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DUP: accordo “accettabile”

Deal ‘acceptable’ as talks end

DUP environment minister Edwin Poots has told UTV the policing deal on the table is “acceptable” as the party negotiating team returned to Hillsborough Castle for “clarifications” with the British Government.

“We’re getting to a situation where we may find a deal acceptable but they are some issues of clarification that we want to continue to pursue,” Mr Poots said.

“Peter Robinson will be talking to the Secretary of State and I don’t rule out talks with the Prime Minister, perhaps even in London. But the signs are very good,” UTV’s Political Editor Ken Reid confirmed.

Earlier on Thursday, Sinn Fein announced the negotiations on policing, justice and parades were over and the basis for a deal now existed.

Mr Kelly told reporters at Stormont: “The negotiations have come to a conclusion. We believe that it is a positive conclusion and we believe that it is the basis on which to move forward.”

Speculation mounted that DUP leader Peter Robinson would address his Assembly colleagues after Sinn Fein’s announcement. Instead the party negotiating team is now engaged in discussion with the British government.

“Sinn Fein wants to leave the field of play before the referee has blown the whistle that’s their problem”, Mr Poots said.

The outcome of the negotiations will now depend on the next meeting of the DUP’s assembly team.

Earlier this week the DUP denied there was any split within their ranks amid reports that 14 DUP MLAs opposed the first draft of the policing and justice deal put forward by Peter Robinson.

“I’m confident that the assembly team would support any proposal that would come with the recommendation of the negotiating team,” Mr Poots told UTV.

“The DUP has been united and will remain united over the issue.”

“All the attention is now on Peter Robinson and when his assembly group will get together. That’s going to be the key,” UTV’s Political Editor Ken Reid explained.

“I’m pretty sure that Nigel Dodds and Gregory Campbell will back Peter Robinson in this, particularly if they feel that the deal is a good one.”

Once the deal is formally agreed, UTV understands that a date for the transfer of policing and justice powers from Westminster to Stormont could be as early as April.

It was thought devolution would happen in May but according to Ken Reid that date could be as soon as April 12.

“My understanding is if a deal is reached devolution will actually take place on April 12 because May 4 will be the week of the general election and I think that there is probably a realisation that was not the cleverest thing to do,” Ken Reid said.

The main sticking points of the deal are issues over the Irish Language Act and a DUP demand for the abolition of the Parades Commission, which adjudicates on contentious marches.

“The details of the parades negotiations will be interesting although one senior DUP source told me they thought it was a good deal”, Ken Reid wrote in his blog.

Earlier on Thursday, the Irish Foreign Affairs Minister confirmed a deal was very close.

“A deal struck by the political leaders of Northern Ireland, and facilitated by the Governments, is also an important demonstration that Northern Ireland is open for business,” Micheal Martin told a business breakfast in London.

“Most importantly, a political agreement sends a clear message to those few who still want to undermine peace that they cannot – and will not – succeed.”

Negotiations between the British and Irish Governments and the power-sharing partners at Stormont have been going on for the last 10 days.

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René Querin

Di professione grafico e web designer, sono appassionato di trekking e innamorato dell'Irlanda e della sua storia. Insieme ad Andrea Varacalli ho creato e gestisco Les Enfants Terribles.

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