13/09/2017

PM Urges DUP And Sinn Fein To Restore Power-Sharing In NI

The Prime Minister has spoken to the leaders of the DUP and Sinn Fein urging them to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland.

Theresa May held separate phone conversations with Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill urging them to restore an Executive "as soon as possible".

A spokesperson from Downing Street said: "They discussed key outstanding issues that remain for both parties and the Prime Minister encouraged both leaders to come to an agreement soon in the interests of everyone in Northern Ireland.

"The Prime Minister assured them both that the Northern Ireland Secretary would continue to work closely with the parties towards a successful outcome."

Ms O'Neill said: "I made it clear to Theresa May that Sinn Féin is absolutely committed to seeing the institutions restored.

"But for any new Executive to be sustainable and credible, it must be restored on the basis of the Good Friday Agreement.

"That means addressing the outstanding issues of rights and respect such as language rights, marriage rights, the right to a coroner’s inquest and the implementation of previous agreements.

"As a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, there is clearly a responsibility on the British Government to help ensure this happens."

(CD)




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