Unionists welcome possible SF Stormont 'freeze-out'

British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s suggestion that the freezing of Sinn Féin from regional government was one option for Northern Ireland was today welcomed by the Democratic Unionists.

After exchanges between the Prime Minister and the nationalist SDLP in the House of Commons, DUP negotiator Nigel Dodds welcomed Mr Blair’s comments that an alternative to inclusive power-sharing may have to be sought if the IRA fails to end all paramilitary and criminal activity.