19/06/2001
REID HOLDS POLITICAL TALKS IN BELFAST
NORTHERN Ireland Secretary of State Dr John Reid has held talks with the province’s smaller pro-agreement political parties.
He met the Alliance Party, the Progressive Unionist Party (PUP), the Ulster Democratic Party (UDP) and the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition (NIWC).
These talks follow discussions in London between the larger pro-Agreement parties the Ulster Unionist Party, the SDLP and Sinn Féin on Monday. Emerging from this meeting the larger parties gave a downbeat assessment of the situation following their meeting with Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern and no movement was achieved on the policing and decommissioning issues that continue to plague the power-sharing executive. Pressure on the executive to resolve the issue of decommissioning specifically has accelerated following First Minister David Trimble’s threat to resign on July 1 if there isn’t any sign of the IRA giving up their weapons.
Speaking after the meeting, Stephen Farry from the Alliance Party said that their meeting was far from upbeat. He said: “Although we appear to be in a stalemate situation, none of these issues are intractable. There is no reason to say that that these issues cannot be sorted out before the end of the month. At the moment, we are starring down the barrel of a gun at suspension [of the institutions created by the Good Friday Agreement]. It is very clear that the parties concerned have to make an effort to resolve these burning issues on policing and decommissioning.”
The PUP’s David Ervine after his meeting with the Secretary of State said that he thought David Trimble’s resignation would go ahead although he said he hoped he was wrong: “ If something happens before July 1st that would be great but I really don’t think we’re going to see anything happen before July 1st and I think we have to factor in that we are going to have to deal with resignation of the First Minister.”
On Tuesday, Dr Reid refused to be drawn on whether the assembly would be suspended before Mr Trimble’s deadline if there was no movement on the weapons issue. (AMcE)
He met the Alliance Party, the Progressive Unionist Party (PUP), the Ulster Democratic Party (UDP) and the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition (NIWC).
These talks follow discussions in London between the larger pro-Agreement parties the Ulster Unionist Party, the SDLP and Sinn Féin on Monday. Emerging from this meeting the larger parties gave a downbeat assessment of the situation following their meeting with Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern and no movement was achieved on the policing and decommissioning issues that continue to plague the power-sharing executive. Pressure on the executive to resolve the issue of decommissioning specifically has accelerated following First Minister David Trimble’s threat to resign on July 1 if there isn’t any sign of the IRA giving up their weapons.
Speaking after the meeting, Stephen Farry from the Alliance Party said that their meeting was far from upbeat. He said: “Although we appear to be in a stalemate situation, none of these issues are intractable. There is no reason to say that that these issues cannot be sorted out before the end of the month. At the moment, we are starring down the barrel of a gun at suspension [of the institutions created by the Good Friday Agreement]. It is very clear that the parties concerned have to make an effort to resolve these burning issues on policing and decommissioning.”
The PUP’s David Ervine after his meeting with the Secretary of State said that he thought David Trimble’s resignation would go ahead although he said he hoped he was wrong: “ If something happens before July 1st that would be great but I really don’t think we’re going to see anything happen before July 1st and I think we have to factor in that we are going to have to deal with resignation of the First Minister.”
On Tuesday, Dr Reid refused to be drawn on whether the assembly would be suspended before Mr Trimble’s deadline if there was no movement on the weapons issue. (AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 March 2024
Man Jailed For Manslaughter Of David James Conville
A 31-year-old man has been jailed at Belfast Crown Court for the manslaughter of David James Conville in south Belfast in May, 2022. Edward Kelly was sentenced to serve three-and-a-half years, half of his sentence will be served in custody and half will be served on licence, following his guilty plea last November.
Man Jailed For Manslaughter Of David James Conville
A 31-year-old man has been jailed at Belfast Crown Court for the manslaughter of David James Conville in south Belfast in May, 2022. Edward Kelly was sentenced to serve three-and-a-half years, half of his sentence will be served in custody and half will be served on licence, following his guilty plea last November.
19 March 2024
FMDFM Attend St Patrick's Day Reception At The White House
Northern Ireland's First and Deputy First Minister have met with United States President, Joe Biden, at a St Patrick's Day reception at the White House. Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly used the opportunity to highlight the benefits of the unique relationship between the U.S. and Northern Ireland.
FMDFM Attend St Patrick's Day Reception At The White House
Northern Ireland's First and Deputy First Minister have met with United States President, Joe Biden, at a St Patrick's Day reception at the White House. Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly used the opportunity to highlight the benefits of the unique relationship between the U.S. and Northern Ireland.
06 February 2024
Finance Minister Calls For Treasury Meeting On Financial Pressures
Northern Ireland's new Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, has called for an urgent meeting with the Treasury to discuss the significant financial pressures facing our public services.
Finance Minister Calls For Treasury Meeting On Financial Pressures
Northern Ireland's new Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, has called for an urgent meeting with the Treasury to discuss the significant financial pressures facing our public services.
02 November 2005
Minister committed to tackling issues facing children
NIO Minister Jeff Rooker has committed himself to championing the causes of children and young people throughout Northern Ireland.
Minister committed to tackling issues facing children
NIO Minister Jeff Rooker has committed himself to championing the causes of children and young people throughout Northern Ireland.
05 March 2024
Chief Constable Committed To Addressing Issues In Sean Browne Investigation
The PSNI Chief Constable has said that he is committed to working with the family of Sean Browne and others impacted by the disclosure limitations of the coronial process. Chief Constable, Jon Boutcher, made the commitment as he acknowledged the comments of the Coroner on the murder of GAA Official, Sean Browne, in 1997.
Chief Constable Committed To Addressing Issues In Sean Browne Investigation
The PSNI Chief Constable has said that he is committed to working with the family of Sean Browne and others impacted by the disclosure limitations of the coronial process. Chief Constable, Jon Boutcher, made the commitment as he acknowledged the comments of the Coroner on the murder of GAA Official, Sean Browne, in 1997.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.