North parties hail 'constructive' talks
Sinn Féin and the Democratic Unionists both struck optimistic notes today as crunch talks to devolve policing powers to the North continued at Stormont.
DUP Assembly members appeared in relaxed mood after emerging from a three-hour meeting during which troubled party leader Peter Robinson, still reeling from the sex and money scandal involving his wife Iris, briefed colleagues on the progress of negotiations.
The internal party discussions were later described as “very useful and constructive” by a party spokesman.
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams, himself under personal pressure over his handling of sex abuse allegations facing his brother Liam, then reinforced the positive vibe coming from Parliament Buildings when he expressed hope an agreement over the transfer of law and order powers from Westminster was workable.
“Our focus has to be to make this work and it is my view that it can be made to work within the context of the Good Friday and St Andrews agreements (peace accords of 1998 and 2006) and that’s where our focus is,” he said.
Closely guarded exchanges between the DUP and Sinn Féin resumed later in the day at Stormont Castle but Mr Adams said he did not expect developments until early next week.
“It’s very much work in progress,” said the west Belfast MP. Both parties will take a break from negotiations tomorrow as some unionist representatives decline to work on Sundays on religious grounds.
“Obviously tomorrow will give us all a chance to reflect on where it’s at,” Mr Adams added.
That meetings were held at all today is perhaps indication the process is approaching a critical phase. Staff at Stormont were on overtime as they opened up a building that’s usually closed on Saturday.
Members of the 35-strong DUP Assembly group arrived through the morning dressed in casual clothes ahead of the 11am meeting.
They all declined to comment as they emerged three hours later, but spirits appeared good as the colleagues chatted in the car park before heading for home.
Afterwards the party spokesman said discussions with other parties would continue into next week.
The two-year impasse over devolution has pushed the power sharing administration to the verge of collapse.
And in recent weeks the negotiations have become caught up in the personal problems facing both party leaders.
Mr Robinson has temporarily stepped down as First Minister to deal with the fall-out from revelations that destroyed his wife’s political career and threatens his.
He is facing a series of official probes after claims he did not alert the authorities to his wife’s failure to declare £50,000 (€55,000) she obtained from two wealthy developers to set her teenage lover up in business – allegations he vehemently denies.
Mr Adams, who has known for more than 20 years about claims his brother abused his daughter, has been forced to explain how his sibling was able to work in youth clubs and become involved in Sinn Féin in his own constituency of west Belfast within the last decade. The MP denies claims of a cover up.
Yesterday, the man tipped to be the North’s future Justice Minister said the result of the talks would define politics in the region for years to come.
Alliance party leader David Ford said an agreement on devolution would bring much needed stability to the power-sharing institutions and the country as a whole.
Mr Ford’s party is favourite for the post as it’s seen as the only grouping that could command cross-community support.
“Talks are at an extremely important stage and I believe that the coming days will define politics in Northern Ireland for years to come,” said Mr Ford.
“It looks as if the DUP and Sinn Féin are finally engaging seriously on some of the crucial issues that have divided them and blocked progress.
“Northern Ireland needs stability – we need a genuinely shared future and a new Justice Department with agreed policies which allow it to deliver for everyone from day one.”
