Menu
26/05/2005
Inclusive way forward best says Blair
Prime Minister Tony Blair has highlighted the importance of an inclusive way forward in the Northern Ireland peace process.
Speaking during Prime Ministers Questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday, in response to a question from the SDLP's Eddie McGrady, Mr Blair said there were only are two ways forward in Northern Ireland.
“One is inclusive of Sinn Fein, and for that to happen there has to be a complete end to all forms of paramilitary or criminal activity as the Good Friday Agreement indicates or, alternatively, a way forward without Sinn Fein, which actually depends on his (the SDLP) party,” Mr Blair said.
"So those are the only two ways forward I’m afraid and I can only facilitate, I can’t actually order parties to do it. My own view is it would be far better to find an inclusive way forward, I continue to think that, but it can’t be done on any other basis than in fact the proper implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, and that is the cessation of all forms of activity contrary to law."
Welcoming Mr Blair’s comments, DUP MP for North Belfast Nigel Dodds said it was time for the democratic parties to move on as quickly as possible in light of the results of the general and local government elections.
“There can be no fudge between democracy and terror and the DUP is determined that stunts and statements designed to take the pressure off Sinn Fein/IRA will not succeed,” Mr Dodds said “The days of IRA words gaining them access to government in Northern Ireland are over.”
(MB/SP)
Speaking during Prime Ministers Questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday, in response to a question from the SDLP's Eddie McGrady, Mr Blair said there were only are two ways forward in Northern Ireland.
“One is inclusive of Sinn Fein, and for that to happen there has to be a complete end to all forms of paramilitary or criminal activity as the Good Friday Agreement indicates or, alternatively, a way forward without Sinn Fein, which actually depends on his (the SDLP) party,” Mr Blair said.
"So those are the only two ways forward I’m afraid and I can only facilitate, I can’t actually order parties to do it. My own view is it would be far better to find an inclusive way forward, I continue to think that, but it can’t be done on any other basis than in fact the proper implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, and that is the cessation of all forms of activity contrary to law."
Welcoming Mr Blair’s comments, DUP MP for North Belfast Nigel Dodds said it was time for the democratic parties to move on as quickly as possible in light of the results of the general and local government elections.
“There can be no fudge between democracy and terror and the DUP is determined that stunts and statements designed to take the pressure off Sinn Fein/IRA will not succeed,” Mr Dodds said “The days of IRA words gaining them access to government in Northern Ireland are over.”
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Traffic Warning For South Belfast Ahead Of Northern Ireland Match
Road users are advised to plan for potential traffic delays in the south Belfast area on Friday, 15th November due to the UEFA Nations League football match between Northern Ireland and Belarus. The match will take place at Windsor Park, kicking off at 7.45pm, and it is expected that around 18,000 supporters will attend.
Traffic Warning For South Belfast Ahead Of Northern Ireland Match
Road users are advised to plan for potential traffic delays in the south Belfast area on Friday, 15th November due to the UEFA Nations League football match between Northern Ireland and Belarus. The match will take place at Windsor Park, kicking off at 7.45pm, and it is expected that around 18,000 supporters will attend.
14 November 2024
New Defence Heritage Record Launched
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the launch of a new Defence Heritage Record, a comprehensive resource detailing over 4,500 sites constructed across Northern Ireland in response to World War One and Two, as well as the Cold War.
New Defence Heritage Record Launched
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the launch of a new Defence Heritage Record, a comprehensive resource detailing over 4,500 sites constructed across Northern Ireland in response to World War One and Two, as well as the Cold War.
28 October 2003
'Significant developments' but no deal on arms
The Prime Minister and Taoiseach have conceded that all efforts to secure a deal on arms before next month's Assembly elections in Northern Ireland have failed. In statements, Mr Blair and Mr Ahern said that despite the failure to agree a deal, the developments of the last week were "significant".
'Significant developments' but no deal on arms
The Prime Minister and Taoiseach have conceded that all efforts to secure a deal on arms before next month's Assembly elections in Northern Ireland have failed. In statements, Mr Blair and Mr Ahern said that despite the failure to agree a deal, the developments of the last week were "significant".
25 October 2006
Parades review says 'dialogue is the way forward'
Following the publication of the findings of a review into controversial parades in the Province, entitled 'Parading in a Peaceful Northern Ireland', Commission Chairman Roger Poole described the outcome document as a “significant statement on the future direction for dealing with disputed processions.
Parades review says 'dialogue is the way forward'
Following the publication of the findings of a review into controversial parades in the Province, entitled 'Parading in a Peaceful Northern Ireland', Commission Chairman Roger Poole described the outcome document as a “significant statement on the future direction for dealing with disputed processions.
09 September 2024
New Three-Year Economic And Business Growth Plan Launched
A new three-year economic and business growth plan has been announced by Economy Minister, Conor Murphy. The Minister launched the publication, 'Three-Year Forward Look and 2024/25 Business Plan', at the latest Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry Public Affairs Forum.
New Three-Year Economic And Business Growth Plan Launched
A new three-year economic and business growth plan has been announced by Economy Minister, Conor Murphy. The Minister launched the publication, 'Three-Year Forward Look and 2024/25 Business Plan', at the latest Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry Public Affairs Forum.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
