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06/09/2006
Governments ready for intensive negotiations
Secretary of State Peter Hain has today revealed that both the British and Irish governments are ready for intensive negotiations over the next few months in an effort to restore the Northern Ireland Assembly ahead of the November deadline.
He also reaffirmed that November 24 was the last date for Northern Ireland’s political parties to agree to get back into government, and that the deadline will not be extended.
Peter Hain said: “Very important and crucial negotiations will take place outside Northern Ireland during the second week in October. This will be a working conference of intensive negotiations to concentrate minds.”
The Secretary of State added that he was pleased with the progress that had been made by the local political parties throughout the summer months in the Preparation of Government Committee.
He said: “If the parties and the politicians in Northern Ireland are serious about fulfilling their mandate to their voters then they ought to grasp this opportunity to move forward.
“If they do I believe it will herald a new era for Northern Ireland. If there is failure by November 24, I believe it will be the people who have lost out.”
(EF/KMcA)
He also reaffirmed that November 24 was the last date for Northern Ireland’s political parties to agree to get back into government, and that the deadline will not be extended.
Peter Hain said: “Very important and crucial negotiations will take place outside Northern Ireland during the second week in October. This will be a working conference of intensive negotiations to concentrate minds.”
The Secretary of State added that he was pleased with the progress that had been made by the local political parties throughout the summer months in the Preparation of Government Committee.
He said: “If the parties and the politicians in Northern Ireland are serious about fulfilling their mandate to their voters then they ought to grasp this opportunity to move forward.
“If they do I believe it will herald a new era for Northern Ireland. If there is failure by November 24, I believe it will be the people who have lost out.”
(EF/KMcA)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
