Menu
25/11/2003
Future of NI in electorate's hands, says Blair
The Prime Minister, commenting yesterday on the Northern Ireland Assembly election to be held on Wednesday, has said that the future of the province is in the electorate's hands.
Mr Blair said that the election was a "big moment" for people in Northern Ireland: "We are now at the point in the politics of Northern Ireland where I can't make any more decisions. I can't renegotiate agreements, I can't rewrite those things that have already been agreed.
"The decision is now for people in Northern Ireland and they are going to have to decide, in a fundamental way, whether Northern Ireland today is a better place than it was six, seven, 10 years ago. And if it is they are going to have to vote for it."
The Prime Minister said that he hoped "people chose the future and not the past."
The electorate will select 108 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from the 256 candidates representing the 20 or so political parties.
However, it is not thought that there will be an immediate resumption of the power-sharing executive that was suspended on October 14, 2002. A review of the Good Friday Agreement with further negotiations is expected to commence.
For the first time observers from the Northern Ireland office of the Electoral Commission will monitor the election process. The 18-strong team of observers will contribute to a report on the conduct and administration of the election.
(SP)
Mr Blair said that the election was a "big moment" for people in Northern Ireland: "We are now at the point in the politics of Northern Ireland where I can't make any more decisions. I can't renegotiate agreements, I can't rewrite those things that have already been agreed.
"The decision is now for people in Northern Ireland and they are going to have to decide, in a fundamental way, whether Northern Ireland today is a better place than it was six, seven, 10 years ago. And if it is they are going to have to vote for it."
The Prime Minister said that he hoped "people chose the future and not the past."
The electorate will select 108 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from the 256 candidates representing the 20 or so political parties.
However, it is not thought that there will be an immediate resumption of the power-sharing executive that was suspended on October 14, 2002. A review of the Good Friday Agreement with further negotiations is expected to commence.
For the first time observers from the Northern Ireland office of the Electoral Commission will monitor the election process. The 18-strong team of observers will contribute to a report on the conduct and administration of the election.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 May 2012
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
22 March 2002
Northern Ireland can be a world example says Trimble
First Minister David Trimble has said he believes Northern Ireland can be an example to other parts of the world. Mr Trimble was speaking in Waterford on Thursday 21 March, where he received the St Angela’s Peace and Justice Group’s International Award.
Northern Ireland can be a world example says Trimble
First Minister David Trimble has said he believes Northern Ireland can be an example to other parts of the world. Mr Trimble was speaking in Waterford on Thursday 21 March, where he received the St Angela’s Peace and Justice Group’s International Award.
14 November 2003
Young people the key to reconciliation says Murphy
Young people are our hope for the future of Northern Ireland, Secretary of State, Paul Murphy has said. The Minister was speaking at a reception for the Irish Youth Foundation in Chelsea at which the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, was also present. "Your role in our society is vital," Mr Murphy said.
Young people the key to reconciliation says Murphy
Young people are our hope for the future of Northern Ireland, Secretary of State, Paul Murphy has said. The Minister was speaking at a reception for the Irish Youth Foundation in Chelsea at which the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, was also present. "Your role in our society is vital," Mr Murphy said.
12 March 2002
"No quick-fix" to unemployment says Hanna
The Minister for Employment and Learning Carmel Hanna has said that there can be "no quick-fix" to solving long-term unemployment. The Minister made her warning during a speech to the Fourth Annual Delegate Conference of the Organisation for the Unemployed Northern Ireland (OUNI) in Belfast.
"No quick-fix" to unemployment says Hanna
The Minister for Employment and Learning Carmel Hanna has said that there can be "no quick-fix" to solving long-term unemployment. The Minister made her warning during a speech to the Fourth Annual Delegate Conference of the Organisation for the Unemployed Northern Ireland (OUNI) in Belfast.
13 February 2002
Reid tells Americans 'Northern Ireland people understand'
The Secretary of State John Reid has told the Americans that the people of Northern Ireland understand how they feel in the face of the threat of terrorism.
Reid tells Americans 'Northern Ireland people understand'
The Secretary of State John Reid has told the Americans that the people of Northern Ireland understand how they feel in the face of the threat of terrorism.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly dry day, rather cloudy, but some sunny spells, best of these in the afternoon. A few showers spread south from late morning, turning wintry in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 5 °C.Tonight:A cold evening and night with a frost. It will be largely dry, but a few wintry showers towards the north coast overnight. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
