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Delay to devolution 'considered' DUP makes 'devolution decision'
(about 1 hour later)
Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey has said he thinks the government may be intending to legislate for a delay to the return of full devolution. The DUP's ruling executive has decided if it will nominate ministers to a Stormont power-sharing executive, party leader Ian Paisley has said.
It comes as the DUP's ruling executive meets to decide if it will nominate ministers to a power-sharing executive at Stormont. Mr Paisley said details would not be released until negotiations with the government were concluded.
The British government is looking for an answer from the party this weekend, before Monday's devolution deadline. Earlier, Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey said he thinks the government may be intending to legislate for a delay to the return of full devolution.
Sir Reg said he understood an eight week delay was under consideration.Sir Reg said he understood an eight week delay was under consideration.
"What is being proposed is that Tony Blair is being asked to introduce a piece of legislation into the House of Commons on Monday by suspending the budget debate," he told Radio Ulster's Inside Politics programme. The British government is looking for an answer from the DUP this weekend, before Monday's devolution deadline.
"What is being proposed is that Tony Blair is being asked to introduce a piece of legislation into the House of Commons on Monday by suspending the budget debate," Sir Reg told Radio Ulster's Inside Politics programme.
"This legislation would have the effect of ultimately suspending the assembly from one minute past midnight on Tuesday for eight weeks.""This legislation would have the effect of ultimately suspending the assembly from one minute past midnight on Tuesday for eight weeks."
Secretary of State Peter Hain has consistently denied there will be any emergency legislation to alter Monday's deadline.Secretary of State Peter Hain has consistently denied there will be any emergency legislation to alter Monday's deadline.
The British and Irish governments have said Stormont will be dissolved if the 26 March deadline is not met.The British and Irish governments have said Stormont will be dissolved if the 26 March deadline is not met.
The 120-strong DUP executive meeting has been described by some party figures as the most important in its history.The 120-strong DUP executive meeting has been described by some party figures as the most important in its history.
The politicians have gathered at Castlereagh Borough Council offices, with discussions expected to last until early Saturday afternoon.The politicians have gathered at Castlereagh Borough Council offices, with discussions expected to last until early Saturday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Gerry Adams is on his way back to Belfast from Dublin to meet with his party's negotiating team.Meanwhile, Gerry Adams is on his way back to Belfast from Dublin to meet with his party's negotiating team.
Many believe Ian Paisley is ready to share powerMany believe Ian Paisley is ready to share power
The Sinn Fein president spoke to Prime Minister Tony Blair on the phone and said he has concerns that some within the DUP and the British government have "become unsettled", as Monday's deadline approaches.The Sinn Fein president spoke to Prime Minister Tony Blair on the phone and said he has concerns that some within the DUP and the British government have "become unsettled", as Monday's deadline approaches.
"But the fact is that the people have spoken. They want to see the power-sharing institutions restored," he said."But the fact is that the people have spoken. They want to see the power-sharing institutions restored," he said.
Mr Paisley held talks with Prime Minister Tony Blair twice within 48 hours this week, ahead of the deadline.Mr Paisley held talks with Prime Minister Tony Blair twice within 48 hours this week, ahead of the deadline.
After the second meeting, Downing Street re-iterated that Monday's deadline stood.After the second meeting, Downing Street re-iterated that Monday's deadline stood.
Mr Paisley said a "great deal of ground" had been covered.Mr Paisley said a "great deal of ground" had been covered.
However, he earlier said a financial package offered by Chancellor Gordon Brown did not meet Northern Ireland's economic needs.However, he earlier said a financial package offered by Chancellor Gordon Brown did not meet Northern Ireland's economic needs.
Mr Brown has promised an extra £1bn if devolution is back on Monday.Mr Brown has promised an extra £1bn if devolution is back on Monday.
The cash is on top of £35bn promised by the government over four years.The cash is on top of £35bn promised by the government over four years.
The Northern Ireland Assembly has been suspended since October 2002, amid allegations of an IRA spy ring at Stormont.The Northern Ireland Assembly has been suspended since October 2002, amid allegations of an IRA spy ring at Stormont.
A subsequent court case collapsed. Direct rule has been in place since that date.A subsequent court case collapsed. Direct rule has been in place since that date.
If devolution does not return, controversial water bills will be posted to homes in Northern Ireland within days.If devolution does not return, controversial water bills will be posted to homes in Northern Ireland within days.