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DUP rejects governments' proposal NI parties to get paper on future
(about 1 hour later)
The DUP has rejected the appointment of a shadow first and deputy first minister in time for the 24 November deadline for a deal on NI devolution. Negotiations in St Andrews aimed at restoring devolution to NI are "tough" but politicians are still talking, a Number 10 spokesman has said.
The proposal from the UK and Irish governments emerged on the final day of talks at St Andrews in Scotland. He confirmed the parties were being presented with a paper outlining the governments' view on the way forward, which would be made public.
It was intended to kickstart a process to see Sinn Fein holding a conference to change its stance on policing. It is the final day of talks attended by the British and Irish premiers.
However, the DUP continues to insist that Sinn Fein must move first on policing before any power-sharing deal. The DUP want Sinn Fein to back policing before it will share power, but Sinn Fein want the DUP to move first.
It is thought the DUP was offered an election or referendum in the new year. It is thought the parties will be given until mid-November to respond to the government paper which is due out around lunchtime on Friday.
It is believed a halt on the proposed abolition of academic selection was also proposed to the party. Meanwhile, it is understood the DUP has rejected the appointment of a shadow first and deputy first minister in time for the 24 November deadline for a deal on devolution.
The governments shouldn't act in a way that creates a sense of failure SDLP leader Mark Durkan 'Mexican standoff' It is thought the parties will be given until mid-November to respond to the government paper due out at Friday lunchtime. 'Mexican standoff' href="/1/hi/northern_ireland/5411290.stm" class="">Where the key players stand The proposal was intended to kickstart a process to see Sinn Fein holding a conference to change its stance on policing.
There were indications on Thursday that the governments were softening on the 24 November deadline for restoring devolution. It is thought the DUP was offered an election or referendum in the new year, as well as a halt on the proposed abolition of academic selection.
And Tony Blair's official spokesman said the two governments would be publishing their own proposals if the parties failed to reach an agreement. It is uncertain whether the shadow appointment proposal will feature in the governments' paper.
It is uncertain whether the shadow appointment proposal will feature in that paper.
On the future role of MI5 in intelligence gathering, it is understood the government is suggesting Northern Ireland MPs might be appointed to the Westminster intelligence and security committee in order to oversee the security service.On the future role of MI5 in intelligence gathering, it is understood the government is suggesting Northern Ireland MPs might be appointed to the Westminster intelligence and security committee in order to oversee the security service.
So far in the talks, the DUP and Sinn Fein have seemed to be involved in a standoff over the issue of policing and power-sharing.So far in the talks, the DUP and Sinn Fein have seemed 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.
The Fairmont St Andrews Hotel is the venue for the talks
DUP leader Ian Paisley said Sinn Fein should not be allowed to use policing as a bargaining chip, but should accept the rule of law like every other party.DUP leader Ian Paisley said Sinn Fein should not be allowed to use policing as a bargaining chip, but should accept the rule of law like every other party.
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". The Fairmont St Andrews Hotel is the venue for the talksSinn 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".
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 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.