Optimism mounts over North talks
Speculation is mounting that the North’s politicians will be given a document outlining steps to reviving power sharing when they meet for crucial talks at St Andrew’s next week.
Optimism has been growing in Irish and British government circles that a deal involving the DUP leader Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams to restore devolution is possible.
However, its not expected to be completed at St Andrew’s, with Paisley’s DUP requiring assurances on a number of matters.
Mr Paisley and his party will be anxious to secure a guarantee that the progress made by the IRA in dismantling its terrorist structures and disassociating itself from criminality is irreversible.
The party will also want changes to the way political institutions under the Good Friday Agreement operate, making devolved ministers more accountable to their power sharing colleagues for their decisions and also rendering cross border cooperation with the Irish government more accountable to the Assembly at Stormont.
The DUP has also highlighted as critical the need for Sinn Féin to change its policy on policing, urging its supporters to cooperate with the PSNI.
Sources said that for the DUP it was essential Sinn Féin could give this commitment if it is to be a credible partner in government.
For Sinn Féin leader Mr Adams and his team the most important issue is whether they can give a commitment to permanent power sharing by the DUP.
Republicans have indicated that the policing issue will be dealt with once they know a power sharing government will be formed.
Whilst Sinn Féin is also expected to raise equality/human rights and Irish language issues, they will also try to address the issue of on-the-runs, terrorists returning to the North under an amnesty.
On Friday DUP negotiator Nigel Dodds, the north Belfast MP, described proposals for an amnesty as a deal breaker.
The Sinn Féin leader, however, insisted yesterday it would not be a stumbling block.
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