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DUP accused of being unrealistic Governments may publish own plans
(about 3 hours later)
UUP leader Sir Reg Empey has accused the DUP of setting unrealistic demands, as talks to reach a deal for restoring devolution to NI continue in Scotland. The two governments are considering publishing their own proposals to break the deadlock for Northern Ireland power-sharing and policing.
DUP leader Ian Paisley said the IRA must hand back any "ill-gotten gains" for Sinn Fein to enter government. A Downing Street spokesman said they will do so if the Northern Ireland parties cannot reach agreement.
There are indications the governments are softening on the 24 November deadline for restoring devolution.
The second day of talks aimed at reaching an agreement are continuing at St Andrews in Scotland.
The British government spokesman said that if necessary "we will put forward our best guess as to what a way forward is - the parties then would have to decide their responses to that".
The spokesman also indicated that the 24 November related to an agreement to restore devolution, rather than having the actual institutions up and running.
In the talks, the DUP and Sinn Fein seem to be involved in a standoff over the issue of policing and power-sharing.
The DUP wants Sinn Fein to sign up to policing before it agrees to share power with them, while Sinn Fein wants the DUP to move first.
Meanwhile, UUP leader Sir Reg Empey has accused the DUP of setting unrealistic demands
On Wednesday, DUP leader Ian Paisley said the IRA must hand back any "ill-gotten gains" for Sinn Fein to enter government.
Asked about this, Sir Reg said: "We all seek perfection but we have to be realistic about what is achievable.Asked about this, Sir Reg said: "We all seek perfection but we have to be realistic about what is achievable.
"You can raise the bar as far as you like, but it comes down to whether you want to solve the problem.""You can raise the bar as far as you like, but it comes down to whether you want to solve the problem."
He was speaking on the second of three days of intensive multi-party talks at St Andrews in Scotland, opened by Prime Minister Tony Blair and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
Mr Blair's official spokesman said on Thursday that the two premiers may put proposals to the Northern Ireland parties for achieving devolution if the politicians fail to reach agreement on power-sharing and policing.
Where the key players stand Search for elusive peace deal He said it was clear the DUP and Sinn Fein wanted to resolve the issues but their caution about the other side could prevent them signing off on an agreement.Where the key players stand Search for elusive peace deal He said it was clear the DUP and Sinn Fein wanted to resolve the issues but their caution about the other side could prevent them signing off on an agreement.
"If necessary that may mean the two governments calling it by tomorrow lunchtime," he said. Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness said he believed agreement could be reached in the talks, adding that Mr Paisley "has to decide if this is the time to do a deal".
"If necessary we are prepared to do that. We will put forward our best guess as to what a way forward is - the parties then would have to decide their responses to that."
Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness said he believed agreement could be reached, adding that Mr Paisley "has to decide if this is the time to do a deal".
"The issue of policing, which is obviously out there from his perspective - all of these matters and difficulties attached to that can be resolved," he said."The issue of policing, which is obviously out there from his perspective - all of these matters and difficulties attached to that can be resolved," he said.
Mr Paisley said Sinn Fein had to "deliver" on support for policing.Mr Paisley said Sinn Fein had to "deliver" on support for policing.
"Those that want to serve in the government of a democracy must totally support the police," he said."Those that want to serve in the government of a democracy must totally support the police," he said.
SDLP leader Mark Durkan said progress could be made, but warned that parties should not be putting up new obstacles.SDLP leader Mark Durkan said progress could be made, but warned that parties should not be putting up new obstacles.
The two premiers have been concentrating on the topic of policing during Thursday's talks.The two premiers have been concentrating on the topic of policing during Thursday's talks.
Other ministers are dealing with issues related to the devolution of justice, parades, equality, human rights and changes to the Stormont rules.Other ministers are dealing with issues related to the devolution of justice, parades, equality, human rights and changes to the Stormont rules.
On Friday, it is believed that the talks may deal with questions concerning the past and victims.On Friday, it is believed that the talks may deal with questions concerning the past and victims.
The negotiations are due to end at noon on Friday.The negotiations are due to end at noon on Friday.
The UK and Irish governments have given the parties until 24 November to reach a deal on power-sharing, otherwise the assembly may be put into cold storage.The UK and Irish governments have given the parties until 24 November to reach a deal on power-sharing, otherwise the assembly may be put into cold storage.
The focus is on Ian Paisley and Gerry AdamsThe focus is on Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams
The talks in Scotland come a week after the body monitoring paramilitary activity said the IRA had changed radically and some of its most important structures had been dismantled.The talks in Scotland come a week after the body monitoring paramilitary activity said the IRA had changed radically and some of its most important structures had been dismantled.
Mr Blair said at that time the IRA's campaign was over and there was a "unique opportunity" to reach a final settlement.Mr Blair said at that time the IRA's campaign was over and there was a "unique opportunity" to reach a final settlement.
The Northern Ireland Assembly was suspended on 14 October 2002 amid allegations of a republican spy ring at Stormont.The Northern Ireland Assembly was suspended on 14 October 2002 amid allegations of a republican spy ring at Stormont.
The court case that followed collapsed and one of those charged, Denis Donaldson, later admitted working as a British agent.The court case that followed collapsed and one of those charged, Denis Donaldson, later admitted working as a British agent.
Direct rule from London was restored in October 2002 and has been in place since.Direct rule from London was restored in October 2002 and has been in place since.