Historic devolution agreement in NI
Stormont could have its power revoked if a deal is not met
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Monday, 26, Mar 2007 10:29
The leaders of the Democratic Unionist party and Sinn Fein have agreed to a power-sharing deal in the Northern Ireland assembly on May 8th.
In historic talks this afternoon, Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams met face to face for the first time to set out a timetable to return to devolution in the province.
The British and Irish governments have previously insisted that a deadline to reach an agreement over sharing power today would stand.
Following today's unprecedented meeting at Stormont, both leaders called on Westminster and Dublin to accept the May 8th date, pledging to begin detailed work over the next few days.
Rev Paisley said he wanted a new executive to "hit the ground running" through preparatory work.
"Work must begin as quickly as possible and we have been considering a work programme to bring us to the agreed date for devolution, which we are now asking the government to legislate for May 8th," he said today, sitting beside Mr Adams.
"We hope and trust that the secretary of state [Peter Hain] will at last listen to the voice of the people of Northern Ireland."
Mr Adams said that the discussions on the agreement themselves showed the "potential of what can now be achieved".
Tony Blair said the unparalleled meeting was not only a "very important day for the people of Northern Ireland but also for the people of these islands", adding that "everything we've done over the last ten years has been leading up to this moment".
"This won't stop republicans or nationalists being any less republican or nationalist," the prime minister said in response.
"But it does mean that people can come together respecting each other's view and share power, and make sure politics is only expressed through peaceful and democratic means."
In surprisingly conciliatory comments from both men, Rev Paisley commented: "After a long and difficult time in our province I believe that enormous opportunities lie ahead.
"Devolution has never been an end in itself but is about making a positive difference to people's lives.
"I am committed to delivering not only those who voted for the DUP but all the people of Northern Ireland," he stated.
"We must not allow out justified loathing for the horrors and tragedies of the past to form a barrier in creating a stable future for our children.
"We must never forget those who have suffered during the dark period from which we are - please god - now emerging.
"We owe it to them to craft and build the greatest possible future and ensure there is genuine support fore those that are still suffering."
The DUP leader concluded: "I believe we can lay the foundation for a better, peaceful and prosperous future for all the people of Northern Ireland."
And Mr Adams called the road to the restoration of the province's political institutions on May 8th as the "beginning of a new era of politics on this island".
"Relationships between the people of this island have been marred by centuries by discord, conflict, hurt and tragedy - a sad history of orange and green.
"Now there is a chance of a new start with the help of God," he claimed.
"Sinn Fein wants to build a new relationship between orange and green where every citizen can share a prosperous and just future.
"The basis of the agreement follows Ian Paisley unequivocal and welcome commitment to participate fully on the political institutions.
"Sinn Fein will take nothing for granted; all we can do to ensure a successful outcome is to ask everyone to support us in our efforts," Mr Adams said.