15/04/2004
First IMC report handed to goverments
The British and Irish Governments have confirmed that they have begun studying the first report from the Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC).
The initial IMC report, which covers a review of paramilitary activities, was handed over to the two governments on Wednesday.
It is believed that the report includes details of the recent attempted abduction of dissident republican Bobby Tohill. Chief Constable Hugh Orde immediately blamed the Provisional IRA on the abduction attempt.
However, today's confirmation of the review has not impressed Sinn Féin. Policing spokesperson, Gerry Kelly said the IMC was little more than "a British tool to be used in an attempt to put pressure on Sinn Féin".
The North Belfast MLA said: "The IMC is no more than a smokescreen to be used by the British government to provide cover for any attempt at exclusion in the future.
"The issuing of this report is politically motivated and is an attempt to disadvantage Sinn Féin in the imminent talks.
"The IMC is not independent, is outside the terms of the Good Friday Agreement and has no positive role to play."
The four-man commission, which began its work in January, was originally due to report on loyalist and republican ceasefires every six months. However, the initial review report was brought forward following the Tohill abduction affair.
(MB)
The initial IMC report, which covers a review of paramilitary activities, was handed over to the two governments on Wednesday.
It is believed that the report includes details of the recent attempted abduction of dissident republican Bobby Tohill. Chief Constable Hugh Orde immediately blamed the Provisional IRA on the abduction attempt.
However, today's confirmation of the review has not impressed Sinn Féin. Policing spokesperson, Gerry Kelly said the IMC was little more than "a British tool to be used in an attempt to put pressure on Sinn Féin".
The North Belfast MLA said: "The IMC is no more than a smokescreen to be used by the British government to provide cover for any attempt at exclusion in the future.
"The issuing of this report is politically motivated and is an attempt to disadvantage Sinn Féin in the imminent talks.
"The IMC is not independent, is outside the terms of the Good Friday Agreement and has no positive role to play."
The four-man commission, which began its work in January, was originally due to report on loyalist and republican ceasefires every six months. However, the initial review report was brought forward following the Tohill abduction affair.
(MB)
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15 March 2004
Early IMC report vindicates review withdrawal says UUP
Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble said plans for the early publication of the International Monitoring Commission's (IMC) report on paramilitary activity was a "vindication" of his party's decision to withdraw from the recent Good Friday Agreement review.
Early IMC report vindicates review withdrawal says UUP
Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble said plans for the early publication of the International Monitoring Commission's (IMC) report on paramilitary activity was a "vindication" of his party's decision to withdraw from the recent Good Friday Agreement review.
08 February 2006
Sinn Fein Westminster allowances restored
UPDATE: MPs voted to restore allowances to Sinn Fein's five MPs following a debate in the House of Commons on Wednesday afternoon. Although the Republican party's MPs do not sit in Westminster they are entitled to allowances amounting to around £500,000 a year from the British parliament.
Sinn Fein Westminster allowances restored
UPDATE: MPs voted to restore allowances to Sinn Fein's five MPs following a debate in the House of Commons on Wednesday afternoon. Although the Republican party's MPs do not sit in Westminster they are entitled to allowances amounting to around £500,000 a year from the British parliament.
06 February 2006
Devolution talks start in Hillsborough
Secretary of State, Peter Hain and Irish Foreign Minister Dermot Ahern are today hosting talks at Hillsborough Castle, involving members of the main political parties in Northern Ireland.
Devolution talks start in Hillsborough
Secretary of State, Peter Hain and Irish Foreign Minister Dermot Ahern are today hosting talks at Hillsborough Castle, involving members of the main political parties in Northern Ireland.
11 February 2005
Trimble calls for debate on IMC report
Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble has called for an urgent debate on the latest report of the Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC) and challenged the Government to recall the Assembly so Sinn Fein can face exclusion.
Trimble calls for debate on IMC report
Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble has called for an urgent debate on the latest report of the Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC) and challenged the Government to recall the Assembly so Sinn Fein can face exclusion.
22 February 2005
Government hit SF with economic sanctions
Sinn Fein is to be hit with economic sanctions following an IMC report which claimed senior members of the party involved in authorising the £26.5 million Northern Bank raid, along with other robberies. Secretary of State Paul Murphy announced the decision to financial penalise the party in the House of Commons on Tuesday.
Government hit SF with economic sanctions
Sinn Fein is to be hit with economic sanctions following an IMC report which claimed senior members of the party involved in authorising the £26.5 million Northern Bank raid, along with other robberies. Secretary of State Paul Murphy announced the decision to financial penalise the party in the House of Commons on Tuesday.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.