Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD, Seán Crowe, who was involved in the involved in the negotiations that led to the historic Good Friday Agreement, has said that the current talks process to re-establish the political institutions in the North has run its course because satisfactory terms could not be agreed on all of the issues under discussion.
Crowe said that Sinn Féin will not now be supporting nominations for the Speaker of the Assembly or the Executive today.
Deputy Seán Crowe said:
“The election result in the North earlier this month has transformed the political landscape. The approach of the unionist parties and the British and Irish Governments needs to reflect this change.
“Sinn Féin entered all-party talks with both Governments to implement what had already been agreed in previous Agreements, to rebuild public confidence in an Executive and Assembly, operating on the basis of equality and respect and rights for all in society.
“This includes the need for an Irish language Act, the proper resolution of legacy issues, and a commitment to implement equality in the North, including marriage equality. The British Government and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) have failed to agree with us on the need to urgently act and move on these outstanding issues.
“The British Government has also set aside the democratic wishes of the people of the North and is intent on imposing Brexit and continued austerity on citizens there.
“Yesterday the DUP didn’t even turn up for crucial talks before today’s deadline, yet they issued press statements and done media engagements. It’s not possible, even with the best will in the world even and with the best negotiations team, to negotiate with a group of empty chairs.
“Sinn Féin is still intent on honouring our mandate and the outstanding agreements made. We want to see the institutions restored but when we said there will be no return to the status quo we meant it.
“Sinn Féin wants to see the institutions up and working for everyone in society. We are not seeking any special favours or special privileges for anyone. The terms for the re-establishment of the institutions are clear. They threaten no one, but instead would allow us to collectively build a pluralistic rights based society as set out in numerous previous agreements. Sinn Féin is not the obstacle to an implementation of these agreements and remains willing to engage in further dialogue.”
ENDS