Hain gives political parties Monday cut-off

NI Secretary of State Peter Hain has today told Northern Ireland's political parties that they have until Monday to resolve the issue of who is to chair the Preparation for Government Committee.

The announcement comes after three-days of unsuccessful discussions with MLAs who gathered at Stormont in a bid to appoint a chairperson for the committee, however politicians could not agree on who should take up the position.

The Preparation for Government Committee has been set up to identify issues which need to be resolved in order to return to a devolved local assembly.

Mr Hain said: “I know that many people across Northern Ireland share my frustration at the failure to get this crucial committee up and running. Matters simply cannot rest here.

“Despite the current procedural deadlock, a way has to be found to move forward if the restoration of devolution is to become a reality.

“I want the parties to reflect carefully on this over the weekend and I have asked my officials to make contact with them to see where we can establish common ground.

“We will need to be clear where we are going by Monday.”

(EF/SP)