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25/05/2006
NI political parties invited to join 'devolution' committee
The Northern ireland Secretary of State, Peter Hain, has today invited the main political parties to sit on an Assembly Committee in a bid to restore devolution.
It is understood that each of the main parties, the DUP, Sinn Fein, UUP and SDLP, will be given three places on the panel, with the Alliance party being given two.
Speaking earlier, the Secretary of State said: "The failure of the Assembly to form an Executive on Monday was not unexpected, but it underlines the need for all parties to work together on the necessary preparations if devolution is to be achieved before the Assembly runs out of time on 24 November. I have spoken to all the parties in recent days and all recognise in principle the value of such a committee."
Mr Hain added that he had asked the Speaker, Eileen Bell, to convene the first meeting on June 6, and that he had recommended that it would be very beneficial for all parties to attend.
Mr Hain continued: "I hope that this committee will use the month of June productively to scope the work that needs to be done in preparation for Government, before the Prime Minister, the Taoiseach, Dermot Ahern and I return to Stormont for intensive talks with the parties before the summer break. At that meeting we need to set a clear time-line for addressing these issues."
The Secretary of State has asked the parties to indicate by the time of the next Assembly Business Committee meeting on Tuesday May 30, whether they are willing to take part.
(EF/SP)
It is understood that each of the main parties, the DUP, Sinn Fein, UUP and SDLP, will be given three places on the panel, with the Alliance party being given two.
Speaking earlier, the Secretary of State said: "The failure of the Assembly to form an Executive on Monday was not unexpected, but it underlines the need for all parties to work together on the necessary preparations if devolution is to be achieved before the Assembly runs out of time on 24 November. I have spoken to all the parties in recent days and all recognise in principle the value of such a committee."
Mr Hain added that he had asked the Speaker, Eileen Bell, to convene the first meeting on June 6, and that he had recommended that it would be very beneficial for all parties to attend.
Mr Hain continued: "I hope that this committee will use the month of June productively to scope the work that needs to be done in preparation for Government, before the Prime Minister, the Taoiseach, Dermot Ahern and I return to Stormont for intensive talks with the parties before the summer break. At that meeting we need to set a clear time-line for addressing these issues."
The Secretary of State has asked the parties to indicate by the time of the next Assembly Business Committee meeting on Tuesday May 30, whether they are willing to take part.
(EF/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be largely dry with patchy cloud and sunny spells through the day. Perhaps the odd shower in the north. Strong southwesterly winds, easing later. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying dry with clear spells through this evening. Clouding over later in the night with rain arriving from the southwest during the early hours. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
