29/06/2017

Deadline Day To Restore Power Sharing In NI

Political parties have until 4pm today, 29 June, to restore power sharing in Northern Ireland.

Discussions have been ongoing to resolve outstanding issues to form an Executive.

However, Sinn Fein said the DUP have not moved to "address the issues of rights, equality and respect".

MLA John O'Dowd said: "The DUP knows what needs to be done.

"There is an onus on the two governments to inject the necessary urgency and momentum to bring this negotiation to a successful conclusion."

The DUP also said the Irish government has no jurisdiction in Northern Ireland.

MLA Christopher Stalford said: "Only last week the Irish government lectured our United Kingdom government on the importance of observing neutrality when dealing with Northern Ireland parties. Yet, by publicly declaring its support for Sinn Fein's position in negotiations, the Irish government has undermined its own credibility as being neutral. Minister Coveney will now need to address this.

"The DUP wants a constructive relationship with the Irish Government but it must be founded upon matters of mutual interest and respect between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland."

If parties fail to reach an agreement by the deadline NI faces the prospect of direct rule.

(CD)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

18 November 2009
Travellers 'Stay' With NIHE
As a 'high profile' family of travellers continue to make the news, it has emerged that responsibility for their transit sites will not transfer to local government control.
07 December 2004
Talks continue as deadline closes in on DUP and SF
Talks are continuing today to restore Northern Ireland devolution ahead of this week's deadline, set by the British and Irish Governments.
19 March 2004
Minister urges councillors to help reduce roads carnage
NIO Minister Angela Smith has said it is in everyone's interests "to do what we can to improve safety on our roads". The Minister made her call during an address to the Northern Ireland Local Government Association about road safety. “Road Safety is an issue for us all.
17 October 2011
Finucanes' Inquiry Campaign Moves To Dublin
The Finucane family has announced that they will continue their campaign to get an independent inquiry into the murder of solicitor Pat Finucane, this time with Irish government support and despite the British government saying they could only offer a review.
04 September 2003
Ex-CIA director to monitor paramilitary activity
Secretary of State, Paul Murphy today announced plans by the British and Irish Government's to help restore devolution in Northern Ireland. Among the plans laid out by Mr Murphy on Thursday was the establishment of a new Independent Monitoring Commission which will report on the IRA and loyalist ceasefires every six months.