Little sign of progress in Stormont talks

Those involved in post-election talks aimed at restoring devolution agree that there is little sign of progress so far.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Mar 2017, 19:47 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2017, 10:45 BST
Jeffrey Donaldson MPJeffrey Donaldson MP
Jeffrey Donaldson MP

UUP MP Tom Elliott said: “I don’t detect any huge momentum in the talks but we have been here before and the last few days can be critical.

“But there is a huge amount to get through to get a deal by Monday. It is possible but in my opinion it is unlikely. I just don’t see the momentum.

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“The parties would need to have some position by Friday to consult more widely with their members over the weekend.”

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson in the Commons moving a motion for a statute of limitations to protect members of the security forces 23 February 2017. Screengrab from Parliament TV.Sir Jeffrey Donaldson in the Commons moving a motion for a statute of limitations to protect members of the security forces 23 February 2017. Screengrab from Parliament TV.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson in the Commons moving a motion for a statute of limitations to protect members of the security forces 23 February 2017. Screengrab from Parliament TV.

Mr Elliott noted that the Fresh Start agreement had effectively been between the DUP and Sinn Fein and that it was possible that the outcome of the current talks could be similar.

The governments are keen to get devolution restored, but whether they can do so by the deadline of Monday is another question, he said.

“They will obviously try to avoid another election but it is not clear at this stage whether that will be possible or not.”

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DUP MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson could not report any progress on legacy matters.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson in the Commons moving a motion for a statute of limitations to protect members of the security forces 23 February 2017. Screengrab from Parliament TV.Sir Jeffrey Donaldson in the Commons moving a motion for a statute of limitations to protect members of the security forces 23 February 2017. Screengrab from Parliament TV.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson in the Commons moving a motion for a statute of limitations to protect members of the security forces 23 February 2017. Screengrab from Parliament TV.

“Talks are continuing across a range of issues, including legacy, and discussions on the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement and publication of draft legislation for it [for public consultation],” he said.

One source suggested there had been some hints of possible progress in a small number of areas but said that matters were so interlinked that, as usual, “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed”.

Another suggested that one part of Sinn Fein may not be too dismayed to see devolution for a while for political reasons, but that this may not go down well with Sinn Fein MLAs if they were to be left without jobs for a period.

Related topics:Jeffrey DonaldsonUUPSinn FeinDUP