Cross-party talks bid to break impasse in North

A drive to break the political deadlock in the North has been launched by the Irish and British governments.

A round of all-party talks is to be convened to deal with contentious issues such as parades, flag-flying, and how to deal with the past.

Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan said the move was needed after efforts by US peace envoy Richard Haass ended in failure last year.

“I am strongly of the view that all-party talks involving the two governments are required to overcome the current political impasse with the Northern Ireland Executive,” Mr Flanagan said in New York.

Northern secretary Teresa Villiers used a speech at the conference of the Conservative party in Birmingham to back the move.

“My realistic assessment is that the time is now right for a new round of cross-party talks to be convened to seek a way forward on the outstanding issues,” said Ms Villiers.

“Working together, we can do all we can to lift the blockages which are now preventing the devolved executive from delivering the efficient and effective government that the people of Northern Ireland want and which they deserve.”

Contentious issues also include reduced funding from Westminster for Stormont and concerns over welfare cuts.

First Minister and DUP leader Peter Robinson recently branded the Northern system of government as “not fit for purpose”.

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams welcomed the talks move, adding: “Given the undermining of the institutions, the refusal to engage in talks and the breaches of the Good Friday Agreement and other agreements by sections of political unionism and the British government, Sinn Féin has consistently called on both governments to live up to their role as co-equal guarantors of these agreements.”