North reaches agreement on thorny issues after 30 hours (and 11 weeks) of talks
Politicians in the North have reached an agreement on a range of disputes creating instability at Stormont following lengthy talks in Belfast.
In a statement released this afternoon, the Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan said the agreement in 75 sections covers a broad range of political, social and economic issues.
Minister Flanagan said the deal set out a plan for financial and welfare reform and proposed a way forward on flags, identity, culture and tradition through the establishment of a commission.
First Minister and DUP leader Peter Robinson said: "It has been an exhausting period…but I believe the work we have carried out has been productive."
I am delighted that a workable agreement has been reached that can allow Northern Ireland to enjoy a brighter, more prosperous future.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) December 23, 2014
Consensus between the five Executive parties and the Irish and UK governments was reached after an 11-week talks process culminated with a marathon 30 hours round of negotiations at Stormont House.
The talks were aimed at reaching agreement on a range of wrangles creating logjams in the administration.
Long-standing peace process disputes on flags, parades and the legacy of the past were on the agenda, as were more immediate budgetary concerns, in particular the Executive’s non-implementation of the UK Government’s welfare reforms.
Negotiations were also focusing on the structures and governance arrangements at Stormont as well.
Crucial to negotiations were the terms of a new £2bn financial package proposed by British Prime Minister David Cameron.
