Inter-Party Talks Set To Commence

Negotiations between Northern Ireland's politicians are to once again commence today.

Gary Hart, US envoy, will chair the talks. It will be the first he will chair since being appointed to the role by US Secretary of State John Kerry.

The talks will aim to resolve a number of issues including welfare reform, budget matters and the legacy of the Troubles.

It is understood Mr Hart, 77, will meet each political party separately and ask them to set out their aims and perspectives for moving forwards.

He is due to meet the SDLP at noon and then the Ulster Unionist Party. This will be followed by a meeting with the Alliance Party. He is also expected to speak to Martin McGuinness both in his role as deputy First Minister and as a member of Sinn Féin. A meeting with Northern Ireland Secretary of State Theresa Villiers is also scheduled. The DUP has been accused of not taking part in the talks process by Sinn Féin; the party did not attended the opening talk on 16 October, but are understood to have met with Ms Villiers. However, they are yet to take part in the round-table talks, it has been claimed.

Speaking ahead of the meetings, Mr Hart said Northern Ireland had undergone a "remarkable journey" over the last two decades.

He is quoted by the BBC as saying: "The United States provided political, economic and social support throughout this period.

"In coordination with Secretary Kerry, we will determine how the United States can use its good offices to help the parties find a path that will allow compromise and renewed progress.

"Working together, the parties can give Northern Ireland the stable, prosperous, and shared future its people deserve."

(JP/CD)