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01/08/2017
SF Calls For UK Govt To 'Get Serious' Over Citizens' Rights
Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy has called on the UK Government to "get serious" about its responsibilities to uphold citizens' rights in Northern Ireland.
Speaking after a meeting with party colleague John O'Dowd and British Secretary of State James Brokenshire, Mr Murphy said he and Mr O'Dowd "heard nothing new" from Mr Brokenshire in relation to how talks will be carried out.
"It is Sinn Féin's view that the negotiations should be short and focused on an early resolution," he said.
"Sinn Féin is entirely committed to a restoration of the power-sharing institutions but that will only be possible if the British Government get serious about their responsibilities to uphold citizens' rights.
"It simply isn't tenable that language rights, marriage equality and the right to coroner's inquests are protected everywhere else on these islands except here.
"I don't think anyone would seriously want an Executive on that basis, where some citizens are denied the right to equal treatment.
"It is entirely reasonable to expect previous agreements to be honoured.
"If everyone can sign up to that when the talks resume, the institutions can be restored in a very short space of time."
(LM/MH)
Speaking after a meeting with party colleague John O'Dowd and British Secretary of State James Brokenshire, Mr Murphy said he and Mr O'Dowd "heard nothing new" from Mr Brokenshire in relation to how talks will be carried out.
"It is Sinn Féin's view that the negotiations should be short and focused on an early resolution," he said.
"Sinn Féin is entirely committed to a restoration of the power-sharing institutions but that will only be possible if the British Government get serious about their responsibilities to uphold citizens' rights.
"It simply isn't tenable that language rights, marriage equality and the right to coroner's inquests are protected everywhere else on these islands except here.
"I don't think anyone would seriously want an Executive on that basis, where some citizens are denied the right to equal treatment.
"It is entirely reasonable to expect previous agreements to be honoured.
"If everyone can sign up to that when the talks resume, the institutions can be restored in a very short space of time."
(LM/MH)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry day with long spells of sunshine for most, however eastern coasts will see rather more in the way of cloud at times, with just the risk of an odd light morning shower. Mainly light northerly winds. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:A fine end to the day with some evening sunshine. It remains dry overnight with a touch of frost possible in places, although cloud is expected to increase towards dawn. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
