Menu
03/02/2003
Murphy urges 'participation' in devolution talks
Secretary of State Paul Murphy has called for "participation" at the talk's table from all political parties after meeting today with the US President's special advisor on Northern Ireland, Richard Haass.
Following the meeting in London today, Mr Murphy thanked the US administration for their continuing support in efforts to restore Northern Ireland's devolved institutions.
He said: "We are engaged in a process which aims to build trust and confidence among the political parties to restore devolved government as soon as possible. If we are to succeed, it will require participation from everyone and I particularly value the ongoing support of the American administration as we work to achieve this goal.
"Everyone agrees that Northern Ireland is best governed through local Ministers making local decisions within the assembly. The sooner we achieve this the better for the people of Northern Ireland," he added.
Prime Minister Tony Blair and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern are expected to meet with the local parties at Hillsborough Castle on February 12 in order to find a way to re-establish the devolved institutions. Mr Murphy voiced his confidence that "a way forward can be found".
That meeting, however, will be set against a backdrop of escalating violence being meted out by loyalists.
Earlier today, the SDLP's Mark Durkan reiterated Mr Murphy's call for all the main parties to return to the talks table – talks which Unionists parties have absented themselves from on the two previous occasions they had been held.
Mr Durkan said that, particularly in the wake of the murder of UDA chief John Gregg at the weekend, the devolved administration remained the most effective method to restore normality.
"We have consistently cautioned that a political vacuum will benefit only the paramilitaries," he said.
"These killings should focus all parties on the need to come together to ensure the full implementation of the agreement and that we get the institutions up and running as soon as possible."
It is understood that Ambassador Haass is scheduled to meet with political parties in Belfast and Dublin over the next few days.
(GMcG)
Following the meeting in London today, Mr Murphy thanked the US administration for their continuing support in efforts to restore Northern Ireland's devolved institutions.
He said: "We are engaged in a process which aims to build trust and confidence among the political parties to restore devolved government as soon as possible. If we are to succeed, it will require participation from everyone and I particularly value the ongoing support of the American administration as we work to achieve this goal.
"Everyone agrees that Northern Ireland is best governed through local Ministers making local decisions within the assembly. The sooner we achieve this the better for the people of Northern Ireland," he added.
Prime Minister Tony Blair and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern are expected to meet with the local parties at Hillsborough Castle on February 12 in order to find a way to re-establish the devolved institutions. Mr Murphy voiced his confidence that "a way forward can be found".
That meeting, however, will be set against a backdrop of escalating violence being meted out by loyalists.
Earlier today, the SDLP's Mark Durkan reiterated Mr Murphy's call for all the main parties to return to the talks table – talks which Unionists parties have absented themselves from on the two previous occasions they had been held.
Mr Durkan said that, particularly in the wake of the murder of UDA chief John Gregg at the weekend, the devolved administration remained the most effective method to restore normality.
"We have consistently cautioned that a political vacuum will benefit only the paramilitaries," he said.
"These killings should focus all parties on the need to come together to ensure the full implementation of the agreement and that we get the institutions up and running as soon as possible."
It is understood that Ambassador Haass is scheduled to meet with political parties in Belfast and Dublin over the next few days.
(GMcG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 February 2024
Online Business Ideas Gaining Traction In Northern Ireland
Are you looking for a new business venture that can be operated from the comfort of your own home? The rise of the internet has provided countless opportunities to start an online business and reach customers from all over the world.
Online Business Ideas Gaining Traction In Northern Ireland
Are you looking for a new business venture that can be operated from the comfort of your own home? The rise of the internet has provided countless opportunities to start an online business and reach customers from all over the world.
29 January 2024
The Ultimate Guide To Bingo Halls In Northern Ireland
Bingo, a game that has been a staple in Northern Ireland's entertainment scene for decades, continues to capture the hearts of enthusiasts across the region. In recent years, there has been a notable rise in bingo hall attendances, and some attribute this surge to the growing popularity and accessibility of bingo sites.
The Ultimate Guide To Bingo Halls In Northern Ireland
Bingo, a game that has been a staple in Northern Ireland's entertainment scene for decades, continues to capture the hearts of enthusiasts across the region. In recent years, there has been a notable rise in bingo hall attendances, and some attribute this surge to the growing popularity and accessibility of bingo sites.
25 August 2004
Parties want process to succeed, says Murphy
Northern Ireland's political parties know what has to be done to end direct rule and restore the devolved institutions, Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said today.
Parties want process to succeed, says Murphy
Northern Ireland's political parties know what has to be done to end direct rule and restore the devolved institutions, Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said today.
22 September 2003
Murphy holds talks with political parties
Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Paul Murphy has held a series of political meetings with a number of political parties to discuss the ongoing peace process. Representatives from Sinn Fein, SDLP and UKUP met Mr Murphy at Hillsborough as efforts continue to re-establish devolved government in Northern Ireland.
Murphy holds talks with political parties
Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Paul Murphy has held a series of political meetings with a number of political parties to discuss the ongoing peace process. Representatives from Sinn Fein, SDLP and UKUP met Mr Murphy at Hillsborough as efforts continue to re-establish devolved government in Northern Ireland.
09 March 2017
Brokenshire: NI Could Face Second Assembly Election
Secretary of State James Brokenshire has said Northern Ireland could face another election if political parties fail to reach an agreement within three weeks. Mr Brokenshire warned there would be "significant consequences" if there is no agreement to form a power-sharing Executive.
Brokenshire: NI Could Face Second Assembly Election
Secretary of State James Brokenshire has said Northern Ireland could face another election if political parties fail to reach an agreement within three weeks. Mr Brokenshire warned there would be "significant consequences" if there is no agreement to form a power-sharing Executive.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
