Politicians warned devolution deadline must be met

Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain has warned politicians today they must “put up or shut up” over the return to devolved government.

Mr Hain has held separate talks with the DUP and Sinn Fein regarding the deadline of the executive, and has warned he needs an answer from all parties by 25 March so the assembly can go ahead the following day.

He said: “It is either a functioning executive with powers devolved on March 26 or it’s dissolution and the politicians stop getting paid, Stormont closes down and we pack up Northern Ireland politics, maybe for years to come.”

Both British and Irish prime ministers have also urged leaders not to miss an opportunity of “historic proportions” to restore power-sharing.

Tony Blair, speaking alongside Bertie Ahern at the EU Council meeting in Brussels said he welcomed the results.

“I think now is the moment in Northern Ireland that we can get down to business,” he said.

“I think the parties that have been successful can take charge in Northern Ireland.”

Mr Ahern also commented on the deadline. He praised the electorate, saying this was “the first time Northern Ireland’s been able to have that kind of election on the kind of issues the PM and I deal with every day.”

He added: “It’s a really good achievement and I’m glad that it’s happened.”

(JM/SP)