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Devolution target date revealed March target date for devolution
(20 minutes later)
An outline plan to restore devolution to Northern Ireland has been revealed by the British and Irish governments. A roadmap to restore devolution to Northern Ireland has been revealed by the British and Irish governments.
It contains a target date of 26 March 2007 for a new executive to be up and running.It contains a target date of 26 March 2007 for a new executive to be up and running.
The parties have until 10 November to respond to the plan. If they agree to it, a first and deputy first minister would be nominated on 24 November.The parties have until 10 November to respond to the plan. If they agree to it, a first and deputy first minister would be nominated on 24 November.
The plan follows three days of multi-party talks at St Andrews in Scotland.The plan follows three days of multi-party talks at St Andrews in Scotland.
Prime Minister Tony Blair said there would have to be some form of electoral endorsment of the plan - either an election or a referendum.Prime Minister Tony Blair said there would have to be some form of electoral endorsment of the plan - either an election or a referendum.
TIMETABLE TO GOVERNMENT
  • 10 November - parties respond to proposals
  • 24 November - first and deputy first minister nominated
  • Electoral endorsement of plans
  • 14 March 2007 - nomination of executive
  • 26 March 2007 - executive up and running
    		• TIMETABLE TO GOVERNMENT
  • 10 November - parties respond to proposals
  • 24 November - first and deputy first minister nominated
  • Electoral endorsement of plans
  • 14 March 2007 - nomination of executive
  • 26 March 2007 - executive up and running
    • He said the two key components of a plan were that all parties accept the police and courts and have a clear agreement on power-sharing.He said the two key components of a plan were that all parties accept the police and courts and have a clear agreement on power-sharing.
    "So those are the two essential parts of it," Mr Blair said."So those are the two essential parts of it," Mr Blair said.
    "We've been through different parts of this process many times over the past few years but I think this is a sound basis." "We've been through different parts of this process many times over the past few years but I think this is a sound basis to proceed."
    The government's plan also envisages the devolution of policing and justice powers in two years from the creation of the executive.The government's plan also envisages the devolution of policing and justice powers in two years from the creation of the executive.
    However, this would be subject to a cross-community vote in the assembly.However, this would be subject to a cross-community vote in the assembly.
    Speaking after the governments revealed their plan, DUP leader Ian Paisley said Northern Ireland was at a crossroads and republicans had a choice and "delivery to make".
    "Delivering on the pivotal issue of policing and the rule of law starts now," Mr Paisley said.
    Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said that the plans needed to be consulted on, but restoring the political institutions was an "enormous prize".
    "Commonsense political realism and the interest of all our people demand we achieve this," he said.
    'Mexican standoff' Where the key players stand'Mexican standoff' Where the key players stand
    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.