Assembly facing 'countdown to collapse'

The Democratic Unionists and Sinn Féin were tonight accused of being on a countdown to the collapse of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

The accusation was made by nationalist SDLP negotiator Sean Farren after another day of deadlock of the Preparation for Government Committee at Stormont.

DUP and Sinn Féin members of the committee set up to identify issues that need to be addressed ahead of the possible resumption of power sharing in November could not agree on future work or a common position on any financial package for a future administration.

Accusing both parties of adopting instransigent positions, the former Stormont Finance Minister said the atmosphere at today’s meeting was dismal and dispiriting.

“Both parties are determined that if it is not their way, it’s no way,” the North Antrim MLA observed.

“There is no willingness to close gaps. There is no sign of any constructive approach.

“Both the DUP and Sinn Féin seem content to have us all on a countdown to collapse on November 24.”

In April, British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Taosieach Bertie Ahern set the Northern Ireland Assembly a deadline of November 24 to restore power sharing between unionist and nationalist ministers.

Following talks last Thursday with five of the Assembly parties, Mr Blair and Mr Ahern warned that failure to secure a power-sharing administration by the deadline would amount to the biggest lost opportunity in a generation by Northern Ireland politicians.

They outlined a work plan and timetable to help Assembly members achieve devolution.

If Northern Ireland’s politicians fail to meet the deadline, the leaders have warned the Assembly will be put into cold storage with salares and allowances cut.

In the event of failure, London and Dublin will also unveil in December their partnership plans for jointly implementing other parts of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

Unionists and nationalists acknowledge the obstacles to restoring devolution remain considerable.

The DUP will not go into government with Sinn Féin until they are convinced republicans are totally committed to peaceful and democratic means.

Deputy leader Peter Robinson described on Saturday Mr Blair and Mr Ahern’s deadline as arbitrary, arguing the DUP would only base its decision on whether it should go into government with Sinn Féin on whether republicans have genuinely ended all paramilitary and criminal activity.

Since it was set up by Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain, the Preparation for Government Committee has been marred by bitter rows between Sinn Féin and DUP members.

Last month Mr Hain had to step in and appoint the Assembly’s two deputy speakers to chair meetings of the committee after a week-long wrangle over how it should be chaired.

Mr Farren claimed the collapse of efforts to revive devolution in November might suit Sinn Féin and the DUP.

“It allows the DUP to say the Agreement is dead, while Sinn Féin is really interested in power in the South (of Ireland) – not devolution in the North,” he said.

“But collapse does nothing for the people of the North. It leaves people with segregation, sectarianism and all the bad decisions of Direct Rule.

“It lets them down. It sells them short.

“If the DUP and Sinn Féin care anything for their voters, they need to change their behaviour urgently at the committee.”