28/11/2019

Fresh Stormont Talks Set To Begin

Fresh negotiations to restore devolved government in Northern Ireland are set to commence next month.

NI Secretary of State Julian Smith said the talks will get underway on 16 December, with a deadline for agreement set for 13 January.

If powersharing is not restored by that date, a fresh Assembly election will then be triggered.

Mr Smith confirmed the plans while speaking at the Northern Ireland Conservatives' election manifesto launch on Wednesday.

In response, Sinn Fein deputy leader Michelle O'Neill said her party stand "ready and committed" to restore the Assembly.

She commented: "But any restoration must ensure the Assembly is sustainable, credible and has the confidence of the public.

"The key to any agreement is resolving the outstanding issues which lie at the heart of the talks.

"Sinn Féin stands ready to re-enter talks in the coming weeks and will work with all parties and both governments to reach a fair agreement."



(JG/CM)

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