18/12/2003

Prime Ministers announce review process plans

A review process to look at how to overcome the present impasse in Northern Ireland has been announced by the Prime Minister, Tony Blair and Irish Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern at a joint press conference in Downing Street.

Mr Blair said the review would also look at the way institutions worked saying they would be "short, sharp and focused".

"I think everybody in Northern Ireland wants to see devolved government back in the province," Mr Blair said. "The question is can we create the conditions in which that comes about.

"And it is our earnest desire and intention that it does come about and we will as ever do our very best, and work as hard as we possibly can to achieve it, and we'll be in a better position to tell you how likely it is we can be successful in that when we get the review process under way."

The Prime Minister confirmed that there would be a timetable to the review but added that that had not yet been set.

He also confirmed that he had met all the main local political parties and that it was "agreed it is important we try and find a way through" the current difficulties.

(MB)

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

30 April 2003
Adams declares IRA will not 'undermine' peace process
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has today moved to clarify the IRA's intentions, saying that the paramilitary group would not engage in any activities that will "undermine the peace process". His statement was in response to questions posed by Prime Minister Tony Blair last Wednesday demanding clarification on the IRA's position.
26 June 2007
'Blair Chair' in Irish Studies marks retirement
A £5 million Tony Blair Chair in Irish Studies is to be established at the University of Liverpool. The announcement comes on the eve of the Prime Minister’s retirement.
11 December 2023
PSNI Welcomes Publication Of Review Report
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has welcomed the publication of the Independent End to End Process Review Report.
28 April 2003
Blair calls for ‘straight answer’ over IRA's position
British Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that a “straight answer” is needed from the IRA in order to break the deadlock in the Northern Ireland peace process. At a press conference held in London on this morning, Mr Blair said that while progress had been achieved there was some way to go. Mr Blair said: "We don't yet have the basis that we need.
18 February 2002
Blair and Ahern discuss Northern Ireland peace process
The British Prime Minister Tony Blair has held talks with Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in London to discuss political progress in Northern Ireland. The lunchtime discussion at Downing Street on Monday February 18 focussed on issues such as demilitarisation, decommissioning and the recent work of the Policing Board.