Northern Ireland Office

Both the British and Irish Governments are ready for intensive negotiations over the next few months in an effort to restore the Assembly ahead of the November deadline, including talks away from Northern Ireland, Secretary of State Peter Hain MP has said.

The Secretary of State also reaffirmed that November 24 was the last date for Northern Ireland’s political parties to agree to get back into Government, and that the deadline will not be extended.

Peter Hain said: “Very important and crucial negotiations will take place outside Northern Ireland during the second week in October. This will be a working conference of intensive negotiations to concentrate minds.”

The Secretary of State said that he was pleased with the progress that has been made by the parties over the summer in the Preparation of Government Committee.

He said: “If the parties and the politicians in Northern Ireland are serious about fulfilling their mandate to their voters then they ought to grasp this opportunity to move forward.

“If they do I believe it will herald a new era for Northern Ireland. If there is failure by November 24, I believe it will be the people who have lost out.”