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13/02/2003
March deadline for 'acts of completion'
Following talks between the British and Irish Governments yesterday, it has been revealed that a March deadline has been established for the implementation of all outstanding issues in the Good Friday agreement.
Prime Minister Tony Blair and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern emerged from the Hillsborough talks yesterday evening – also attended by pro-agreement parties – stating their belief that all the main sticking points can be resolved and so paving the way for the May 1 elections to the assembly.
However, less optimistic were pro-agreement representatives who restated their party positions.
SDLP leader Mark Durkan said his party's meeting had covered "familiar ground" while UUP leader David Trimble called on paramilitaries to "deliver their part of the bargain" following his discussions.
However, the major problems associated with paramilitary groups and their weapons remains unresolved. Sinn Fein left the talks yesterday voicing their concerns that there was little detail on how the March 3 timetable can be achieved.
Elsewhere, anti-agreement DUP leader Rev Ian Paisley criticised the UUP's role in the proceedings, claiming the purpose of discussions was to "get IRA/Sinn Fein back into government".
"It is the Official Unionists who voted IRA/Sinn Fein into government. Now the two prime ministers will dictate to them the new price the UUP have to pay for bartering their heritage," he said.
(MB)
Prime Minister Tony Blair and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern emerged from the Hillsborough talks yesterday evening – also attended by pro-agreement parties – stating their belief that all the main sticking points can be resolved and so paving the way for the May 1 elections to the assembly.
However, less optimistic were pro-agreement representatives who restated their party positions.
SDLP leader Mark Durkan said his party's meeting had covered "familiar ground" while UUP leader David Trimble called on paramilitaries to "deliver their part of the bargain" following his discussions.
However, the major problems associated with paramilitary groups and their weapons remains unresolved. Sinn Fein left the talks yesterday voicing their concerns that there was little detail on how the March 3 timetable can be achieved.
Elsewhere, anti-agreement DUP leader Rev Ian Paisley criticised the UUP's role in the proceedings, claiming the purpose of discussions was to "get IRA/Sinn Fein back into government".
"It is the Official Unionists who voted IRA/Sinn Fein into government. Now the two prime ministers will dictate to them the new price the UUP have to pay for bartering their heritage," he said.
(MB)
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25 May 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.
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.
27 January 2010
PM Leaves NI Without Deal
Gordon Brown has left Hillsborough Castle after failing to secure a definite deal on the devolution of policing and justice powers to the local Assembly. He chaired fresh negotiations aimed at saving Northern Ireland's power-sharing institutions before heading back to London this afternoon.
PM Leaves NI Without Deal
Gordon Brown has left Hillsborough Castle after failing to secure a definite deal on the devolution of policing and justice powers to the local Assembly. He chaired fresh negotiations aimed at saving Northern Ireland's power-sharing institutions before heading back to London this afternoon.
10 July 2001
LOYALIST SUPPORT FOR PEACE PROCESS BEGINS TO WANE
LOYALIST support for the peace talks was showing signs of weakening during the second day of discussions between the British and Irish governments and local political parties. The Progressive Unionist Party (PUP), which is linked to the loyalist paramilitary group, the Ulster Volunteer Force, has withdrawn from the current phase of the process.
LOYALIST SUPPORT FOR PEACE PROCESS BEGINS TO WANE
LOYALIST support for the peace talks was showing signs of weakening during the second day of discussions between the British and Irish governments and local political parties. The Progressive Unionist Party (PUP), which is linked to the loyalist paramilitary group, the Ulster Volunteer Force, has withdrawn from the current phase of the process.
10 November 2008
Deadly Road Toll Rises
The number of people killed on the roads of Northern Ireland has risen again with news that a man has become the 87th person to lose his life after being knocked down by a van in a road accident at the weekend. Ivor Millen, 51, from Macosquin, Coleraine, was killed as he was walking along the Strand Road in the town on Friday night.
Deadly Road Toll Rises
The number of people killed on the roads of Northern Ireland has risen again with news that a man has become the 87th person to lose his life after being knocked down by a van in a road accident at the weekend. Ivor Millen, 51, from Macosquin, Coleraine, was killed as he was walking along the Strand Road in the town on Friday night.
31 October 2017
Brokenshire Grants Additional 24hrs For Political Parties To Reach A Deal
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has given political parties an additional 24 hours before making a decision on what his next move will be, if an agreement to form an Executive has not be reached. Parties had until Monday, 30 October, to reach a deal, and the DUP asked James Brokenshire to legislate for a budget.
Brokenshire Grants Additional 24hrs For Political Parties To Reach A Deal
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has given political parties an additional 24 hours before making a decision on what his next move will be, if an agreement to form an Executive has not be reached. Parties had until Monday, 30 October, to reach a deal, and the DUP asked James Brokenshire to legislate for a budget.
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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.
