Northern MLAs conclude nominations process at Stormont

27/11/2006 - 12:37:46
The transitional Northern Assembly has concluded the business of nominating a First and Deputy First Minister, despite uncertainty about the DUP's exact stance on the matter.

The nomination process resumed this morning after ir was interrupted last Friday following the attempted bomb attack at Stormont by loyalist killer Michael Stone.

Opening today's business, Speaker Eileen Bell said security was being reviewed in the wake of the incident, which she described as an assault on democracy.

She also paid tribute to the bravery of security staff who tackled Mr Stone and ensured Friday's attack didn't end in tragedy.

On the political front, meanwhile, there was no sign of protest from the DUP when Ms Bell said the British government was content that nominations for First and Deputy First Minister had been made.

DUP leader Ian Paisley refused to put forward a nomination last Friday, but later indicated that he would be willing to take the job of First Minister once Sinn Féin had endorsed the PSNI and the rule of law.

Twelve DUP MLAs later said that stated last Friday that, in their view, Dr Paisley had not made any nomination.

However, they sat silently today as Ms Bell explained that the British government had directed her to interpret Friday's events as valid steps complying with the St Andrew's proposals on restoring devolution.