Sinn Fein calls for Stormont talks to resume next week
Sinn Fein has called for Stormont powersharing talks to start in a week's time, but the DUP has said it's a 'stunt'.
Last updated 21st Aug 2017
In a letter to the Irish and UK governments and leaders of other political parties in Northern Ireland the party said negotiations should resume on Monday August 28.
Sinn Fein leader Michelle O'Neill said she did not believe there is a need or public appetite for drawn-out discussions.
With limited engagement since the talks concluded on 4th July, I am keen to formally re-engage at the earliest opportunity in order to re-establish an Executive and powersharing institutions on a proper and sustainable footing,'' she said.
Moreover, I do not believe there is much public appetite, or need, for another drawn-out phase of talks.
In this context, and with an eagerness to resolve outstanding issues, I am also formally proposing that this round of talks be focused and time-limited.''
But the DUP's Simon Hamilton responded on twitter saying government here shouldn't be held to ransom for a political wish list - adding an Executive should be formed now, with talks running in parallel.
Northern Ireland's two biggest parties, the Democratic Unionists and Sinn Fein, remain at loggerheads over a range of issues.
Sticking points include the shape of legislation to protect Irish language speakers, the DUP's opposition to lifting the region's ban on same-sex marriage, and mechanisms to deal with the legacy of the Troubles.
Talks between the parties were postponed for the summer after they failed to reach agreement.
The political rift between the parties has left the region without a first and deputy first minister since January and a functioning executive since March
Ulster Unionist Party Leader Robin Swann MLA said Sinn Fein's 'red lines' limit any chance of progress being made:
“We have been in contact with the NIO in recent weeks regarding the resumption of the talks process and our willingness to make progress.
“In the time since the last process was parked we have continued to engage with civic society. It is clear from these meetings that the voluntary & community sector, business, trade unions, student unions, health charities and many more all share our frustration at the lack of progress to date.
“While they might want to appear like they are driving this process forward, if Sinn Fein approach this set of talks with their red lines in place it is difficult to see how progress can be made."