Blair and Ahern set deadline on talks for Northern Ireland deal
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.Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern, the Irish Prime Minister, have set a deadline of lunchtime today for a deal between the rival political leaders in Northern Ireland on policing and power sharing in the Assembly.
Mr Blair's official spokesman said the two premiers may put "best guess" proposals to the Northern Ireland parties for achieving devolution if the politicians fail to reach agreement.
The two parties involved, Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), will then have until 24 November to say whether they will sign up to the proposals and revive the Northern Ireland Assembly.
The spokesman said there would be no further talks after today.
"In the end it will be the two governments which will have to call it," he said. "The message that the two Prime Ministers are giving to the two sides is that this is it. These issues are not going to change.
"We recognise that they are difficult but this is it. It is time for people to make up their minds. People know what the consequences are if they don't agree but if we do cross this river, we are in a different place."
Downing Street believes the difficulties over policing and power sharing can be resolved but that Sinn Fein and the DUP are keen to avoid being seen as the first to make a concession.
"The core issues remain power sharing and policing but it is the two governments' view that the DUP are prepared to share power with Sinn Fein," Mr Blair's spokesman said. "There are issues still to be addressed but on the basic principles they are prepared to move. It is also the Government's view that Sinn Fein are prepared to engage on policing."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments