Stormont assembly holds first meeting

Northern Ireland’s new power-sharing assembly is to meet for the first time today at Stormont.

The ministers are due to discuss the issue of water charges. Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy is expected to request the deferment of water charges introduced under direct rule for a year and also press for a review of the financing of water and sewerage services.

Northern Ireland Water, a government-owned company, was formed in April to replace the Water Service and 500 jobs are expected to be shed over the next six years.

Mr Murphy also wants a new review of water and sewerage services in an attempt to put a hold on the job losses and introduction of water charges.

The future of the water and sewerage and water services is to be determined by the financial package on offer by Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown.

The executive is thought to be disappointed with the current offer from Mr Brown.

A range of other issues will also be discussed at the meeting, including negotiations with the Treasury on a financial package and a legislative programme for the new assembly.

Cameras will be allowed into the meeting to capture images of the historic day in Stormont.

(JM/KMcA)