20/04/2004
Surprise talks postponement 'unacceptable' says Adams
Sinn Féin President, Gerry Adams has described the surprise decision by the British and Irish Government's to suspend planned political negations as "unacceptable".
Mr Adams was speaking after the two Government's confirmed they would not be going ahead with the political talks planned for London next week involving all the Northern Ireland parties.
The West Belfast MP said: "It is simply not good enough for the two governments to unilaterally cancel expected talks in London next week.
“This announcement is an example of the ad hoc and almost casual attitude of London and Dublin towards the process.
“It follows on from the Irish Government decision to run with a referendum on citizenship and the expected IMC Report tomorrow. Both are in contravention of the Good Friday Agreement. This is unacceptable.”
Three days of "proximity" talks involving Northern Ireland's politicians were expected to be hosted by the British and Irish prime ministers, however these have now been shelved.
Ulster Unionist MLA, David McNarry said: “Having rushed the IMC into reporting back urgently on terrorist activities and having set up inter-party talks to follow the IMC Report, the Government should proceed with the talks, but without those parties inextricably linked to terrorist groups named in the IMC Report.
“By postponing the talks the Government have blundered once again by conceding ground to a terrorist veto.
The discussions were due to follow today's publication of the Independent Monitoring Commission's first report on continuing paramilitary activity.
(MB)
Mr Adams was speaking after the two Government's confirmed they would not be going ahead with the political talks planned for London next week involving all the Northern Ireland parties.
The West Belfast MP said: "It is simply not good enough for the two governments to unilaterally cancel expected talks in London next week.
“This announcement is an example of the ad hoc and almost casual attitude of London and Dublin towards the process.
“It follows on from the Irish Government decision to run with a referendum on citizenship and the expected IMC Report tomorrow. Both are in contravention of the Good Friday Agreement. This is unacceptable.”
Three days of "proximity" talks involving Northern Ireland's politicians were expected to be hosted by the British and Irish prime ministers, however these have now been shelved.
Ulster Unionist MLA, David McNarry said: “Having rushed the IMC into reporting back urgently on terrorist activities and having set up inter-party talks to follow the IMC Report, the Government should proceed with the talks, but without those parties inextricably linked to terrorist groups named in the IMC Report.
“By postponing the talks the Government have blundered once again by conceding ground to a terrorist veto.
The discussions were due to follow today's publication of the Independent Monitoring Commission's first report on continuing paramilitary activity.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 January 2024
Leaders Urged To 'Show Courage' And Reach Agreement
The SDLP has called on political leaders to "show courage" and reach an agreement to restore the Stormont institutions in the coming days. Leader Colum Eastwood MP was speaking in the House of Commons as MPs discussed the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill.
Leaders Urged To 'Show Courage' And Reach Agreement
The SDLP has called on political leaders to "show courage" and reach an agreement to restore the Stormont institutions in the coming days. Leader Colum Eastwood MP was speaking in the House of Commons as MPs discussed the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill.
21 February 2024
Irish Govt Commits To Invest €800m In Northern Ireland
The announcement of an €800 million (£685m) investment in Northern Ireland by the Irish Government has been welcomed as a "significant contribution" by Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA.
Irish Govt Commits To Invest €800m In Northern Ireland
The announcement of an €800 million (£685m) investment in Northern Ireland by the Irish Government has been welcomed as a "significant contribution" by Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA.
04 March 2024
New Report Highlights Current State Of NI Rivers
No single stretch of river in Northern Ireland is is "good overall health", this was the message of the Rivers Trust, in its latest 'State Of Our Rivers Report'.
New Report Highlights Current State Of NI Rivers
No single stretch of river in Northern Ireland is is "good overall health", this was the message of the Rivers Trust, in its latest 'State Of Our Rivers Report'.
12 February 2024
Economy Minister Holds Meeting With Irish Minister For Enterprise
The Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, has held a meeting InterTradeIreland's office in Newry with Ireland's Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney TD. Highlighting the importance of holding an early meeting with Minister Coveney, Minister Murphy said that the topic of discussion was "how we can prosper from the Windsor Framework".
Economy Minister Holds Meeting With Irish Minister For Enterprise
The Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, has held a meeting InterTradeIreland's office in Newry with Ireland's Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney TD. Highlighting the importance of holding an early meeting with Minister Coveney, Minister Murphy said that the topic of discussion was "how we can prosper from the Windsor Framework".
27 February 2024
Infrastructure Minister Urged To Progress All-Island Rail Strategy
The SDLP has called on Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, to work with the Irish government to progress the All-Island Strategic Rail Review. SDLP Infrastructure Spokesperson Mark H Durkan is set to bring forward an Opposition Motion in the Assembly today, Tuesday, 27 February.
Infrastructure Minister Urged To Progress All-Island Rail Strategy
The SDLP has called on Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, to work with the Irish government to progress the All-Island Strategic Rail Review. SDLP Infrastructure Spokesperson Mark H Durkan is set to bring forward an Opposition Motion in the Assembly today, Tuesday, 27 February.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with further outbreaks of rain this morning, heavy at times, especially over north Antrim. Becoming drier and brighter this afternoon with sunny spells and a few showers. Winds becoming light. Maximum temperature 9 °C.Tonight:Further showers this evening, some heavy, especially in the east, dying out early tonight. Then mainly dry with clear periods developing, leading to a touch of frost and icy patches. Minimum temperature -1 °C.