'Last opportunity' to restore Northern Ireland's devolved government

Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley says there are still "significant" differences, but retains hope of striking a deal.

David Blevins

US correspondent @skydavidblevins

Thursday 18 January 2018 12:29, UK

Talks will take place to try to restore a power-sharing government to Stormont
Image: Talks will take place to try to restore a power-sharing government to Stormont
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The Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley will today announce a new phase of negotiations aimed at restoring the devolved government at Stormont.

One year after the power-sharing administration collapsed, Mrs Bradley and the Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney have scheduled a joint statement.

It is understood the new Secretary of State will say it has quickly become clear to her "that time is short and one last opportunity to reach agreement remains."

Her statement continues: "Over the past eight months, the political parties, particularly the DUP and Sinn Fein, have made progress in closing the gaps existing between them on a range of difficult issues.

"The gaps are narrow, but there are still significant differences to overcome.

"But based on my conversations so far, I believe it is possible to reach agreement."

A short, intense set of political talks involving the five main parties and the Irish Government where appropriate, will commence on Wednesday 24th January.

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Karen Bradley become Northern Ireland Secretary in the recent reshuffle
Image: Karen Bradley become Northern Ireland Secretary in the recent reshuffle

Mrs Bradley will say: "The people of Northern Ireland cannot continue to have their public services suffer by the lack of an Executive and without ministers making key policy and budget decisions."

Northern Ireland's devolved government collapsed last January when DUP leader Arlene Foster refused to stand aside as First Minister over a botched renewable energy scheme.

DUP leader Arlene Foster has warned of a return to direct rule
Image: DUP leader Arlene Foster has warned of a return to direct rule

Sinn Fein has refused to return to power-sharing until there is agreement on an Irish Language Act and the introduction of same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.

A return to direct rule from Westminster remains a very real option but that could cause further tension between the British and Irish Governments who are already divided on Brexit.

A senior UK Government source said: "The new Secretary of State is absolutely determined to get this over the line.

"She has taken to the role like a duck to water, hoovering up briefing and making it very clear her priority is the people of Northern Ireland.

"She wants to get devolved government back as soon as possible and there is no other scenario that she even wants to think about."

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