on agreeing Westminster voting arrangements in the event of a hung parliament at the General Election have been flatly denied.
Meanwhile, the UUP's sole MP Lady Hermon has sought clarification on the content of a special meeting of the party executive this weekend.
Party leader Sir Reg Empey is expected to provide an update on the latest political developments at Stormont, and outline decisions regarding the UUP-Tory electoral pact.
Lady Hermon, a vocal opponent of the link-up, hinted that she would attend the meeting, given that no definite candidate has been selected to stand in her North Down constituency.
Earlier this week, Lady Hermon quashed reports she was being lined-up as Northern Ireland's first justice minister.
Sinn Fein and the DUP are continuing to thrash out an agreement for devolving policing and judiciary powers to the local Assembly.
Talks intensified late last week, yesterday talks of a set back were dismissed.
It is believed Sinn Féin issued the DUP with an ultimatum, however Executive Minister Edwin Poots said a deal was still possible.
"I don't think there is any particular wobble in the process," he said.
"Where we are at this point is that we are narrowing down issues, and those issues of concern will have to be resolved.
"Ultimately we are working our way towards that."
(PR/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 May 2006
NI political parties invited to join 'devolution' committee
The Northern ireland Secretary of State, Peter Hain, has today invited the main political parties to sit on an Assembly Committee in a bid to restore devolution. It is understood that each of the main parties, the DUP, Sinn Fein, UUP and SDLP, will be given three places on the panel, with the Alliance party being given two.
NI political parties invited to join 'devolution' committee
The Northern ireland Secretary of State, Peter Hain, has today invited the main political parties to sit on an Assembly Committee in a bid to restore devolution. It is understood that each of the main parties, the DUP, Sinn Fein, UUP and SDLP, will be given three places on the panel, with the Alliance party being given two.
05 July 2017
SDLP Supports Calls For Stormont Pay Freeze During Talks Delay
The endless delay in Stormont talks is not down to detail, but "narrow party political interest", according to SDLP leader, Colum Eastwood. Mr Eastwood described the latest "pause" announced in Executive talks as "depressing" but said that no-one will be surprised by it, least of all the public.
SDLP Supports Calls For Stormont Pay Freeze During Talks Delay
The endless delay in Stormont talks is not down to detail, but "narrow party political interest", according to SDLP leader, Colum Eastwood. Mr Eastwood described the latest "pause" announced in Executive talks as "depressing" but said that no-one will be surprised by it, least of all the public.
27 March 2017
Sinn Fein Will Not Nominate New Deputy First Minister
Sinn Fein will not be nominating a new deputy first minister today, 27 March. The party said the talks to form a new power-sharing Executive had "run its course" and the British Government has "refused to honour its responsibilities". The deadline expired at 4pm today, 27 March.
Sinn Fein Will Not Nominate New Deputy First Minister
Sinn Fein will not be nominating a new deputy first minister today, 27 March. The party said the talks to form a new power-sharing Executive had "run its course" and the British Government has "refused to honour its responsibilities". The deadline expired at 4pm today, 27 March.
26 January 2010
Hillsborough Crisis Talks Resume
Gordon Brown and Irish counterpart Brian Cowen have resumed negotiations with Northern Ireland's political leaders at Hillsborough in a bid to save the fragile power-sharing government. Attempts last night to avert a crisis ended without agreement.
Hillsborough Crisis Talks Resume
Gordon Brown and Irish counterpart Brian Cowen have resumed negotiations with Northern Ireland's political leaders at Hillsborough in a bid to save the fragile power-sharing government. Attempts last night to avert a crisis ended without agreement.
21 January 2010
McGuinness Updates Party Board
Martin McGuinness will update senior Sinn Féin officials on policing and justice negotiations later. Mr McGuinness and his party are still locked in talks with the DUP, aimed at overcoming outstanding barriers to devolving the powers. Both parties held further discussions yesterday, with speculation mounting an agreement could be announced soon.
McGuinness Updates Party Board
Martin McGuinness will update senior Sinn Féin officials on policing and justice negotiations later. Mr McGuinness and his party are still locked in talks with the DUP, aimed at overcoming outstanding barriers to devolving the powers. Both parties held further discussions yesterday, with speculation mounting an agreement could be announced soon.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
