30/10/2017
Political Parties To Reach Agreement By End Of Today
Political parties in Northern Ireland have until the end of today, 30 October, to reach a deal to restore a power-sharing government.
If the parties fail to reach an agreement, Secretary of State James Brokenshire will introduce a budget via Westminster.
Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy said that a deal can be done in the political talks but said it must be a deal for all in society.
He said: "A deal in the political talks needs to be a deal for all in our society and not just for the political leaderships of unionism. If the political institutions are to be sustainable then they must be restored on the basis of equality, rights and respect.
"That requires an end to the DUP's denial of rights citizens enjoy everywhere else on these islands, language rights, marriage rights and the right to a coroner's court."
Alliance deputy leader Stephen Farry MLA has emphasised there are alternative ways to save devolution and provide for shared and sustainable government for Northern Ireland.
He said: "The DUP and Sinn Féin have been given every opportunity to reach an agreement recently. In the event of failure, the Secretary of State has spoken of a glidepath to direct rule. But things aren't so binary - there are other approaches and potential changes to the current rules and framework to be considered before the point of no-return on devolution.
"Voluntary coalition has been Alliance policy for many years. We are clear this has to be a means of providing coherent and cross-community government, supported by a weighted-majority. If this is a major leap for some at this moment, or not something directly workable today on the current electoral balance, there are still other interventions.
"Alliance has directly asked the Secretary of State to intervene to provide for reform the Petition of Concern. The mutual vetoes in the hands of the DUP and Sinn Féin seriously hamper free and open debate and decision-making.
"All of the current issues which appear to be blockages to agreement, including language and culture, could all be addressed through public debate and a proportionate resolution on the floor of the Assembly. Any outcome would reflect the democratic wishes of the people of Northern Ireland."
(CD/LM)
If the parties fail to reach an agreement, Secretary of State James Brokenshire will introduce a budget via Westminster.
Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy said that a deal can be done in the political talks but said it must be a deal for all in society.
He said: "A deal in the political talks needs to be a deal for all in our society and not just for the political leaderships of unionism. If the political institutions are to be sustainable then they must be restored on the basis of equality, rights and respect.
"That requires an end to the DUP's denial of rights citizens enjoy everywhere else on these islands, language rights, marriage rights and the right to a coroner's court."
Alliance deputy leader Stephen Farry MLA has emphasised there are alternative ways to save devolution and provide for shared and sustainable government for Northern Ireland.
He said: "The DUP and Sinn Féin have been given every opportunity to reach an agreement recently. In the event of failure, the Secretary of State has spoken of a glidepath to direct rule. But things aren't so binary - there are other approaches and potential changes to the current rules and framework to be considered before the point of no-return on devolution.
"Voluntary coalition has been Alliance policy for many years. We are clear this has to be a means of providing coherent and cross-community government, supported by a weighted-majority. If this is a major leap for some at this moment, or not something directly workable today on the current electoral balance, there are still other interventions.
"Alliance has directly asked the Secretary of State to intervene to provide for reform the Petition of Concern. The mutual vetoes in the hands of the DUP and Sinn Féin seriously hamper free and open debate and decision-making.
"All of the current issues which appear to be blockages to agreement, including language and culture, could all be addressed through public debate and a proportionate resolution on the floor of the Assembly. Any outcome would reflect the democratic wishes of the people of Northern Ireland."
(CD/LM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 February 2024
UK Govt Outlines Full Details Of £3.3bn NI Spending Settlement
The UK Government has outlined the full details of the £3.3 billion spending settlement for Northern Ireland in a letter sent to Minister for Finance, Dr Caoimhe Archibald.
UK Govt Outlines Full Details Of £3.3bn NI Spending Settlement
The UK Government has outlined the full details of the £3.3 billion spending settlement for Northern Ireland in a letter sent to Minister for Finance, Dr Caoimhe Archibald.
27 March 2024
SDLP Calls For Urgent Restoration Of North South Ministerial Council
The SDLP has called for the urgent restoration of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC), which it said is needed to advance all-island cooperation following the restoration of the Stormont government earlier this year.
SDLP Calls For Urgent Restoration Of North South Ministerial Council
The SDLP has called for the urgent restoration of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC), which it said is needed to advance all-island cooperation following the restoration of the Stormont government earlier this year.
08 March 2024
Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme Threatens Tourism Growth
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has raised concerns over the introduction of the British Government Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme. Meeting with the NI Tourism Alliance (NITA), the Minister said that the scheme could threaten Northern Ireland's tourism growth.
Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme Threatens Tourism Growth
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has raised concerns over the introduction of the British Government Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme. Meeting with the NI Tourism Alliance (NITA), the Minister said that the scheme could threaten Northern Ireland's tourism growth.
05 February 2024
Executive Calls For Urgent Talks On Long-Term Funding Stability
The Executive has written to the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to call for an urgent discussions on long-term funding stability to deliver public services.
Executive Calls For Urgent Talks On Long-Term Funding Stability
The Executive has written to the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to call for an urgent discussions on long-term funding stability to deliver public services.
30 January 2024
DUP Agrees Deal To End Boycott Of NI Powersharing
After a 23-month break, powersharing in Northern Ireland will be restored following a decision by the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). The DUP had been blocking a functioning assembly and executive due to concerns about post-Brexit trade arrangements.
DUP Agrees Deal To End Boycott Of NI Powersharing
After a 23-month break, powersharing in Northern Ireland will be restored following a decision by the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). The DUP had been blocking a functioning assembly and executive due to concerns about post-Brexit trade arrangements.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.