COMMENT

Theresa May will meet Northern Irish republican political leaders in Downing Street today amid growing concern that a proposed deal with the Democratic Unionist Party could damage the peace process.

The meeting comes as sources suggested an agreement with the DUP to ensure the Conservatives can govern as a minority may not be finalised until next week, following the deadly blaze in a London tower block that has killed at least 12.

Treasury officials were also said to be working on the details of a deal that is expected to include additional investment for Northern Ireland.

The delay means the Queen’s Speech to present the government’s programme could be pushed back until the follow week.

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams and the party’s Northern Ireland leader Michelle O’neill will go to Number 10 for talks with Mrs May, with the Prime Minister also set to meet leaders from the SDLP, Ulster Unionists and Alliance Party.

It comes amid concerns the government will compromise its stated impartiality in the region if it enters a confidence and supply deal with the DUP at Westminster.

Sinn Fein, the SDLP and Alliance have all made clear Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire cannot chair the ongoing process to restore power sharing at Stormont due to their perception he has a conflict of interest. Sir John Major has also urged caution.

The 1998 Good Friday Agreement commits the UK and Irish governments to demonstrate “rigorous impartiality” in their dealings with the different political traditions in Northern Ireland.

Sinn Fein’s Stormont leader Ms O’neill said: “I will be making it very clear that any deal between the Tories and the DUP cannot be allowed to undermine the Good Friday and subsequent agreements.

“It’s imperative that both governments recommit to

“Like Alice In Wonderland, not all doors are the same. It will be a brand new door with a new Europe”

GUY VERHOFSTADT