"A Tense Meeting: Major and Paisley's Negotiations Fall Apart"
John Major's efforts to reassure Northern Ireland's Ian Paisley of his government's integrity in the constitutional position of Northern Ireland were met with stony silence and stern rebukes. The tense exchange took place in Downing Street, with Paisley presenting his submission, criticizing Major's words and the government's approach. The meeting ended with Paisley being asked to leave, marking a significant setback in the already delicate talks between the two leaders.
Key Takeaways:
- Ian Paisley refused to give a categorical assurance that he believed John Major's word on the constitutional position of Northern Ireland, citing concerns over Major's integrity and past conduct.
- Paisley read his submission, criticizing Major's words and the government's approach as potentially moving Northern Ireland "ratchet by ratchet out of the United Kingdom."
- The meeting ended with Major asking Paisley to leave, calling his words "utter folly."
- Paisley's stance was a direct rebuke of Major's efforts to reassure him of the government's commitment to maintaining Northern Ireland within the UK.
- The exchange highlights the deep-seated tensions and mistrust between the two leaders, further complicating efforts to reach a resolution on the constitutional position of Northern Ireland.
- Government aide intervened to ask Paisley to leave, underscoring the growing unease between the two parties.
Statistics:
- Number of times Major asked Paisley to give a categorical assurance: 2
- Number of times Paisley refused to give a categorical assurance: 2
- Number of times Paisley mentioned the government's approach as suspicious: 1
- Number of times Paisley read his submission: 1
- Number of times Major told Paisley to leave the room: 1
Sources:
- "A tense meeting: Major and Paisley's negotiations fall apart"
(Sir Patrick Mayhew, Northern Ireland Secretary, and Mr Paisley)
[AAP]
- "Ian Paisley's submission"
(as read in the meeting)
[Exact wording not provided]