Peers back Ulster election move

Regulations to allow fresh elections to be held for the Northern Ireland Assembly if the current deadlock continues were approved by the Lords tonight.

Lord Falconer of Thoroton, introducing the Order, stressed it was ‘‘purely a precautionary measure’’, that did not necessarily mean that an election would be held. Other options included suspension of the Assembly.

Elections or suspension would be needed if the Assembly fails to choose a new First and Deputy First Minister, following David Trimble’s resignation as First Minister on July 1 in protest at the IRA’s failure to decommission.

The next ordinary elections for the Assembly would be in 2003, and the Order would have been required before then to ensure the 2003 and any subsequent elections went ahead.

The Order was approved, with cross-party support, after 11 minutes’ debate.

Peers had earlier approved regulations to create an independent Life Sentence Review Commission for Board in England and Wales. At present, release dates are set by ministers.