Blair 'must set NI election date'

The British government must inject fresh momentum into Northern Ireland’s peace process by setting a firm date for Assembly elections, Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness said today.

As Northern Ireland’s politicians began to prepare for a possible Stormont election in November, the Mid Ulster MP claimed the setting of a date for the poll would create “a new dynamic” in the process.

He said: “The setting of an election date is a matter of political principle.

“It is vital because it would set a context to create a new dynamic in the process.

“There is a growing view that the British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s position on elections is untenable.

“If he were to cancel elections again, like he did in May, it would be disastrous.

“Tony Blair must recognise that to do otherwise is to go against the message from ourselves, the Taoiseach, the desire of the nationalist community and the wider community.”

Republicans have warned in recent days that there is no prospect of political movement without a date being fixed for elections.

In May, the British Prime Minister called off the Assembly poll four days into the campaign because his government was not convinced that public assurances from republicans that they would not undermine the Agreement were sufficient to restore devolution.

The British government had wanted the Provisional IRA to declare an end to all paramilitary activity including targeting, training, weapons procurement, incitement to riot and so-called punishment beatings and shootings.

Northern Ireland’s parties have started speculating about the possibility of an autumn election after Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble defeated three rebel MPs at a meeting of his ruling council on Saturday.

Ulster Unionist Council delegates backed their leadership’s disciplinary action against Jeffrey Donaldson, the Reverend Martin Smyth and David Burnside who resigned the UUP whip at Westminster in June in a row over policy.

Recent dialogue between Sinn Fein, Bertie Ahern and Tony Blair has also fuelled speculation of a new push to restore devolution.