Trimble, David
Negotiations for a breakthrough in the Northern Ireland peace process reached a critical juncture yesterday, as Peter Mandelson met with Brian Cowen to assess the outcome of Washington talks. The meeting comes as all parties agree that the Easter season represents a last chance to secure an agreement before the
Trimble, David
The Northern Ireland peace process appears to have reached an impasse, with all parties facing a critical deadline of Easter to secure an agreement. The UK government's assessment of the talks in Washington last week has not yielded significant progress. The Orange Order's marching season, which
Sinn Fein
In a resounding show of support, seven out of ten people in Northern Ireland declare that they want the Good Friday Agreement to go ahead, with a majorities in both Protestant and Catholic communities backing a power-sharing government. Only 30% of respondents disagreed with the reasons behind the breakdown of
Sinn Fein
Fears of a collapse in the Northern Ireland peace process were eased as Prime Minister Tony Blair unveiled a "fail-safe" plan to link power-sharing with the surrender of paramilitary weapons. The plan has been met with skepticism by some unionists, who are concerned that it may not provide
Sinn Fein
Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble launched a scathing attack on the Northern Ireland peace process, claiming that Sinn Fein had deceived the British and Irish Prime Ministers over the IRA's intention to disarm. This criticism comes as the flashpoint Drumcree Orange Parade passed off peacefully, with Northern Ireland
Sinn Fein
In a tense standoff, Unionists are refusing to accept the British government's blueprint for breaking the IRA disarmament deadlock, citing concerns over the proposed "legislative failsafe" and the IRA's willingness to disarm. Despite the relaxed atmosphere at Drumcree, where thousands of Orangemen dispersed peacefully
Sinn Fein
British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his Irish counterpart, Bertie Ahern, have proposed a plan to end the stalemate over Irish Republican Army (IRA) weapons and establish a new power-sharing executive in the Northern Ireland Assembly. The plan, revealed after five days of talks, outlines a conditional agreement for the
Sinn Fein
The British prime minister and the Irish taoiseach met in Belfast on April 12 along with leaders of Northern Ireland's political parties to finalize the Good Friday Peace Accord, reached last year. Despite their efforts, the parties remain deadlocked over Irish Republican Army (IRA) participation and disarmament. British
Sinn Fein
The breakthrough in negotiations at Hillsborough Castle on Tuesday may have implications for the power sharing executive in Northern Ireland. Prime Minister Tony Blair and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern led the talks, which included key players such as Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble, Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon, and Sinn
Sinn Fein
British Prime Minister Tony Blair arrived in Northern Ireland last night for an emergency round of talks aimed at resolving the deadlock in the Northern Ireland peace process. The discussions, which will continue today, involve key parties including Irish Premier Bertie Ahern, First Minister David Trimble, Deputy First Minister Seamus
Sinn Fein
Northern Ireland's First Minister David Trimble has staked his credibility on the good faith of Sinn Fein, stating that decommissioning of IRA weapons is now inevitable. In return, he has promised seats for Sinn Fein on the new executive. Trimble's optimism comes as British Government sources
Sinn Fein
Northern Ireland's political process is set to move forward with increased speed after Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams made a keynote statement yesterday, calling for an end to violence. The statement, which said that "the violence we have seen must be for all of us now a
