Donaldson rejects proposals

The anti-Agreement Ulster Unionist MP Jeffrey Donaldson says there is not "a snowball's chance in hell" of any of the Unionists putting themselves forward for election as First Minister on the basis of the new proposals handed to the parties today.

At a press conference in Hillsborough, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Brian Cowen, said the decommissioning issue must be resolved through the De Chastelain Commission.

He told reporters that all aspects of the Good Friday Agreement must be implemented.

The Northern Secretary, John Reid, said that the package of proposals on the table for the parties, should not be rejected.

Dr Reid said it would be disastrous, having come so far, if the final outstanding matters cannot be resolved.

While, Junior Minister for Foreign Affairs, Liz O'Donnell said the package was a balanced one and in line with the Good Friday Agreement which the parties signed up to.