Menu
25/11/2003
Future of NI in electorate's hands, says Blair
The Prime Minister, commenting yesterday on the Northern Ireland Assembly election to be held on Wednesday, has said that the future of the province is in the electorate's hands.
Mr Blair said that the election was a "big moment" for people in Northern Ireland: "We are now at the point in the politics of Northern Ireland where I can't make any more decisions. I can't renegotiate agreements, I can't rewrite those things that have already been agreed.
"The decision is now for people in Northern Ireland and they are going to have to decide, in a fundamental way, whether Northern Ireland today is a better place than it was six, seven, 10 years ago. And if it is they are going to have to vote for it."
The Prime Minister said that he hoped "people chose the future and not the past."
The electorate will select 108 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from the 256 candidates representing the 20 or so political parties.
However, it is not thought that there will be an immediate resumption of the power-sharing executive that was suspended on October 14, 2002. A review of the Good Friday Agreement with further negotiations is expected to commence.
For the first time observers from the Northern Ireland office of the Electoral Commission will monitor the election process. The 18-strong team of observers will contribute to a report on the conduct and administration of the election.
(SP)
Mr Blair said that the election was a "big moment" for people in Northern Ireland: "We are now at the point in the politics of Northern Ireland where I can't make any more decisions. I can't renegotiate agreements, I can't rewrite those things that have already been agreed.
"The decision is now for people in Northern Ireland and they are going to have to decide, in a fundamental way, whether Northern Ireland today is a better place than it was six, seven, 10 years ago. And if it is they are going to have to vote for it."
The Prime Minister said that he hoped "people chose the future and not the past."
The electorate will select 108 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from the 256 candidates representing the 20 or so political parties.
However, it is not thought that there will be an immediate resumption of the power-sharing executive that was suspended on October 14, 2002. A review of the Good Friday Agreement with further negotiations is expected to commence.
For the first time observers from the Northern Ireland office of the Electoral Commission will monitor the election process. The 18-strong team of observers will contribute to a report on the conduct and administration of the election.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 April 2024
Ministers Launch Call To Action For 'Inclusive Future For All'
The First and deputy First Ministers have announced the launch of Good Relations Week – a 'call to action to create a brighter, inclusive future for all'. Launched at an event in Girdwood Community Hub, Belfast, Good Relations Week 2024 is taking place from 16 to 22 September 2024 with this year's theme being, 'OpportUNITY'.
Ministers Launch Call To Action For 'Inclusive Future For All'
The First and deputy First Ministers have announced the launch of Good Relations Week – a 'call to action to create a brighter, inclusive future for all'. Launched at an event in Girdwood Community Hub, Belfast, Good Relations Week 2024 is taking place from 16 to 22 September 2024 with this year's theme being, 'OpportUNITY'.
09 April 2024
Police Attacked By Young People In West Belfast
The PSNI have condemned the assault of four police officers when they were attacked by young people in West Belfast. At around 6:50pm on Saturday, 06 April, police received a report in relation to community concerns that a large group of young people had congregated in Falls Park and that alcohol was being consumed by children.
Police Attacked By Young People In West Belfast
The PSNI have condemned the assault of four police officers when they were attacked by young people in West Belfast. At around 6:50pm on Saturday, 06 April, police received a report in relation to community concerns that a large group of young people had congregated in Falls Park and that alcohol was being consumed by children.
29 May 2012
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
22 March 2002
Northern Ireland can be a world example says Trimble
First Minister David Trimble has said he believes Northern Ireland can be an example to other parts of the world. Mr Trimble was speaking in Waterford on Thursday 21 March, where he received the St Angela’s Peace and Justice Group’s International Award.
Northern Ireland can be a world example says Trimble
First Minister David Trimble has said he believes Northern Ireland can be an example to other parts of the world. Mr Trimble was speaking in Waterford on Thursday 21 March, where he received the St Angela’s Peace and Justice Group’s International Award.
13 June 2005
The 2005 Birthday Honours List for Northern Ireland
The full list of recipients of honours in the 2005 Birthday Honours list for Northern Ireland is as follows: Knighthood: Mr Hugh Orde OBE, Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland - for services to Northern Ireland. CBE: Mr Robert David Stewart Campbell, Belfast - For Political and public service.
The 2005 Birthday Honours List for Northern Ireland
The full list of recipients of honours in the 2005 Birthday Honours list for Northern Ireland is as follows: Knighthood: Mr Hugh Orde OBE, Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland - for services to Northern Ireland. CBE: Mr Robert David Stewart Campbell, Belfast - For Political and public service.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:There will be a mixture of bright intervals and a few showers. Best of the sunny spells will be near the North Coast. Feeling on the cool side. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
