UTV, 26. March 2007
Paisley & Adams agree deal
Power-sharing in Northern Ireland will return on May 8
under an historic deal brokered by the Rev Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams at Stormont today.
By:Press Association
The date was confirmed by the Democratic Unionist Party leader after the
first face-to-face meeting between the two parties, lasting an hour, in the
dining room at Stormont`s Parliament Buildings.
Tony Blair said of today`s Stormont meeting: "This is a very important day
for the people of Northern Ireland but also for the people and the history
of these islands."
Mr Blair added: "Everything we have done over the last ten years has been a
preparation for this moment."
Mr Paisley said: "This meeting represents an important step on the road to
the setting-up of a power-sharing executive in six weeks` time.
Regular meetings will take place between the first minister and deputy first
minister and there will be a programme of work set up between now and May 8,
Dr Paisley said.
Sinn Fein and the DUP are to seek a meeting with Chancellor Gordon Brown to
agree an economic package and they have asked Prime Minister Tony Blair to
delay the introduction of water charges.
The North Antrim MP confirmed that between now and the date of the
restoration of devolved government the Assembly parties would be involved in
preparatory work to ensure that the power-sharing ministers would be able to
hit the ground running.
This would include regular meetings between himself and Martin McGuinness as
the de facto First and Deputy First Ministers.
Negotiations would also continue to secure a better financial package for
the new power-sharing government from Chancellor Gordon Brown.
Sinn Fein president Mr Adams said the agreement between his party and the
DUP marked the beginning of a new era of politics in Ireland.
"The discussions and agreement between our two parties showed the potential
of what can now be achieved," the West Belfast MP said.
He added: "Sinn Fein is about building a new relationship between orange and
green and all the other colours where every citizen can share and have
equality of ownership of a peaceful, prosperous and just future.
"There are still many difficulties to be faced but let it be clear - the
basis of the agreement between Sinn Fein and the DUP follows Ian Paisley`s
unequivocal and welcome commitment to support and participate fully in the
political institutions on May 8."
Mr Adams also confirmed that, as an immediate step, the two parties had
asked the British Government not to issue controversial water charges which
were due to be posted tomorrow.
Mr Paisley said that, after a long and difficult time in the history of
Northern Ireland, he believed there were enormous opportunities lying ahead
for the province.
"Devolution has never been an end in itself, but is about making a positive
difference to people`s lives," he said.
"I want to make it clear that I am committed to delivering for not only
those who voted for the DUP but for all the people of Northern Ireland.
"We must not allow our justified loathing of the horrors and tragedies of
the past to become a barrier to creating a better and more stable future for
our children.
"In looking to that future, we must never forget those who have suffered
during the dark period from which we are, please God, now emerging."