Menu
19/04/2023
DUP has Reached A 'Crossroads And Moment Of Decision' – SF
Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald called for a renewed commitment from all political leaders that "we will work together, that we will share power together."
Speaking at Queens University to mark 25 years of the Good Friday Agreement, Ms. McDonald expressed her belief that the DUP is at a crossroads and a moment of decision, and said "it is unconscionable that we stay in this limbo and that things continue to drift. As time ticks away, we are missing precious opportunities. Now is the time to get government back up and running. We need momentum. We need stable government. We need power sharing."
Ms. McDonald said: "Yesterday we heard extraordinary words from George Mitchell, Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, Bertie Ahern and others about historic events 25 years ago that culminated in the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.
"The challenge that has now crystallised for all of us today is how do we recreate the spirit of 1998. We need a renewed commitment from all political leaders that we will work together, that we will share power together and that we have a government that will work in the interests of everyone.
"Almost a year on from the Assembly election, we need a functioning government, we need the north-south bodies up and running, and we need the east-west relationship back on a sustainable footing.
"And critical to that is a consistent and deeper interest from both Irish and British governments, something which slipped in recent years and we need to reset all of that.
"So we need a decision from all political leaders, in particular the DUP.
"I believe that the DUP is now at a crossroads and a moment of decision. I hope that the decision they make is the right one because it is unconscionable that we stay in this limbo and that things continue to drift.
"As time ticks away, we are missing precious opportunities and I don’t think that we can collectively defend that nor should we try. The negotiations between the British government and the EU Commission are over. We need government up and running."
Speaking at Queens University to mark 25 years of the Good Friday Agreement, Ms. McDonald expressed her belief that the DUP is at a crossroads and a moment of decision, and said "it is unconscionable that we stay in this limbo and that things continue to drift. As time ticks away, we are missing precious opportunities. Now is the time to get government back up and running. We need momentum. We need stable government. We need power sharing."
Ms. McDonald said: "Yesterday we heard extraordinary words from George Mitchell, Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, Bertie Ahern and others about historic events 25 years ago that culminated in the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.
"The challenge that has now crystallised for all of us today is how do we recreate the spirit of 1998. We need a renewed commitment from all political leaders that we will work together, that we will share power together and that we have a government that will work in the interests of everyone.
"Almost a year on from the Assembly election, we need a functioning government, we need the north-south bodies up and running, and we need the east-west relationship back on a sustainable footing.
"And critical to that is a consistent and deeper interest from both Irish and British governments, something which slipped in recent years and we need to reset all of that.
"So we need a decision from all political leaders, in particular the DUP.
"I believe that the DUP is now at a crossroads and a moment of decision. I hope that the decision they make is the right one because it is unconscionable that we stay in this limbo and that things continue to drift.
"As time ticks away, we are missing precious opportunities and I don’t think that we can collectively defend that nor should we try. The negotiations between the British government and the EU Commission are over. We need government up and running."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 April 2021
Call For Next DUP leader To Recognise 'Political Landscape In NI Has Changed'
The next DUP leader should "recognise that the political landscape across NI has changed", according to Sinn Fein. Vice President Michelle O'Neill also wished Arlene Foster and her family well after she announced she is to step down as DUP leader and First Minister.
Call For Next DUP leader To Recognise 'Political Landscape In NI Has Changed'
The next DUP leader should "recognise that the political landscape across NI has changed", according to Sinn Fein. Vice President Michelle O'Neill also wished Arlene Foster and her family well after she announced she is to step down as DUP leader and First Minister.
09 July 2002
NI religious attitudes hardening
There is an increasing hardening of attitudes by both Protestants and Catholics towards living, working and learning together according to new research. The research conducted by the University of Ulster reveals that Protestants’ and Catholics’ perceptions of each other are becoming increasingly negative.
NI religious attitudes hardening
There is an increasing hardening of attitudes by both Protestants and Catholics towards living, working and learning together according to new research. The research conducted by the University of Ulster reveals that Protestants’ and Catholics’ perceptions of each other are becoming increasingly negative.
11 October 2016
NI Suicide Rate Remains High
The suicide rate in Northern Ireland remains "stubbornly high", according to Health Minister Michelle O'Neill. There are approximately 280 deaths each year and the rate rose in 2015. Minister O'Neill said we must continue to work together across government and other sectors to reduce the rate.
NI Suicide Rate Remains High
The suicide rate in Northern Ireland remains "stubbornly high", according to Health Minister Michelle O'Neill. There are approximately 280 deaths each year and the rate rose in 2015. Minister O'Neill said we must continue to work together across government and other sectors to reduce the rate.
19 February 2010
Council Reform Deadline 'Scandalous'
A senior Ulster Unionist has branded the Environment Minister's seven-day deadline for local government reform "nothing short of scandalous". Yesterday, the DUP's Edwin Poots announced Northern Ireland's 26 councils had one week to accept proposals for new structures, which will see them merge into 11 'super' authorities.
Council Reform Deadline 'Scandalous'
A senior Ulster Unionist has branded the Environment Minister's seven-day deadline for local government reform "nothing short of scandalous". Yesterday, the DUP's Edwin Poots announced Northern Ireland's 26 councils had one week to accept proposals for new structures, which will see them merge into 11 'super' authorities.
13 February 2024
Additional £1m To Be Invested In Road Maintenance
An additional £1 million is to be invested in road maintenance with a focus on addressing the pothole problem, Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced. The additional funding will be spent on addressing the issue before the end of this financial year.
Additional £1m To Be Invested In Road Maintenance
An additional £1 million is to be invested in road maintenance with a focus on addressing the pothole problem, Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced. The additional funding will be spent on addressing the issue before the end of this financial year.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
