05/01/2007
Hain warns parties not to let progress slip away
Northern Ireland Secretary of State Peter Hain has warned local politicians not to let devolution slip through their fingers because of the recent dispute over the transfer of policing and justice powers.
Mr Hain urged both Sinn Fein and the DUP to concentrate on what is to be gained by the restoration of an all-party power-sharing assembly and added that if progress is not made soon, then the March election could be scrapped and the prospect of a devolved government could be put on hold for many years.
The Secretary of State said: “For the first time in Northern Ireland's history, everybody is saying they are willing to share power with each other and, for the first time, everybody is saying they're willing to support the police.
"If those seeking to derail the process - either dissenting republicans or dissenting unionists - get their way, Northern Ireland will miss this historic opportunity.
"When I say miss, I mean it, as there will be no question of there being an election or the restoration of an executive or Assembly on March 26.”
Since the beginning of the process, the DUP has insisted that Sinn Fein must pledge their support to the PSNI before they will enter into government with them.
Meanwhile, Sinn Fein said that the DUP must agree to a date of transfer of policing and justice powers before they proceed with the process.
However, last week, Sinn Fein agreed to hold a party conference at the end of January to make a decision on the policing issue after over two-thirds of the party voted in favour of it taking place, but this would depend on whether they received a positive response from the DUP and both the British and Irish governments.
This failed to materialise and instead, DUP leader, Ian Paisley blamed Sinn Fein for delaying the process in his New Year's message.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Tony Blair, who cut his holiday to the USA short to return to the UK to deal with the Northern Ireland political process, said that if progress is not made, then the March election could be in doubt.
(EF)
Mr Hain urged both Sinn Fein and the DUP to concentrate on what is to be gained by the restoration of an all-party power-sharing assembly and added that if progress is not made soon, then the March election could be scrapped and the prospect of a devolved government could be put on hold for many years.
The Secretary of State said: “For the first time in Northern Ireland's history, everybody is saying they are willing to share power with each other and, for the first time, everybody is saying they're willing to support the police.
"If those seeking to derail the process - either dissenting republicans or dissenting unionists - get their way, Northern Ireland will miss this historic opportunity.
"When I say miss, I mean it, as there will be no question of there being an election or the restoration of an executive or Assembly on March 26.”
Since the beginning of the process, the DUP has insisted that Sinn Fein must pledge their support to the PSNI before they will enter into government with them.
Meanwhile, Sinn Fein said that the DUP must agree to a date of transfer of policing and justice powers before they proceed with the process.
However, last week, Sinn Fein agreed to hold a party conference at the end of January to make a decision on the policing issue after over two-thirds of the party voted in favour of it taking place, but this would depend on whether they received a positive response from the DUP and both the British and Irish governments.
This failed to materialise and instead, DUP leader, Ian Paisley blamed Sinn Fein for delaying the process in his New Year's message.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Tony Blair, who cut his holiday to the USA short to return to the UK to deal with the Northern Ireland political process, said that if progress is not made, then the March election could be in doubt.
(EF)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 March 2024
Man Wanted In Ireland On Drug Offences Arrested In South Belfast
A 59-year-old man wanted in the Republic of Ireland has been arrested in south Belfast by the PSNI's International Policing Unit. Wanted to stand trial for drugs offences that occurred in the Kilkenny area in 2012.
Man Wanted In Ireland On Drug Offences Arrested In South Belfast
A 59-year-old man wanted in the Republic of Ireland has been arrested in south Belfast by the PSNI's International Policing Unit. Wanted to stand trial for drugs offences that occurred in the Kilkenny area in 2012.
15 March 2024
Latest All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme Opens
Northern Ireland's aspiring craftspeople have been urged to apply for the latest All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme, which has opened for applications.
Latest All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme Opens
Northern Ireland's aspiring craftspeople have been urged to apply for the latest All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme, which has opened for applications.
14 March 2024
Ministers Praise Critical Work Of Ireland Funds
The First Minister and deputy First Minister have praised the work of Ireland Funds, highlighting its critical role in promoting and supporting peace. Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, speaking at the Ireland Funds Gala in Washington, welcomed the positive and real impact made across society by the philanthropic body.
Ministers Praise Critical Work Of Ireland Funds
The First Minister and deputy First Minister have praised the work of Ireland Funds, highlighting its critical role in promoting and supporting peace. Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, speaking at the Ireland Funds Gala in Washington, welcomed the positive and real impact made across society by the philanthropic body.
13 March 2024
Public Appeal After Third Confirmed Case Of Measles In Ireland
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has announced that it has been made aware of a third confirmed case of measles in the Republic of Ireland. It is understood that the case was confirmed in a resident of Ireland who had arrived back in the country from Abu Dhabi on Saturday 9 March 2024.
Public Appeal After Third Confirmed Case Of Measles In Ireland
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has announced that it has been made aware of a third confirmed case of measles in the Republic of Ireland. It is understood that the case was confirmed in a resident of Ireland who had arrived back in the country from Abu Dhabi on Saturday 9 March 2024.
15 February 2024
Measles Outbreaks 'Likely' Without Uptake In MMR Vaccinations
Northern Ireland's Deputy Chief Medical Officer has warned that outbreaks of measles are "likely" without action to increase the uptake of the MMR vaccine.
Measles Outbreaks 'Likely' Without Uptake In MMR Vaccinations
Northern Ireland's Deputy Chief Medical Officer has warned that outbreaks of measles are "likely" without action to increase the uptake of the MMR vaccine.
-
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.