13 October 2006
Northern Ireland could have devolved Government by 26 March next year if all parties endorse the St Andrews agreement, Tony Blair has said.
He and Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern chaired three days of talks in Scotland aimed at restoring power-sharing to the Province before the 24 November deadline.
Speaking to reporters as he emerged from the discussions, Mr Blair said there would have to be some form of electoral endorsement of the plan - either an election or a referendum. The Prime Minister went on:
"We have been through different parts of this process many times over the past few years, but I think this is a sound basis.
"Of course everyone has had to make compromises during the course of these negotiations to get what they wanted, but nonetheless I think it is a proper and sound basis for doing it.
"It gives us a chance to have institutions that are up and running, that are secure on a cross community basis where all parties are in government working together for a shared future in Northern Ireland.”
The restoration timetable is as follows:
- 17 October: a new Programme for Government Committee to meet and agree priorities for power-sharing Government
- 10 November: all parties to respond to detail of St Andrews’ discussions
- 24 November: nomination of first minister and deputy first minister
- March: Electoral endorsement of plans
- 14 March: nomination of executive
- 26 March: Devolved Government restored
A breakdown in trust between Northern Ireland’s political parties led to the Government suspending the Assembly in October 2002.
Direct rule from London followed and the Assembly has remained suspended ever since.
Summit documents
- Agreement and overview
- Annex A - Practical changes to the operation of the institutions
- Annex B - Human rights, equality, victims and other issues
- Annex C - Financial package for the newly restored executive
- Annex D - Timetable for implementation of the St Andrews agreement
- Annex E - Future national security arrangements