14/06/2006

NI assembly to stay open until July

The Northern Ireland Assembly is likely to remain open for a longer period than expected.

It was originally assumed that the assembly would run for six weeks, ending on June 26, in a bid to allow the first and deputy first minister to be elected, however it is now understood that Secretary of State, Peter Hain may keep the assembly open until July 5.

DUP assembly member Ian Paisley Junior said the DUP had won its "injury time" and would continue to press the British government for more time.

He said: "We were told there would not be any extra time, now it appears there is going to be some extra time.

"I am sure we can continue to make this case and achieve a result."

However, the Northern Ireland Office has insisted there was no question of "injury time" and pointed out that July 5 fell in with the traditional recess date.

Northern Ireland's MLA's resumed their positions on the Stormont assembly on May 15 for the first time since October 2002, when it was suspended due to an alleged republican spy ring. This was later dismissed in court.

(EF/SP)

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