05/02/2004

DUP set Friday as date to unveil devolution proposals

DUP leader, Ian Paisley has confirmed that proposals presented to Prime Minister Tony Blair today on the future of devolved government in Northern Ireland would be unveiled on Friday.

Dr Paisley confirmed the news following a meeting with Mr Blair at 10 Downing Street.

The North Antrim MP described today's meeting as "profitable" saying that they had made "a good start from his party's point of view".

Thursday's meeting follows this week's Good Friday Agreement review meeting in which all the main political parties met at Stormont to outline the views and wants from any future devolved government.

Dr Paisley, of course, finds himself in the enviable position of being the chief voice of unionism following last November's elections success.

His party have actually surprised many commentators with their pro-active approach to this week's review, however they remain opposed to any power sharing with Sinn Féin without the full disbandment of the IRA and all its weaponry.

Today's meeting follows last week's discussions between the DUP and the Irish Government in London.

(MB)

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