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Devolution talks enter final day DUP rejects governments' proposal
(about 8 hours later)
The third day of talks aimed at restoring devolution in Northern Ireland is set to get under way at St Andrews in Scotland. The DUP has rejected the appointment of a shadow first and deputy first minister in time for the 24 November devolution deadline, it is understood.
The negotiations are scheduled to end at midday. The proposal from the UK and Irish governments emerged on the final day of talks at St Andrews in Scotland.
On Thursday, a Downing Street spokesman said the two governments were prepared to publish their own proposals to break the deadlock. It was intended to kickstart a process to see Sinn Fein holding a conference to change its stance on policing.
The spokesman said the governments would do so if the parties failed to reach an agreement. However, the DUP continues to insist that Sinn Fein must move first on policing before any power-sharing deal.
There were also indications on Thursday that the governments are softening on the 24 November deadline for restoring devolution. It is thought the DUP was offered an election or referendum in the new year.
The governments shouldn't act in a way that creates a sense of failure SDLP leader Mark Durkan href="/1/hi/northern_ireland/6046060.stm" class="">'Mexican standoff' It is believed a halt on the proposed abolition of academic selection was also proposed to the party.
The British government spokesman said that if necessary "we will put forward our best guess as to what a way forward is - the parties then would have to decide their responses to that". The governments shouldn't act in a way that creates a sense of failure SDLP leader Mark Durkan href="/1/hi/northern_ireland/6046060.stm" class="">'Mexican standoff' It is thought the parties will be given until mid-November to respond to the government paper due out at Friday lunchtime.
He also indicated that the 24 November deadline related to an agreement to restore devolution, rather than having the actual institutions up and running. There were indications on Thursday that the governments were softening on the 24 November deadline for restoring devolution.
SDLP leader Mark Durkan warned the governments against publishing their own proposals. And Tony Blair's official spokesman said the two governments would be publishing their own proposals if the parties failed to reach an agreement.
"The governments shouldn't act in a way that creates a sense of failure," he said. It is uncertain whether the shadow appointment proposal will feature in that paper.
"We think what they need to do is to continue in pursuit of all the issues." On the future role of MI5 in intelligence gathering, it is understood the government is suggesting Northern Ireland MPs might be appointed to the Westminster intelligence and security committee in order to oversee the security service.
In the talks, the DUP and Sinn Fein seemed to be involved in a standoff over the issue of policing and power-sharing. So far in the talks, the DUP and Sinn Fein have seemed to be involved in a standoff over the issue of policing and power-sharing.
The DUP wants Sinn Fein to sign up to policing before it agrees to share power with them, while Sinn Fein wants the DUP to move first.The DUP wants Sinn Fein to sign up to policing before it agrees to share power with them, while Sinn Fein wants the DUP to move first.
The Fairmont St Andrews Hotel is the venue for the talksThe Fairmont St Andrews Hotel is the venue for the talks
DUP leader Ian Paisley said Sinn Fein should not be allowed to use policing as a bargaining chip, but should accept the rule of law like every other party.DUP leader Ian Paisley said Sinn Fein should not be allowed to use policing as a bargaining chip, but should accept the rule of law like every other party.
Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness said he believed agreement could be reached in the talks, adding that Mr Paisley "has to decide if this is the time to do a deal".Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness said he believed agreement could be reached in the talks, adding that Mr Paisley "has to decide if this is the time to do a deal".
The UK and Irish governments have given the parties until 24 November to reach a deal on power-sharing, otherwise the assembly may be put into cold storage.The UK and Irish governments have given the parties until 24 November to reach a deal on power-sharing, otherwise the assembly may be put into cold storage.
The Northern Ireland Assembly was suspended on 14 October 2002 amid allegations of a republican spy ring at Stormont.The Northern Ireland Assembly was suspended on 14 October 2002 amid allegations of a republican spy ring at Stormont.
The court case that followed collapsed and one of those charged, Denis Donaldson, later admitted working as a British agent.The court case that followed collapsed and one of those charged, Denis Donaldson, later admitted working as a British agent.
Direct rule from London was restored in October 2002 and has been in place since.Direct rule from London was restored in October 2002 and has been in place since.