Proposals package shapes up into a wide-ranging review

Orange Order marches may well figure as part of what may be wide-ranging proposals contained in the package that is soon to be placed before the Northern Ireland political parties.

In an effort to overcome the deadlock the Weston Park negotiations and subsequent discussions appear to have been much more comprehensive in their scope than was previously thought. It is understood that in an attempt to win over broader unionist support for the package which was initially fleshed out following the Weston Park meetings, the issue of parades was under discussion.

In upbeat mood Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said on Thursday 26 July that there were “no major difficulties” standing in the way of achieving a package that was acceptable to all concerned. However, with no end in sight of the stalemate in Northern Ireland, the package remains the only possible way forward for the troubled Good Friday Agreement.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair and the Taoiseach were set to discuss some further points on Thursday July 26 by telephone when they would then decide on the timing of the release of details of the package. It is thought that the as yet undisclosed package of proposals may be released early next week.

In a flurry of behind-the-scenes activity by the main political parties, Sinn Fein have an afternoon meeting scheduled with Mr Ahern on Thursday 26 July.

While the four main issues of political institutions, decommissioning, policing, and demilitarisation were clearly on the table, analysts consider that one of the most likely outcomes to be put forward in the package will be a revised implementation of the Patten report.

(SP)