Sinn Fein bid to restart talks

SINN Fein has called for powersharing talks to start in a week’s time.

The party has outlined its plans in a letter to the Irish and UK governments and other political parties in Northern Ireland.

Sinn Fein’s Stormont leader Michelle O’neill said she did not believe there is a need or public appetite for drawn-out discussions.

She added: “With limited engagement since the talks concluded on July 4, I am keen to formally re-engage at the earliest opportunity in order to re-establish an Executive and power-sharing institutions on a proper and sustainable footing.

“Moreover, I do not believe there is much public appetite, or need, for another drawn-out phase of talks.

“In this context, and with an eagerness to resolve outstanding issues, I am also formally proposing that this round of talks be focused and time-limited.” The DUP and Sinn Fein, Northern Ireland’s two biggest political party, remain at loggerheads over a range of issues.

Sticking points include the shape of legislation to protect Irish language speakers, the DUP’S opposition to lifting the region’s ban on same-sex marriage, and mechanisms to deal with the legacy of the Troubles.

Talks between the parties were postponed for the summer after they failed to reach agreement.