Blair set to suspend Assembly

BRITISH Prime Minister Tony Blair is set to suspend the Northern Ireland Assembly power-sharing executive early next week in a bid to protect the Good Friday Agreement.

British government sources indicated suspension of devolution was likely to occur next Monday as the peace process reeled from allegations that republicans operated a spy ring in the Northern Ireland Office.

If that happens extra direct-rule ministers from Westminster would be appointed to the Northern Ireland Office to take over the running of the Northern Ireland Executive’s 10 government departments.