Ahern and Blair outline details of agreement at St Andrews
The Irish and British governments have outlined the details of an agreement, which could have the power sharing executive up and running in the North by next March.
At St Andrews, Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern have put together a proposal which will now be considered by the parties.
All sides have to decide whether to accept or reject what's on offer by the 10th of November.
Tony Blair says this is the way forward.
At a joint press conference he said, “Of course everyone's had to make compromises to get what we wanted.
“But nonetheless I think it is a proper and sound basis for doing it and it gives us the chance then to have institutions that are up and running that are secure on a cross-community basis where all the parties are in government together for a shared future in Northern Ireland and that is a tremendous gain.”
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern agrees that the proposed deal is a sound basis for moving forward.
Alongside Mr Blair, the Taoiseach said, “I believe that we have all of the elements that can bring satisfaction to all of the issues.
“Although not perfect by everybody's agenda - it is a sustainable balance that we'll try to by March make sure that we have a working executive based on power sharing and acceptance of policing and the rule of law.”
DUP leader Rev Ian Paisley said he will be consulting widely with his community over the coming weeks.
He had this message for the IRA and Sinn Fein:
“You have a choice to make and the delivery to make.
“We will meet the requirements but IRA-Sinn Fein has got to meet those requirements, but when they do we will really be on the way to peace for our people.”
Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams says the two governments' proposals will require thoughtful consideration.
He says the agreement is about all the people of Ireland and not just Unionists.
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