DUP discuss solution package with NI Secretary of State

The Democratic Unionist Party met with the Secretary of State Dr John Reid on Tuesday July 24 to discuss the package drawn up by premiers Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern that could make or break the political future of Northern Ireland.

The delegation met with Dr Reid in an effort to gain access to details of the new set of proposals finalised late on Monday night July 23 by the British Prime Minister and Irish Taoiseach.

However, it is expected the package will not be delivered to all the pro-Agreement parties until Thursday or Friday of this week.

Speaking ahead of talks with the Secretary of State, anti-Agreement Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) member Gregory Campbell said that it was essential that all parties see the document. He said: “The people of Northern Ireland have a right to see what is in this package. Whether people are for the Agreement or against the Agreement they have a right to know what their future is going to be.”

Peter Robinson, deputy leader of the DUP said they also had a number of concerns about the plans for police reforms in the package: “There are two topics on our agenda. On the policing issue we will be objecting to this idea of an amnesty for terrorist crimes over the past 30 years and any knock on implications that could have. We will also be seeking assurances on the future of the Royal Ulster Constabulary’s full time reserves and we are hearing there is a proposal that serving RUC officers will have to take the new police service’s oath.”

Meanwhile Ulster Unionist Party member Sir Reg Empey reaffirmed his party’s focus on the issue of decommissioning on Tuesday afternoon. He said: “We remain focused on making sure republicans and loyalist paramilitaries decommission their illegal weaponry. If the proposed package does not deal with the decommissioning issue effectively, then it is unacceptable.” (AMcE)