Speculation continues that the governments’ will release their proposals for a way forward early this week. Paul T Colgan looks at various parties potential position and finds that both of the major players in any future deal are keeping their counsel.
The joint proposals are expected to include: IRA decommissioning by Christmas (though given the amount of broken deadlines in the most recent phase of the peace process, this would seem the least reliable element), the scrapping of elections for First and Deputy First Minister, and a review of North South arrangements.
It may also include minor adjustments in the accountability of Ministers to the Assembly. However, judging by the relaxed mood of Peter Robinson in his interview with Tommy Gorman on RTE Radio’ Sunday lunchtime programme, it doesn’t appear that the DUP is under any serious pressure to agree an early deal.
Though, famously, a week is a long time in politics.
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