British govt plans new talks over devolution
The British government is planning talks in Northern Ireland in early February as part of a fresh bid to revive devolution, it was confirmed today.
In a statement to MPs reflecting on the peace process and announcing the withdrawal of controversial legislation dealing with terror suspects, Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain said 2006 was a make or break year for theNorth's politicians.
“If people are serious about seeing a shared future based on fairness and equality, they must persuade each other of that,” he told the House of Commons.
“I am therefore asking each of the political parties to agree dates for substantial discussions in early February with the British and Irish Governments to give their views on the way forward to restore the political institutions.
“The (British) Prime Minister, together with the Taoiseach, will be closely involved with developments during the year.”
