New bid to break Stormont deadlock as DUP protests against Irish Govt's involvement

With the number and breadth of matters on the agenda having grown from previous failed talks initiatives, few have expressed optimism that a comprehensive agreement will be reached this time round.

As well as the long-unresolved peace process disputes on flags, parades and the legacy of the past, over the coming weeks politicians will also attempt to reach consensus on rows over the implementation of welfare reforms in the region and on the very structures of the devolved Assembly.

Representatives from the Irish Government are expected to play a role in the negotiations.

However, the Democratic Unionists – one of the main partners in the mandatory coalition – are not attending the opening plenary session this morning.

DUP First Minister Peter Robinson has suggested the initial exchanges will be nothing more than a “circus” put on for the cameras. His party has also voiced opposition to Irish Government involvement in talks on internal matters in Northern Ireland, claiming Dublin’s engagement should be confined to cross-border issues.

The DUP will attend a bilateral meeting with Ms Villiers this afternoon.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny urged all parties to seize the latest opportunity for settlements on outstanding issues.

He said: “Discussion and dialogue has always been and remains the key to resolving differences and making progress on challenging issues.

“The people of Northern Ireland deserve a peaceful society, a prosperous economy and, above all, a bright future for their young people. This can only be achieved through political leaders being prepared to engage constructively.

“People from all traditions across this island support these goals and want to see progress.”

The failure to implement welfare reforms in the region – primarily due to Sinn Féin opposition to the policy – has seen the Executive landed with an £87m penalty from the Treasury for the year, a sum that is set to increase in the future.

The penalty has intensified a Stormont spending crisis that last week forced Executive ministers to ask the Treasury for an emergency £100m loan from the National Reserve to enable them to balance the budget.

Mr Robinson has also called for changes to governance structures, characterising the current arrangements at Stormont as not fit for purpose.

Ahead of the latest negotiations, Alliance Party Justice Minister David Ford said it was time for leadership.

“This is the third set of talks in 12 months, and the public are rightly becoming more and more frustrated at the failure of politicians to put people before party politics,” he said.

“They are tired of politicians playing hokey-cokey, walking in and out of talks and refusing to deal with critical issues.

“This is a time for politicians who claim to be leaders to show leadership. It’s time for the game-playing to end. It’s time for us to finally deliver for the people who elected us.”

David Cameron has urged the North's leaders to demonstrate “a genuine willingness to succeed”.

Welcoming the resumption of talks, he said: “It is essential that we do all that we can to lift the blockages that are preventing the Executive from delivering the effective government that the people of Northern Ireland expect and deserve.

“Northern Ireland’s politicians need to deal with these issues so that they can focus on the key priorities of building a stronger, healthier economy and a genuinely shared society.

“But while the Government can help, ultimately it is for Northern Ireland political leaders to take these issues forward. I trust, therefore, that all parties will approach these talks constructively and with a genuine willingness to succeed.

“As Prime Minister I am fully supportive of this process. I know that the Taoiseach is too. It is our intention that our respective Ministers will report back on progress by the end of November.”