Menu
24/09/2001
Unionists draw up Sinn Féin exclusion motion
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has begun drawing up a motion to exclude Sinn Féin from the Northern Ireland power-sharing executive.
The motion, which was tabled to be debated on Monday September 24, is expected to take up to three weeks before it reaches the floor of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
It has been reported that if the motion were defeated Mr Trimble and his ministers in the power-sharing executive would leave office.
Acting Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon argued the weekend decision by the UUP to try to remove Sinn Féin ministers Martin McGuinness and Bairbre de Brún from the executive was against the spirit of the Belfast Agreement.
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster he said: "At this stage in negotiations to have the type of proposed motion coming from the Ulster Unionist Party, in my view, will not in any way help to solve the problem of decommissioning.
"You cannot have exclusions of this nature and at the same time have the inclusivity of the Good Friday Agreement.”
Ulster Unionist economy minister and Acting First Minister Sir Reg Empey told the same programme his party’s move against Sinn Féin was a weapon of last resort. "We have done everything in our power. We have seen our efforts repudiated time and time again," he said.
The UUP decided to seek the expulsion of Sinn Féin from the power-sharing executive after Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid suspended institutions for one day for the second time in six weeks in a bid to buy more time for movement from the IRA on disarmament.
Another exclusion motion by the Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionists has been signed by 29 MLAs - just one short of the figure required for it to be debated.
He has asked, and been refused a meeting with Mr Trimble in which he said he would be asking him to sign up to their DUP exclusion motion. (AMcE)
The motion, which was tabled to be debated on Monday September 24, is expected to take up to three weeks before it reaches the floor of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
It has been reported that if the motion were defeated Mr Trimble and his ministers in the power-sharing executive would leave office.
Acting Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon argued the weekend decision by the UUP to try to remove Sinn Féin ministers Martin McGuinness and Bairbre de Brún from the executive was against the spirit of the Belfast Agreement.
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster he said: "At this stage in negotiations to have the type of proposed motion coming from the Ulster Unionist Party, in my view, will not in any way help to solve the problem of decommissioning.
"You cannot have exclusions of this nature and at the same time have the inclusivity of the Good Friday Agreement.”
Ulster Unionist economy minister and Acting First Minister Sir Reg Empey told the same programme his party’s move against Sinn Féin was a weapon of last resort. "We have done everything in our power. We have seen our efforts repudiated time and time again," he said.
The UUP decided to seek the expulsion of Sinn Féin from the power-sharing executive after Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid suspended institutions for one day for the second time in six weeks in a bid to buy more time for movement from the IRA on disarmament.
Another exclusion motion by the Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionists has been signed by 29 MLAs - just one short of the figure required for it to be debated.
He has asked, and been refused a meeting with Mr Trimble in which he said he would be asking him to sign up to their DUP exclusion motion. (AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 April 2024
Ulster GAA Backs NI Road Safety Campaign
Ulster GAA has announced it support for the 'Share the Road to Zero' campaign, pledging its commitment to improving road safety. The Northern Ireland Football League, PSNI, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and councils are among other organisations that have signed up to the campaign.
Ulster GAA Backs NI Road Safety Campaign
Ulster GAA has announced it support for the 'Share the Road to Zero' campaign, pledging its commitment to improving road safety. The Northern Ireland Football League, PSNI, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and councils are among other organisations that have signed up to the campaign.
15 April 2024
Economy Minister Welcomes New Virtual Production Complex
A new virtual production studio complex is on course to open for business this Autumn and will be a key part of a major £72 million expansion of Belfast Harbour Studios. Economy Minister Conor Murphy recently toured the new Studio Ulster facility and was able to see this world-class centre of excellence take shape.
Economy Minister Welcomes New Virtual Production Complex
A new virtual production studio complex is on course to open for business this Autumn and will be a key part of a major £72 million expansion of Belfast Harbour Studios. Economy Minister Conor Murphy recently toured the new Studio Ulster facility and was able to see this world-class centre of excellence take shape.
25 March 2024
New Taskforce To Expand Ulster Uni To Over 10,000 Students
A new taskforce has been established to develop and oversee an action plan to expand Ulster University’s L'Derry campus to 10,000 students. Announced by the Economy Minister, Conor Murphy said: "The expansion of Ulster University’s campus in Derry is key to promoting regional balance, in line with my economic vision.
New Taskforce To Expand Ulster Uni To Over 10,000 Students
A new taskforce has been established to develop and oversee an action plan to expand Ulster University’s L'Derry campus to 10,000 students. Announced by the Economy Minister, Conor Murphy said: "The expansion of Ulster University’s campus in Derry is key to promoting regional balance, in line with my economic vision.
01 March 2024
Ulster Rugby Foundation Secures Official Charitable Status
The Ulster Rugby Foundation has secured official charitable status, which will allow it to raise vital funds needed to ensure that rugby is a sport open to all ages and abilities across the province.
Ulster Rugby Foundation Secures Official Charitable Status
The Ulster Rugby Foundation has secured official charitable status, which will allow it to raise vital funds needed to ensure that rugby is a sport open to all ages and abilities across the province.
29 February 2024
Ulster Carpets Agrees Long Term Support For Youth Rugby In NI
Ulster Carpets has agreed a new sponsorship deal with Ulster Rugby, which will see the local company continue to support the province's youth game through to the 2027/28 season.
Ulster Carpets Agrees Long Term Support For Youth Rugby In NI
Ulster Carpets has agreed a new sponsorship deal with Ulster Rugby, which will see the local company continue to support the province's youth game through to the 2027/28 season.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy start with scattered showers, the showers becoming more isolated and largely confined to the south this morning. Becoming brighter this afternoon, the best of any sunnier spells across northern counties. Northerly winds easing. Maximum temperature 12 °C.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.
