Menu
24/11/2006
Stormont suspended after disruption
Convicted loyalist murderer Michael Stone has today forced proceedings at Stormont to be suspended after claiming to have left a bomb at Parliament Buildings.
The incident happened during a meeting between all of the political parties who had gathered at Stormont as the political deadline was reached to make a decision on the restoration of devolution.
Politicians were evacuated from Parliament Buildings after Stone, who was carrying a gun and a knife, burst into the building and left a bag, which he claimed to contain an incendiary device, on the floor.
Security staff managed to pin him to the ground, before he was arrested and escorted from the premises by police.
Army Technical Officers are currently at the scene.
Michael Stone previously served a prison term for the murder of three people whom he shot as they attended an IRA funeral at Milltown cemetery in west Belfast in 1988.
He was released from prison under the Good Friday Agreement in July 2000.
Today's incident is the latest in a number of attempts to derail the Northern Ireland political process.
Before the disruption, both Sinn Fein and the DUP had indicated their positions on nominating candidates for First and Deputy First Ministers.
Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams nominated his party's Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness for the position of Deputy First Minister, however the DUP refused to nominate their leader, the Reverend Ian Paisley, stating that they will not sign up to the agreement until they are satisfied that Sinn Fein will openly support policing.
(EF)
The incident happened during a meeting between all of the political parties who had gathered at Stormont as the political deadline was reached to make a decision on the restoration of devolution.
Politicians were evacuated from Parliament Buildings after Stone, who was carrying a gun and a knife, burst into the building and left a bag, which he claimed to contain an incendiary device, on the floor.
Security staff managed to pin him to the ground, before he was arrested and escorted from the premises by police.
Army Technical Officers are currently at the scene.
Michael Stone previously served a prison term for the murder of three people whom he shot as they attended an IRA funeral at Milltown cemetery in west Belfast in 1988.
He was released from prison under the Good Friday Agreement in July 2000.
Today's incident is the latest in a number of attempts to derail the Northern Ireland political process.
Before the disruption, both Sinn Fein and the DUP had indicated their positions on nominating candidates for First and Deputy First Ministers.
Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams nominated his party's Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness for the position of Deputy First Minister, however the DUP refused to nominate their leader, the Reverend Ian Paisley, stating that they will not sign up to the agreement until they are satisfied that Sinn Fein will openly support policing.
(EF)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 July 2003
Sinn Fein criticised over sale of 'sniper' t-shirts
Unionists and nationalists have joined forces to condemn contents sold within the revamped Sinn Fein website which was officially launched this week. There was cause for much anger within local political circles following the launch as users can now purchase 'Sniper at Work' and IRA 'Undefeated Army' t-shirts through the party's online store.
Sinn Fein criticised over sale of 'sniper' t-shirts
Unionists and nationalists have joined forces to condemn contents sold within the revamped Sinn Fein website which was officially launched this week. There was cause for much anger within local political circles following the launch as users can now purchase 'Sniper at Work' and IRA 'Undefeated Army' t-shirts through the party's online store.
29 January 2007
Ard Fheis vote to support policing
Following yesterday's Sinn Fein special conference in Dublin regarding the party's policy on policing, Sinn Fein has voted in favour of becoming involved in policing in Northern Ireland. The decision was reached during the meeting, which was held in the RDS.
Ard Fheis vote to support policing
Following yesterday's Sinn Fein special conference in Dublin regarding the party's policy on policing, Sinn Fein has voted in favour of becoming involved in policing in Northern Ireland. The decision was reached during the meeting, which was held in the RDS.
15 January 2019
NI Parties Meet To Address Ongoing Political Impasse
Northern Ireland's political parties have met to discuss the ongoing political impasse, over two years since the institutions at Stormont collapsed. Alliance leader Naomi Long called for the meeting on Monday 14 January, and reiterated her request for an independent chair to oversee the new talks process.
NI Parties Meet To Address Ongoing Political Impasse
Northern Ireland's political parties have met to discuss the ongoing political impasse, over two years since the institutions at Stormont collapsed. Alliance leader Naomi Long called for the meeting on Monday 14 January, and reiterated her request for an independent chair to oversee the new talks process.
01 November 2017
Secretary Of State To Make Statement About Ongoing Political Crisis
Northern Ireland Secretary of State James Brokenshire is to make a statement today, 01 November, about the ongoing political crisis in Northern Ireland. The DUP and Sinn Fein have failed to reach an agreement to restore a power-sharing Executive.
Secretary Of State To Make Statement About Ongoing Political Crisis
Northern Ireland Secretary of State James Brokenshire is to make a statement today, 01 November, about the ongoing political crisis in Northern Ireland. The DUP and Sinn Fein have failed to reach an agreement to restore a power-sharing Executive.
12 January 2011
Irish Road Signs Point To Stormont Division
NI politicians are taking divergent routes on a proposal to splash-out on the provision of bilingual road signs.
Irish Road Signs Point To Stormont Division
NI politicians are taking divergent routes on a proposal to splash-out on the provision of bilingual road signs.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy morning with a few showers at times. Becoming dry in the afternoon and staying mainly cloudy, but some sunshine breaking through particularly in the east. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:Quite cloudy across all counties at first but clear spells most likely towards Down and Antrim, becoming widespread through the evening and overnight. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
