Battle begins to rescue Northern Assembly

THE strong performance of anti-Agreement parties in the Assembly election will not deter the Irish and British Governments from working to restore devolution to Northern Ireland.

In a joint statement last night, they signalled their intention to seek a political resolution to restore the Assembly with a quickly established functioning executive.

Insisting the Good Friday Agreement was the only viable political framework, Taoiseach Mr Ahern ruled out any renegotiation.