Devolved government possible by next spring

The North could have devolved Government by March 26 next year if its politicians endorse the St Andrews’ agreement, Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern said today.

After three days of intensive negotiations the two Prime Ministers set out a sequence of moves on policing and reviving devolution.

Under the deal, the parties would have to respond by November 10 which would set off moves for the restoration of power sharing by March 26.

On October 17, a new Preparation for Government Committee at Stormont would meet and agree priorities for a new power sharing government.