Will they start talking on Monday….
It ain’t over, till that big fat lady sings… Interesting snippet from Channel Four tonight… Brian Walker reckons that the British will shift the terms of its ‘Dissolution or devolution’ ultimatum, if the DUP will talk directly with Sinn Fein, and if Sinn Fein agrees. He doesn’t think that any of the players have a choice, if they are to have some credible egress from the current impasse… That would buy us (as if we really wanted it) another six week extension to the Process™.
Mick,
If true, I’m sure many Republicans would be happy to wait a few weeks for devolution if the price the DUP had to pay was being forced into direct negotiation with SF.
It would be a difficult step for them and would help convince of their bone fides over accepting Republicans as partners in government come May.
It’d be bloody historic of itself.
The words “credible” and “DUP” seem rather oxymoronic. Interesting to watch the DUP morph into the UUP, with Paisley replacing Trimble as McGuinness associate in power. It’s a disgraceful decision from a Party of natioanlists.
David,
The words “credible†and “DUP†seem rather oxymoronic. Interesting to watch the DUP morph into the UUP, with Paisley replacing Trimble as McGuinness associate in power. It’s a disgraceful decision from a Party of natioanlists.
Do you not think the phrase “with Paisley replacing Trimble as McGuiness ACCOMPLICE in power” has a more realistic ring to it.
It is worth reflecting Ian Paisley himself and perhaps the FPC denounced “line dancing” as sin!!
I wonder when they will get round to condemning “Aiding and abetting mass murderers” as sin ???
Walker’s reading of Adams’ seems correct. What the British and Irish Governments are seeking – ultimately – is to have local parties (led by DUP and SF) – internalize responsibility. That process has a political and formal constitutional dimension. Adams, Hain, Blair and others may have to settle for the political dimension on Monday, with:
a. A public statement by the DUP of intent to share power
b. A symbolic exchange between Paisley and Adams
c. By close of play Monday, a detailed schedule and choreography for restoration
In the meantime, Hain will oblige with an intervention on water charges by way of a delay, pending the new May D Day….
I have a feeling that Hain will actually do the deed and pull the plug . Don’t know why but there you are !
Let me fill in the gap in your self understanding Greenflag.
Because thats what you want. If it turens out to be right its more luck than judgement.
Yokel,
‘Because thats what you want.’
Eh? What I want is immaterial in NI . I don’t have a vote -neither do I favour a UI nor do I favour the retention of the present 6 county NI State .
As a rule and 99% of the time I prefer not to think with my ‘gut’ .Sometimes there is no alternative . Trying to make sense of the DUP’s present gyrations is like trying to stick butter up a porcupine’s arse with a red hot needle .
Not worth the effort!
Sam,
Very true, disgusting