Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Stormont deadline deadlock
Irish Language Act is main sticking point British & Irish govts say deal still possible
THE Stormont talks deadline was pushed back yesterday giving parties until Monday to strike a deal.
A Downing Street spokeswoman said the passing of yesterday’s 4pm cut-off “does not mean the efforts to restore the Executive are ending”. She added: “We are now allowing the parties space to continue the discussions.” Secretary of State James Brokenshire will make a statement to the House of Commons on Monday outlining the Government’s intentions going forward. In the absence of agreement the options open to Mr Brokenshire include setting another deadline for the talks process, calling a second snap Assembly election or reimposing some form of direct rule from London. If a deal was to materialise over the weekend the Government could pass legislation to retrospectively change yesterday’s missed deadline to enable a new Executive to be formed without recourse to another election. The DUP and Sinn Fein have accused each other of refusing to give ground on key issues. Despite a pessimistic mood at Stormont, the Downing Street spokeswoman insisted “very good progress” had been made in the talks. She said: “We believe a resolution can be found and we are urging the parties to continue focusing their efforts on achieving it.” A crucial sticking point appears to be Sinn Fein’s demand for an Irish Language Act. The DUP is willing to legislate on the language issue but only if Ulster Scots speakers are included in any act, a condition Sinn Fein has rejected. The 4pm deadline to nominate ministers to a coalition Executive passed yesterday with both parties still blaming each other for the impasse. It was the fourth deadline since the institutions collapsed earlier this year. Senior DUP negotiator Edwin Poots said if a deal did not materialise in the near future he would prefer direct rule ministers to take over running Stormont departments. He added: “The talks will continue. Sinn Fein know what they need to do. “At this stage we aren’t close to an agreement, there is considerable work to be done and we believe the ball is in the court of Sinn Fein in the main in dealing with a series of outstanding issues.” However, Sinn Fein’s Conor Murphy said “limited progress” had been made to bridge the gaps. He added: “In our view it’s now make up your mind time for the DUP. “We have always said this can be done in a matter of hours, the issues are very clear, there are still gaps in terms of trying to establish a rights-based approach to these institutions working as per the Good Friday Agreement. “We want to close those gaps. There has been some limited progress in closing those gaps. “We want to get this done, we want to get it done quickly and on a sustainable basis.” Earlier, Mr Brokenshire and Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney insisted a deal was “possible and achievable”. Delivering a joint statement at Stormont Castle, they gave no firm indication on the way ahead once the deadline passed. Mr Brokenshire said a number of issues remain outstanding, adding: “The UK Government will work with the parties toward their critical objective of forming an Executive. “But I’ve made clear to party leaders it is for them to reach agreement.” Mr Coveney said talks had been intensive and he was encouraged by the discussions, adding: “There still remain gaps to be bridged on some key issues.”
Talks will continue. Sinn Fein know what they need to do EDWIN POOTS STORMONT YESTERDAY