Menu
29/08/2003
Paisley calls for election date
DUP leader Dr Ian Paisley has urged the Government to name the date for an Assembly election.
Dr Paisley said: “When the Prime Minister arbitrarily aborted the Assembly election in May, we were told it would be the autumn when the Northern Ireland electorate could have their say on the failed political process. Autumn is nearly upon us and I now look forward to the naming of an election date."
The Northern Ireland Assembly was suspended on 14 October, 2002 when it was revealed that the IRA had been conducting a Spy ring operation in Government offices at Stormont.
The North Antrim MP added: "Whilst the government clings on to the fantasy that the Belfast Agreement can be resurrected and the elections can be delayed to facilitate this, they are heading down a cul-de-sac. Only fresh elections and negotiations can deliver the kind of agreement that unionists as well as nationalists can support."
Dr Paisley said his party's was clear in that elections and negotiations could only to a new and democratic deal and that the Belfast Agreement was, in effect, dead.
"While Mr Trimble hides behind tough talk, it is clear he is not prepared to stand up to Sinn Fein/IRA having continually supported them in government. The Ulster Unionist Party is disintegrating before our eyes and the unionist people have turned their back on them and the Belfast Agreement. I look forward to the next Assembly elections and urge the Secretary of State to name the date now," he concluded.
(MB)
Dr Paisley said: “When the Prime Minister arbitrarily aborted the Assembly election in May, we were told it would be the autumn when the Northern Ireland electorate could have their say on the failed political process. Autumn is nearly upon us and I now look forward to the naming of an election date."
The Northern Ireland Assembly was suspended on 14 October, 2002 when it was revealed that the IRA had been conducting a Spy ring operation in Government offices at Stormont.
The North Antrim MP added: "Whilst the government clings on to the fantasy that the Belfast Agreement can be resurrected and the elections can be delayed to facilitate this, they are heading down a cul-de-sac. Only fresh elections and negotiations can deliver the kind of agreement that unionists as well as nationalists can support."
Dr Paisley said his party's was clear in that elections and negotiations could only to a new and democratic deal and that the Belfast Agreement was, in effect, dead.
"While Mr Trimble hides behind tough talk, it is clear he is not prepared to stand up to Sinn Fein/IRA having continually supported them in government. The Ulster Unionist Party is disintegrating before our eyes and the unionist people have turned their back on them and the Belfast Agreement. I look forward to the next Assembly elections and urge the Secretary of State to name the date now," he concluded.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 July 2021
Govts Urged To Ensure Full Implementation Of Stormont House Agreement
Sinn Féin's MP team has called on both the UK and Irish government to ensure the Stormont House Agreement is implemented in full.
Govts Urged To Ensure Full Implementation Of Stormont House Agreement
Sinn Féin's MP team has called on both the UK and Irish government to ensure the Stormont House Agreement is implemented in full.
02 March 2015
New Government Departments Unveiled
Nine new government departments have been unveiled, replacing the current 12.
New Government Departments Unveiled
Nine new government departments have been unveiled, replacing the current 12.
11 April 2011
DUP Seek Changes In First Minister Nomination
Changing the process for electing a First and Deputy First Minister to the NI Executive at Stormont is being put forward as part of suggested reforms for the legislative body. The DUP Leader and outgoing First Minister, Peter Robinson, has launched a new policy document for the pro-union party entitled 'Making Stormont Work Better'.
DUP Seek Changes In First Minister Nomination
Changing the process for electing a First and Deputy First Minister to the NI Executive at Stormont is being put forward as part of suggested reforms for the legislative body. The DUP Leader and outgoing First Minister, Peter Robinson, has launched a new policy document for the pro-union party entitled 'Making Stormont Work Better'.
07 October 2002
Power-sharing assembly nears collapse
Today was the first assembly meeting since police raids against republican terrorism last week, and it could prove to the last as pressure mounted on the authors of the Good Friday Agreement to collapse Stormont.
Power-sharing assembly nears collapse
Today was the first assembly meeting since police raids against republican terrorism last week, and it could prove to the last as pressure mounted on the authors of the Good Friday Agreement to collapse Stormont.
05 June 2006
No agreement on vital Assembly committee chair
The first meeting of the Preparation for Government Committee ended at Stormont today without a decision being reached on who should chair proceedings. Representatives from each of the main parties showed up for the meeting, however they were unable to agree on a chairperson.
No agreement on vital Assembly committee chair
The first meeting of the Preparation for Government Committee ended at Stormont today without a decision being reached on who should chair proceedings. Representatives from each of the main parties showed up for the meeting, however they were unable to agree on a chairperson.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy. Also mainly dry at first this evening but then occasional outbreaks of rain developing overnight. Light southwest winds, and staying mild. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
