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08/09/2004
Deal possible at Leeds Castle, says Blair
Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that if next week's political talks between the parties and both govenrments should end in impasse, it will not be the end of the road for devolution.
Speaking at his monthly press conference yesterday, the Prime Minister said that - while he was optimistic a deal could be struck - if the Leeds Castle meeting concluded without resolution, another way forward would be sought.
He said: "There will be no deal unless two things happen. One, that it is clear that any party that wants to sit in government is not connected in any shape or form with paramilitary activity and that all paramilitary activity ceases.
"The other precondition is that if that happens, if to put it bluntly, that republicans give up violence and give it up completely and verifiably, then it is right that there is then a power sharing Executive with unionism.
"I hope that both sides realise that and if there's any way forward we will achieve it at Leeds Castle. If we can't then we're going to have to look for another way forward because we cannot have this endless negotiation."
(GB/GMCG)
Speaking at his monthly press conference yesterday, the Prime Minister said that - while he was optimistic a deal could be struck - if the Leeds Castle meeting concluded without resolution, another way forward would be sought.
He said: "There will be no deal unless two things happen. One, that it is clear that any party that wants to sit in government is not connected in any shape or form with paramilitary activity and that all paramilitary activity ceases.
"The other precondition is that if that happens, if to put it bluntly, that republicans give up violence and give it up completely and verifiably, then it is right that there is then a power sharing Executive with unionism.
"I hope that both sides realise that and if there's any way forward we will achieve it at Leeds Castle. If we can't then we're going to have to look for another way forward because we cannot have this endless negotiation."
(GB/GMCG)
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