Stormont Talks Latest Update

Over the past ten weeks Sinn Féin has been engaged in all-party talks at Stormont aimed at achieving a comprehensive agreement on a number of issues that have contributed to a political impasse developing in the institutions. Entering the negotiations, it was clear that there were serious economic and political challenges facing the North. The financial challenge has arisen from the British government’s economic policies. The political challenge has arisen from the growth of an anti-agreement unionist axis which is not prepared to share power, and the refusal of the British government to meet its outstanding commitments under the Good Friday and other agreements.

Parties agree on financial proposals
Sinn Féin MLA Martin McGuinness said on December 19 that efforts to achieve a comprehensive agreement have so far been inconclusive, but that after ten weeks, the DUP has indicated a willingness to begin negotiating. Progress has been made on agreement among the five parties regarding the contribution the British government must bring to the table in terms of a credible and substantive financial package. Conditional on that being delivered by British Prime Minister David Cameron, the parties have also made progress on an enhanced welfare package, which will protect the most vulnerable in society and safeguard the welfare benefits that are under the executive’s control.
Mr McGuinness said: “Sinn Féin have engaged in the talks process in a positive and constructive manner to achieve a comprehensive agreement.
“Progress has been made and on December 19 the five parties agreed on a set of proposals regarding public finance that would enable the executive to use its powers to protect the most vulnerable, and to invest in building peace and reconciliation and welfare safeguards. These proposals require additional financial support from the British government.”

Several outstanding issues to be resolved
“There has yet to be agreement on the outstanding issues of identity, parades and the legacy of the past. A side deal between the British government and the unionists to set up a panel in response to a demand from the Orange Order to march through nationalist communities in North Belfast makes the achievement of an agreement more difficult.
“The two governments’ dilution of the Haass proposals on the past, particularly on the issue of victims and survivors, is a stumbling block.
“We are continuing to seek agreement on the implementation of outstanding issues from the Good Friday and other agreements including Acht na Gaeilge, a Bill of rights and the inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane.
“If the institutions are to maintain the support of the people, it’s clear we need to resolve both the financial situation and the outstanding matters.”