Policy on Ulster talks reaffirmed
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.JOHN MAJOR reaffirmed his policy that Northern Ireland constitutional talks should accompany all three strands of the relationships affecting the province - internal, North-South and between London and Dublin, writes Donald Macintyre.
His declaration came in spite of a rebuff on Monday by James Molyneaux, leader of the Ulster Unionists, who made clear his preference for talks which focused only on internal political arrangements for Northern Ireland.
Mr Molyneaux, who has backed an 85-member assembly for the province, suggested that he would not take part in talks on the three- strand basis. But Mr Major said in Washington yesterday: 'There are a range of views in Northern Ireland, but I think the conclusion we reached some time ago . . . would be . . . to deal with all three strands.' That was a 'judgement that I think remains valid and we will need to see how we can ensure that occurs'.
Mr Major said that it was 'very striking' to read the findings of an opinion poll commissioned for the BBC which showed that more than 90 per cent of people on both sides of the border favoured the Downing Street declaration.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments