This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/8467974.stm
The article has changed 26 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 14 | Version 15 |
---|---|
DUP and UUP hold secret meetings | DUP and UUP hold secret meetings |
(10 minutes later) | |
It has been revealed Ulster Unionist and senior DUP politicians held secret talks in England over the weekend. | It has been revealed Ulster Unionist and senior DUP politicians held secret talks in England over the weekend. |
The talks, which included Peter Robinson, were hosted by Conservatives who said the purpose was to "promote greater political stability." | The talks, which included Peter Robinson, were hosted by Conservatives who said the purpose was to "promote greater political stability." |
Party sources denied they were about an electoral pact or voting arrangements in the event of a hung parliament. | Party sources denied they were about an electoral pact or voting arrangements in the event of a hung parliament. |
Meanwhile, the UUP's Lady Sylvia Hermon has said she wants clarification over a special meeting of the party executive. | Meanwhile, the UUP's Lady Sylvia Hermon has said she wants clarification over a special meeting of the party executive. |
Lady Sylvia is the Ulster Unionists' only MP. | Lady Sylvia is the Ulster Unionists' only MP. |
The meeting at the weekend will hear an update from Sir Reg Empey on recent political negotiations and possibly take decisions about joint UUP-Conservative candidates for the upcoming general election. | The meeting at the weekend will hear an update from Sir Reg Empey on recent political negotiations and possibly take decisions about joint UUP-Conservative candidates for the upcoming general election. |
However, Lady Hermon, who opposes the UUP's electoral pact with the Conservatives, says she may attend as she wants to hear what party plans are for her North Down constituency - the only one for which the party has so far failed to call a candidate selection hearing. | However, Lady Hermon, who opposes the UUP's electoral pact with the Conservatives, says she may attend as she wants to hear what party plans are for her North Down constituency - the only one for which the party has so far failed to call a candidate selection hearing. |
'Deal possible' | 'Deal possible' |
On Tuesday, the DUP downplayed rumours of a setback in talks with Sinn Fein over the devolution of policing and justice. | On Tuesday, the DUP downplayed rumours of a setback in talks with Sinn Fein over the devolution of policing and justice. |
There had been a suggestion that Sinn Fein had issued the DUP with an ultimatum. | There had been a suggestion that Sinn Fein had issued the DUP with an ultimatum. |
However, Environment Minister Edwin Poots said a deal was possible. | However, Environment Minister Edwin Poots said a deal was possible. |
He was speaking as acting First Minister Arlene Foster met with the UUP, SDLP and Alliance about the recent talks. | He was speaking as acting First Minister Arlene Foster met with the UUP, SDLP and Alliance about the recent talks. |
Mr Poots said all parties were engaged in trying to resolve the impasse. | Mr Poots said all parties were engaged in trying to resolve the impasse. |
"I don't think there is any particular wobble in the process," he said. | "I don't think there is any particular wobble in the process," he said. |
"Where we are at this point is that we are narrowing down issues, and those issues of concern will have to be resolved. | "Where we are at this point is that we are narrowing down issues, and those issues of concern will have to be resolved. |
"Ultimately we are working our way towards that." | "Ultimately we are working our way towards that." |
There has been intense speculation since the end of last week about a deal on the devolution of the powers. | There has been intense speculation since the end of last week about a deal on the devolution of the powers. |
Secretary of State Shaun Woodward also met with party leaders on Tuesday. | Secretary of State Shaun Woodward also met with party leaders on Tuesday. |